What is Success and When Will I Know if I’m Successful?
Success. It's a word that carries heavy expectations, often bringing more questions than answers. What does it mean to be successful, and why does the definition seem to shift depending on who you ask?
Success is often associated with money, status, or the number of hours clocked in at work. We look at colleagues, friends, or even influencers on social media and can’t help but wonder, "Am I doing enough? Have I made it?" But success is a deeply personal concept. What’s fulfilling for one person might be draining for another. The truth is, success is not a one-size-fits-all scenario, and trying to measure yourself against other people’s standards will only leave you feeling dissatisfied.
The Many Faces of Success
For some, success means climbing the corporate ladder and reaching the top, while for others, it’s having a good work-life harmony, being able to spend time with loved ones, or investing in personal wellbeing. Some people might view success as pursuing a passion project, while others might find it in financial stability. It could be about having an impact on the world, or it could simply be about finding inner peace and contentment.
Success is fluid, and it evolves with us as we grow and change. What felt like success in your 20s may feel entirely different by the time you hit your 40s. And that’s okay. The key is recognising when it’s time to reassess what success means to you rather than letting someone else’s definition take centre stage in your life.
The Trap of Comparison
In the corporate world, it’s easy to get caught up in the comparison game. We look at colleagues who seem to be thriving – the promotions, the salary increases, the awards – and wonder why we’re not moving at the same pace. Social media only magnifies this, giving us a highlight reel of other people’s lives, often leaving us feeling like we’re falling behind.
But this constant comparison isn’t just unfair; it’s damaging. Success, when measured against someone else’s journey, will never feel like success. Each person’s path is unique, shaped by their own experiences, values, and desires. The more we chase after someone else’s version of success, the further we drift from the things that truly matter to us.
Redefining Success on Your Own Terms
So how do we escape this cycle of comparison and tune into what really makes us feel successful? It starts with recognising that success is not a competition, but a personal journey. The real challenge is learning to stop measuring your worth against other people’s achievements and instead reflect on what gives you purpose and satisfaction.
Take a moment to ask yourself:
What achievements in my career or personal life bring me joy?
How do I want to feel at the end of the day?
When I think about my future, what truly excites me?
Answering these questions may be the first step to redefining success on your own terms. Whether it’s shifting your focus from external validation to internal fulfilment or simply giving yourself permission to go at your own pace, understanding that your success is yours to define is an empowering realisation.
Working with Bloom & Rise
With Aly’s guidance, you can take the first step towards a career that fulfills you.
Ready to start? Reach out today to begin your journey towards your very own meaningful definition of success.
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