Being Successful Enough

“There is only one success, to be able to live your life in your own way”

-Christopher Morley

Being Successful Enough

I pulled a friend aside between meetings and posed an important question to him.  “How do you feel about what you’ve accomplished in your life?”

I asked him this question because although he is always impeccably dressed and is financially successful I’ve always seen something else in his eyes; a deep sadness.  I wouldn’t have noticed his hidden grief had I not spent lots of face-to-face time with him; time that has allowed us to develop a deep friendship.

“I feel disappointed with what I’ve accomplished in my life!” He responded.

His response caught me by surprise.  I didn’t expect to hear such an all encompassing declaration.  He has children I know he’s grateful for and proud of.  On one occasion he told me that his children have grown to be better than he is.  His business acumen has provided him and his family with a home and level of comfort few have achieved.  He has a wife who loves him and has stood by his side for many years.  So why in the world would such a man feel so disappointed in his accomplishments?

I’ve thought long and hard to find an answer to this question and as a result it has made me realize that it’s important for each one of us to take the time to affirm our own definition of success as early in life as possible.  If you will, your view of whether you’re “successful enough” will be seen in an entirely different light.

Albert Einstein once said, “The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them.”  So, what if you were able to catapult your life to new heights by removing the shackles of society’s definition of success and replacing them with a pursuit that reflects your authentic self?  Perhaps your definition of success doesn’t need to be based on who has the most money, power, or status.

So, I invite you to ask yourself this question:  “Is the work I’m doing and the environment in which I’m doing it reflective of my gifts and priorities?”  If the answer is no, then a life and career shift may be appropriate for you.  You don’t have to walk away tomorrow.  But, at least you’ll know what you’re dealing with.  If you do decide to change course, start by giving yourself consent to go in any direction your genuine gifts and interests compel you toward.

Instead of trying to force yourself to accept a definite definition of success, imagine your life based on pursuing your authentic work.  Take time to explore out-of-the-box ways you could live the life of your dreams.  When you discover what your path is, you will no longer lack the confidence or the skills to go after what you want.  Both will spring from within your heart and your heart will also tell you you’re successful enough.