Some personal development terms have pretty standard meanings. Words like action, motivation, determination, we all pretty much know those definitions. However, there are other words with deeper, more personalized meanings. Success is one of those terms. Its definition success varies by individual and will look different for each person. Honestly, I love things like this—the no one-size-fits-all, no cookie-cutter approach to things. We’re diving deep into the topic of creating your version of success. In a world that often defines success by external standards, it’s crucial to take a step back and explore what success truly means to you. How understanding your WHY—the deep-rooted purpose and motivation behind your actions—can lay the foundation for your personal and unique path to success.

Success is Individualized, Not Universal

Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. True success is deeply personal and individualistic. It’s about aligning your goals, values, and aspirations with your authentic self.

In Why Being Authentically YOU is Important, I explored the importance of being your authentic self. How running or shielding the world from who you truly are is doing a disservice to yourself and the world. Define success in an authentic way so it will mean the most to you. 

Depends on your personal preference. 

In the Fall of 2022, I interviewed Bridget Newton from Bridget Newton Ministries and we discussed Burger King people vs. McDonald’s people. In the end, both groups of people want a great sandwich, but their taste preferences differ.  Success is like that. I may prefer beach vacations with a mobile home over a large condo with a view of the city. But both are considered successful.

Could Change with the life season

Similar to the weather seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter), life has different seasons. This means that your version of success could change depending on which season you are in.  When you are recovering from a traumatic experience, success may just be waking up on time for work, getting dressed appropriately, and making it through the day. On the other hand, if you are seeking to add service lines to your business, success may be creating a new digital product and executing a marketing plan.  

Establishing a Foundation

Foundation is everything. A house will sink if it is not on solid ground. Similarly, it is unlikely you will succeed without a solid foundation as to why you want to succeed. To create your version of success, you must first understand your WHY—the driving force that fuels your actions and decisions. Your WHY is the core reason behind your goals and the underlying motivation that keeps you going when faced with challenges.

In the YGoal workbook, we uncover your mission and values to create a springboard to your version of success. By encouraging you dig deep into your passions and beliefs to discover your WHY. Then you use this foundation to create an action plan for your goals.

Take a moment to reflect on what truly inspired and drives you? Here are a few questions that will help make your WHY clearer to you:

• What brings you joy?
• What is most important to you?
• What makes you feel fulfilled?

By uncovering your WHY, you will gain clarity and direction, serving as a compass to guide you on your journey to success. This discovery practice may be easy for some and difficult for others. Give yourself grace, be patient, and listen to your intuition.

Setting Authentic Goals: Aligning with Your WHY

Now that you have discovered your WHY, it’s time to set authentic goals that align with your purpose. Authentic goals resonate with your core values and aspirations, and they reflect who you truly are. These goals are not influenced by societal pressures or external validation but are driven by your inner desire for personal growth and fulfillment.

When setting your goals, ask yourself if they are in line with your WHY. Are they a true reflection of your values and passions? Do they contribute to your personal growth and overall well-being? Are they leading you to your dream life? Remember, authentic goals are the ones that energize and excite you, making the journey toward success more meaningful and fulfilling.

Embracing the Process: Patience and Persistence

Each Step is Important

In our first Cleveland Bridge Builders session,  the organizers and past alumni were jarring on “trusting the process”. At first, it sounded so cliche but as we moved through the cohort program those words made more sense.  Each session was building on the last and preparing you for the next.  Success is like that. All of your past experiences are setting you up for continued future success.

Each personal goal journey is unique

Creating your version of success is a journey, not an overnight achievement. It requires patience, persistence, and a willingness to embrace the process. Success is not just about reaching a specific destination; it’s about the growth, learning, and self-discovery that occur along the way.

Success is a series of races, some are marathons,  some sprints, and all the distances in between.  Your path to success will be unique to you, your mission, values, place in life, etc.

Be open to the twists and turns that come with your journey. Embrace the challenges and setbacks as valuable opportunities for growth. Stay committed to your WHY, even when the path gets rocky. Remember, success is not a linear trajectory but a series of ups and downs that shape you into the person you are meant to become.

Cultivating a Growth Mindset

One of the key requirements for long-term success is having a growth mindset. In almost all of my personal development presentations, I start with a discussion about mindset. Why? Because I know that you have to be in the right mind frame to create your dreams life. I know your thoughts influence your actions.

Embrace a mindset that values learning, growth, and adaptability. See failures and obstacles as stepping stones, not roadblocks. Shift your perspective and view them as opportunities to learn, pivot, and evolve.

Invest in your personal and professional development. Seek out knowledge, skills, and experiences that align with your WHY and support your goals. Be open to feedback, both positive and constructive, as it can propel your growth and success.

How Why To Success can help

Why To Success was built on this concept of individualized success. We believe that success is unique and the only way to achieve and sustain success is if your thoughts and actions are grounded in your WHY. My clients have one thing in common, they want success in their lives.

There are so many people out here lost, living someone else’s life or following someone else’s dreams. This is because they are not following their WHY or listening to their calling. How great would the world be if we all did that? How much Love, Joy, Peace, and Well-being could we cultivate? Let’s be a beacon for what is right in the world and build lives filled with purpose.

Creating your version of success is a personal and ongoing journey. By understanding your WHY, setting authentic goals, embracing the process, and cultivating a growth mindset, you will lay a solid foundation for your unique path to success. Remember, success is not measured by society, social media, or external standards but by your own personal fulfillment, happiness, and alignment with your purpose. So put on a smile, follow your WHY, and create the success story that is uniquely yours.

I hope this article has given you direction on creating your version of success. For more inspiration, check out this blog post and follow us on Instagram. Join our email list for additional enlightenment, inspiration, and tools/strategies to improve your life. If you need a personalized goal action plan, schedule a session today.