How to Define What Personal Success Actually Means to You

Success means different things to each of us. Personal success is an especially subjective concept that varies greatly from one person to another. In a world that often defines success in narrow and rigid terms, it is essential to take the time to define what personal success truly means to you, especially if you are about to embark on a personal development journey.

By doing so, you can find inspiration and motivation aligned to your own values and aspirations.

Let’s explore the process of building your personal definition of success and prepare you for a personal development journey that is uniquely yours.

Understanding Personal Success

The definition of personal success is often not clear-cut or easily quantifiable. Our initial thoughts may be simplistic or basic: “I’ll feel successful when I earn $X per year.” “I’ll think of myself as successful when I own my own home.”

But the truth is, earnings or possessions do not often translate into a feeling of success or long-lasting satisfaction.

For each of us to begin to explore our own thoughts about success, we must ask ourselves more thought-provoking questions.

Here are few to start with:

• What truly brings you joy and fulfillment?
• When do you feel the most at peace?
• Do you know your own passions and interests?
• What does your description of the perfect future life include?
• What legacy do you want to leave behind?

By delving into these deeper inquiries, you can begin to uncover what success means to you on a profound level.

For more questions to fuel your imagination, read: 7 Life Coaching Questions to Empower You.

Expect a Tumultuous Journey – and Enjoy It!

The journey towards success is often characterized by bursts of inspiration and motivation.

Notice these moments and use them to fuel your progress.

Allow yourself to be open to new opportunities and experiences that align with your personal definition of success.

This means being flexible and adaptable, ready to seize the right moment when it presents itself.

Remember, success is not always a linear path, but rather a collection of pivotal moments that shape your journey.

The path to being successful may also include some false starts.

They key is to be open to exploring all avenues and beginning to fine tune your own personal understanding of what aligns with your values and brings you the most contentment.

Define What Personal Success Means in Your Own Terms

Although our definitions of success may not always be quantifiable, we must do our best to define our personal vision of being successful in specific terms.

It helps to break down aspirations into tangible goals and objectives.

This will help you create a clear roadmap towards your personal definition of success.

Be as specific as possible in your definitions, as this will provide you with clarity and direction.

For example, instead of a vague goal like “I want to be my own boss,” define what success means to you in your specific profession or industry.

If your definition of success includes a happy and contented personal life, describe what that means to you, too. Is it about expanding your social circle? Building more meaningful friendships? Finding a romantic life partner? Having children and raising a family?

When you’re able to express your aspirations more clearly, it helps to set goals and build a plan to achieve them.

Engage in Personal Growth and Development

Personal growth and development are integral components of any journey towards success.

To continuously work towards your personal definition of success, invest in your own growth.

This can include acquiring new skills, expanding your knowledge, and seeking out opportunities for self-improvement.

Remember, success is not solely about external achievements but also about personal growth and fulfillment.

Chances are that as you begin to achieve various goals, your feelings about what success represents will evolve significantly – so revisit these topics often.

As you progress, it will work to your advantage to tamp down any tendencies towards negative self-talk.

One great way to accomplish this is by tapping into your own inner coach.

Quotes About Personal Success

Even though we all define success differently, success is a word that resonates with all of us.

For many of us, it’s the ultimate goal that we strive for. The thought of it can drive us to work harder, dream bigger, and achieve greatness.

Throughout history, many influential figures have shared their wisdom on the subject of success through powerful quotes.

Regardless of how you define success, these quotes will provide valuable insights and motivation on your journey to achieving your goals.

Here are a few of quotes about success from famous people in history:

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill

This quote by Winston Churchill reminds us that success is not a destination but rather a continuous journey. It is not about reaching a point where you can rest on your laurels, but rather about having the courage to persevere through failures and setbacks. True success lies in the ability to keep moving forward, despite the challenges that come your way.

“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer

Albert Schweitzer’s quote challenges the conventional notion that success leads to happiness. Instead, he suggests that happiness is the foundation of success. When you are passionate about what you do and find joy in the process, success becomes a natural byproduct. This quote reminds us to prioritize our happiness and find fulfillment in our pursuits.

“The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary.” – Vidal Sassoon

Vidal Sassoon’s quote emphasizes the importance of hard work in achieving success. It serves as a reminder that success does not come effortlessly or overnight. It requires dedication, perseverance, and a strong work ethic. This quote is a powerful motivator to roll up your sleeves and put in the necessary effort to achieve your goals.

“Success usually comes to those who are too busy to be looking for it.” – Henry David Thoreau

Henry David Thoreau’s quote challenges the notion of actively seeking success. Instead, he suggests that success often finds us when we are fully engrossed in our work and passions. When we are fully immersed in what we love, success becomes a natural consequence. This quote encourages us to focus on our endeavors rather than constantly chasing success.

“Success is not in what you have, but who you are.” – Bo Bennett

Bo Bennett’s quote highlights the importance of personal growth and character in achieving success. It reminds us that material possessions and external achievements are not true measures of success. Instead, success is rooted in our values, integrity, and the person we become in the process. This quote encourages us to focus on developing ourselves and becoming the best version of who we can be.

Quotes about success offer timeless wisdom and inspiration for anyone on the path to achieving their goals.

They remind us of the importance of perseverance, passion, hard work, and personal growth. As you embark on your own journey to success, let these quotes serve as guiding lights, motivating you to continue to dream bigger and strive for greatness.

How to Build Your Own Definition of Personal Success

Finding inspiration and building your personal definition of success is a deeply individual process.

There is no wrong approach to determining your own definition of personal success!

And there are no wrong answers.

What will make you content? How will you know you have been successful in this life? What plans do you have to immediately begin to make progress?

Investing time to develop your personal definition of success before you chart the course for your goals is wise.

It will help your journey to be fulfilling and joyful and it is also makes it more likely that your future life with align to your values and aspirations – and more likely to lead you to true success – whatever that means for you, personally.

Thank you as always for reading.

If you haven’t yet subscribed, please visit KindCompassCoach and enter your email address so you never miss a post. 

KindCompassCoach

Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a private sector corporate executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant and coach. The common thread through her professional life has been a commitment to compassionate leadership, including leading and mentoring current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach articles are backed by research and include facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan is a member of the International Organization of Life Coaches, serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.