Since I started my Personal Leadership program at the beginning of last year the definition of success that I have adopted for myself is: The progressive realization of worthwhile, predetermined goals. This definition was originally written by Paul J. Meyer back in the 1960's and conveyed to me by my coach Michael Gidlewski.
The reason I've taken to this concept is that I believe that success in life isn't a place you get to, an amount you earn or something that can be purchased. It's the person you become when your life is in balance and you can give of yourself to your loved ones and the world to make their experience more enriching.
There's an old saying that I have always aligned with: Life is a journey not a destination. To me this definition of success embodies and puts into practice that saying. It is the process of constant and deliberate action of choosing a direction for your life to become the person you want to be and taking action on the daily steps (no matter how small) to achieve what you set out for that makes it most attractive to me. In fact based on this belief the only way to truly measure ones success it is to look at where they started and the growth they've experienced to get where they are currently at. Now, of course there are things, experiences and levels of financial security that I strive for. They just aren't the only measurement for which I use to determine my overall personal success.
This morning while reflecting on this definition I was reminded of a young woman I know. In the past year she has experienced more growth than anyone I've ever witnessed (or could have imagined). She started at rock bottom and over the course of the year she scratched and clawed to overcome some daunting obstacles, self limiting beliefs and well entrenched habits. She changed her thought process, peer group, daily routine, diet, spiritual connection, physical activity, ways of interacting with people & life situations and as a result has changed her life exponentially for the better. Basically in one years time she changed all of the things in her life that most people are unwilling to do even though they are the very things that hold them back from uncovering their true potential.
Her vibrant zest for life and caring for others acts like magnetism that attracts people towards her. She inspires me because like everyone else she has her foibles to work on but unlike most has ignited the inner strength, courage and determination to take the daily steps that are required to climb higher and move towards the life she sees for her future self. Her wisdom is well beyond her years. Witnessing her growth in the last 12 months has been absolutely amazing and in my mind she is a true success. I can only imagine and look forward to what she will achieve in the years going forward.
Joe,
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute. Deciding you're worth doing the hard work is the first step, the next is actually doing it instead of just thinking about it - the thing that maybe most people do!
People don't think of success as changing yourself from the inside out, but you've given a definition of it that is thought provoking and is the beginning of shifting into a much higher gear.