How Do You Define Success?
Woody Allen said, “80% of success is showing up.”
Thomas Edison said, “I never worked a day in my life because it was all fun.” Confucius said, “
Find a career you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Maya Angelou said, “Success is liking yourself, what you do, and how you do it.”
Over 20 years, I’ve interviewed thousands of friends, students, and professionals in search of definitions to success “and” happiness. The answers have been as diverse as the ages, genders, countries, or fields of work.
Kids usually provide the best answers. Responses range from becoming an artist, doctor, or rock ̔n’ roller to beating a sibling at video games.
Students often respond with career aspirations and resume builders like good grades, a degree, or work experience.
Professionals often have a focus related to career goals like respect, prestige, financial independence, or running a highly profitable business.
Athletes and entertainers frequently define success by fame, awards, world records, and championships.
Parents place a premium on good health, happiness, and opportunity for their children and themselves.
Volunteers, humanitarians, and social entrepreneurs have a burning desire to give back or make a difference in the world.
In third-world villages, success is about access to food, shoes, shelter, education, medicine, and clean water.
Clearly, definitions vary. But successful people share a common thread. They define success in a manner that inspires them and it’s never just a number. There’s purpose behind passion and a journey without compromise. At some point, we all have to define it. Are you there yet?
World Peace
Love and Laughter
Art and Innovation
Giving and Gratitude
Fun · Friends · Family
Money · Power · Fame
A Healthy Mind · Body · Soul
Would love to hear your definition!
P.S. “For every minute you’re angry, you lose sixty seconds of happiness.”
Ralph Waldo Emerson
This blog is based on Essential 1, Skill 1 – Define Success in The 4 Essentials of Entrepreneurial Thinking
