Can You Define Success?
Posted by kaileenelise on October 26th, 2009
Success Is…
by John Follis
To have the ways, means, time and guts to choose and follow my own path.
To dissolve the line between who I am and what I “do.”
To make decisions based not on fear, guilt, money or politics
but rather what truly feels right.
To have much love, passion and fun in my life.
To be healthy in body, mind and spirit.
To have enthusiasm when I wake up, and peace of mind when I go to bed.
To use my unique gifts in a way that makes a positive difference in many peoples’ lives.
To inspire and motivate others.
To be able to make people laugh—including myself.
To know that I’m on the right path and not alone in my journey.
To live with the understanding that “getting there” isn’t half the fun, it’s most of it.
To make the most with what I’ve been given.
To take advantage of every opportunity and face every fear.
To live having true friends and die having no regrets.
To be able to experience death not as a “grim reaper”,
but rather as a welcomed sleep after a good, long day.
I read this quote on an adorable blog called Moose Tea Party. The author’s words made me wonder why I have never taken time to write my own definition of success. There are many days when I wake up and head out into the world, pursuing a destination that I have yet to define—and I am certain I’m not the only one.
Will our lives change if we define success for ourselves? Will new opportunities arise? Will we associate with different people? Will we be happier? Will the sun shine brighter?
I am almost certain the answer is yes to all of the above—and I am eager to map out my own definition. Please share your thoughts, what does success mean to you?
photo credit: Andrea from Superhero Journal
Tags: Inspiration
Thank you for crediting my blog
I think YES to all of the above too- I think it’s important to recognise that success goes beyond just work and money, which is what so many people get caught up in.
I love this. Thanks for sharing it.
To me, success means living fully and in the moment; creating a life filled with positive people, joyful adventures, and uplifting work; caring for my body and soul; honoring my creativity (whether it be writing, drawing, cooking, etc.); finding balance; and infusing compassion toward myself and others into my everyday actions.
Great post!
To me, success is being 100% happy with your life. Since most of us haven’t achieved that level of happiness, we are in a continual pursuit of that happiness, success comes gradual.
Do you love your career?
Are you happy with your love life?
How about your friendship?
Family ties?
There are so many areas in our life’s in which we are all constantly trying to find balance. Balance between our own happiness and that of others. Our bosses, parents, siblings, friends.. ect. Most importantly though, ourselves.
To me that is success. Identifying our wants vs. our needs to being okay with the outcome.
These are great comments – I love reading your definitions of success!
‘Joyful adventures’ and ‘infusing compassion’ are not ideas you would find in Webster’s definition. Neither is ‘balance’ – but it is a key ingredient to success for many of us.
I forgot one… Success is being quoted
If you’ve done something right, people won’t know you’ve done anything at all.