What is Success?

While owning and growing my small business, I thought I was a failure. I had people around me who kept bringing up how other firms were larger, had higher revenue, more employees, just won large contracts, etc. -- all of which I projected onto myself as me being a failure. This is in light that I built a $1 million plus company myself, overcame incredible obstacles, and was a known expert in my field. But the comparisons persisted. It took its toll on me. I was depressed, stuck, and miserable.

One good thing about me (and there are many good things about me!) is that I have pulled myself out of the abyss many times. I can shift my thoughts and am strong enough to take action. It is a talent I built after many years of oppression and abuse in the workplace. So, I started thinking about HOW I was successful rather than IF I was successful. Here are a few of the areas where I found solace:

• I had revenues that supported me and others and had enough disposable income to enjoy myself.
• I worked on projects with national scope and influence and made impactful contributions to their improvement.
• I was a thought-leader, introducing new ways of approaching long-standing and urgent problems for my clients.
• Every day was different. I had a variety of projects, contracts and deliverables, never having to do the same thing over and over again.
• I had long-standing friendships and relationships and a strong network professionally and personally.
• My clients respected my opinions and sought my assistance, especially when they had challenges.
• I had multiple income streams, multiple properties, and too many material belongings.

I took the emphasis away from what I did not have and started to capitalize on what I did have. This is not easy to do and I backslide sometimes, but I realize that how I measure success is very different than how I used to measure it. I've had the pleasure to live among very, very wealthy people, many of who are truly miserable. This clarified for me that I want enough money to do what I want to do and never think about it, but money is no longer my key motivator. I've also been around very, very powerful people who are just nasty and miserable. Again, power used to be important, but now I am powerful in helping others, not in controlling others. I see people who collect others, having huge circles of people and places to go all the time. I am very protective of my energy, therefore who I spend time with and where I go is always a decision for me. It gives me peace. And so on.....

Decide what is most important to you - - time, money, freedom, relationships, respect, knowledge, etc.-- and use that as your measure of success. And, whatever you do, stop comparing yourself to others! We each have our own path so focus on yourself and your goals and no one else. You'll find peace and direction once you figure out your own definition of success.

If you are not toxic, lets talk! Email me at [email protected] or schedule a complementary call at https://www.calendly.com/libby-coaching.