What is Success?

What is success?

I know success means a lot of different things to different people.

We each need our own definition of success.

Depending on where you set your own bar, you can feel successful every day, or you can be setting yourself up for a no-win situation.

Your success doesn’t need to impress others.

Impress yourself first.

How you define your success can be enabling and empowering or limiting and debilitating.

The choice is yours.

What does success mean?

Consider these alternative definitions of success as well..

A simple definition of success would be:

Success is achieving a desired goal or outcome.

That’s a simple definition, but what ultimately matter is how you define your success.

Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept.

Instead, it is a deeply personal and subjective notion, and how you define success matters significantly.

Here are a few definitions of success you can also draw from …

Stephen Covey on Success

According to Stephen Covey, success is …

“Success is when the response meets the challenge.” — Stephen Covey

Stephen Covey’s definition of success, “Success is when the response meets the challenge,” conveys a profound insight into what it means to be successful.

Here’s an explanation of this quote:

Response over Outcome: Covey shifts the focus from the traditional view of success, which often revolves around achieving a specific outcome or goal. Instead, he emphasizes the significance of the response or action taken in the face of challenges.
Challenges as Opportunities: In Covey’s perspective, challenges are not obstacles to success; they are opportunities for growth and improvement. Success is not just about reaching the finish line; it’s about how you navigate the journey, especially when faced with adversity.
Proactive Approach: Covey’s definition aligns with his principle of proactivity. It suggests that individuals who take a proactive stance in responding to challenges are more likely to achieve success. Proactive individuals don’t merely react to circumstances; they choose their responses thoughtfully.
Meeting Standards: Success is measured by the extent to which your response aligns with the demands and standards of the challenge. It implies that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it varies based on the nature and complexity of the challenge at hand.
Personal Responsibility: This definition underscores personal responsibility and accountability. Success is not determined by external factors or luck; it’s a result of your conscious and intentional response to challenges.
Continuous Improvement: Success is not a static achievement but an ongoing process. It implies that you can continually refine your responses to challenges, aiming for increasingly effective and aligned actions.

Covey’s definition of success encourages individuals to focus on the quality of their responses to life’s challenges.

It’s a call to be proactive, take responsibility, and view challenges as opportunities for growth.

Success, in this context, is about the journey and how you navigate it, rather than a destination defined solely by specific outcomes.

John Maxwell on Success

According to John Maxwell, success is …

“Those who know you the best, love you the most.” — John Maxwell

John Maxwell’s quote, “Those who know you the best, love you the most,” conveys a valuable insight about success and relationships.

Here’s an explanation of this quote:

Authentic Connections: Maxwell emphasizes the importance of genuine and authentic connections with others. Success, in his view, is not just about personal achievements but also about the quality of your relationships.
Deep Understanding: The phrase “those who know you the best” refers to individuals who have a deep understanding of your character, values, and true self. These are the people who have seen you in various situations and know you beyond surface-level interactions.
Unconditional Love: The statement “love you the most” implies that true success is measured by the love and affection you receive from those who have a profound knowledge of you. This love is not based on superficial factors or achievements but is rooted in a deep connection.
Trust and Acceptance: Success, according to Maxwell, involves being known and accepted for who you genuinely are. It suggests that when people truly know you, they trust you and appreciate your authenticity.
Reciprocal Relationships: The quote also hints at the reciprocity of relationships. It suggests that the love and acceptance you receive from others are often a reflection of the love, trust, and understanding you have invested in those relationships.
Balancing Priorities: Maxwell’s perspective encourages individuals to prioritize building meaningful relationships alongside their pursuit of personal and professional success. It highlights the idea that success is not complete without nurturing and valuing the connections you have with others.

John Maxwell’s quote underscores the significance of authentic, deep, and reciprocal relationships in the context of success.

It suggests that true success involves not only personal achievements but also the love and understanding you share with those who know you well.

Albert Einstein on Success

Albert Einstein’s perspective on success can be summed up in his famous quote:

“Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.” — Albert Einstein

In this quote, Einstein emphasizes the idea that true success is not just measured by personal achievements or recognition but rather by the value and contributions one brings to the world.

He encourages you to focus on making a positive impact, serving others, and adding value to society as a more meaningful path to success.

This quote reflects Einstein’s belief in the importance of ethics, character, and the greater good in your pursuit of success.

Tony Robbins on Success

Tony Robbins has often emphasized that success is not just about achieving external goals but also about finding fulfillment and balance in life.

I remember a story Tony Robbins shared where an audience member defined success as every day he’s above ground.

It’s pretty simple, but it helps him appreciate life and practice gratitude.

Tony Robbins also shares another story that illustrates the importance of finding balance and keeping perspective:

Tony Robbins encountered a man who was on the verge of taking his own life. This man had an incredibly negative perspective on life, focusing solely on his failures and hardships.

Tony realized that this individual had an unbalanced view of success, which was causing his despair.

Tony intervened and helped the man see a more balanced perspective.

He encouraged him to consider not just the negative aspects of life but also the positive ones. He asked him to reflect on the fact that he was still alive, which in itself could be seen as a form of success.

By shifting his focus to what was working in his life, the man began to see a glimmer of hope.

This story underscores Tony Robbins’ belief that success is not limited to external achievements but also includes our internal state of mind and well-being.

It’s about finding a balance between acknowledging challenges and celebrating the positive aspects of life.

Success, in his view, is not just surviving but thriving and finding meaning and joy in every day we’re alive.

How Do You Define Success?

If you don’t know your own definition of success, you can find it by asking yourself, “In order to be successful, I need to … ”

All those rules that follow make up your definition of success.

If it’s not working for you, change it.

If you’ve set yourself up for failure, chunk your success down and give yourself a chance.

Your definition of success needs to work for you, where you are, right now.

Why Does Your Definition of Success Matter?

Here are the three key reasons why your definition of success matters:

Personal Fulfillment: Your definition of success is the compass that guides you toward a more fulfilling life. It helps you set meaningful goals and prioritize actions that align with your values and passions, leading to a greater sense of purpose and satisfaction.
Resilience and Motivation: Having a clear definition of success provides the motivation and resilience needed to overcome challenges. It fuels your determination to persist through obstacles, measure your progress, and make necessary adjustments along the way.
Authenticity and Well-Being: Embracing your unique definition of success encourages authenticity. It allows you to be true to yourself, make choices that reflect your values, and live a life that resonates with your identity, ultimately contributing to your overall well-being and happiness.

How To Think About Success

Imagine success as a journey, not a destination.

At its core, it’s about getting what you want.

But here’s the interesting part: Success can mean very different things to different people.

Achieving Goals: This is the most common view of success. It’s about setting clear objectives, like getting a degree, landing a dream job, or buying a house, and then reaching them. It’s like checking items off your life’s to-do list.
Happiness and Fulfillment: Some see success as a state of being happy and fulfilled. It’s about enjoying life, having good relationships, and feeling content with where you are. Think of it as the warm and fuzzy side of success.
Personal Growth: For others, success is a journey of personal development. It’s about becoming a better version of yourself, learning new things, and growing as a person. This view sees success as a continuous process of self-improvement.
Contribution and Impact: Success can also be measured by how much you contribute to others or to society. Making a positive impact on the world, helping others, or leaving a legacy are all forms of success in this perspective.
Financial Prosperity: Money matters to many, and financial success is a common yardstick. It’s about having the resources you need to live comfortably, achieve your goals, and provide for your loved ones.
Balance: Success can also be about balance. It’s having time for work, family, leisure, and self-care. In this view, a successful life is a well-balanced one.
Overcoming Challenges: For some, success means facing and conquering challenges. It’s about resilience, determination, and the satisfaction that comes from beating the odds.
Legacy and Recognition: Leaving a mark on the world or gaining recognition for your accomplishments can define success. It’s about being remembered for what you’ve done.
Spiritual and Inner Peace: A more spiritual view of success focuses on inner peace, enlightenment, or spiritual growth. It’s about finding purpose and meaning beyond material achievements.

So, success isn’t just one thing—it’s a multifaceted gem with many facets.

What’s most important is that your definition of success aligns with your values and what truly matters to you.

It’s a personal and evolving journey that reflects who you are and who you want to become.

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