What is Success? A Life of Fulfillment & Purpose

Defining Success

Success, according to Oxford, is “the accomplishment of an aim or purpose”. The “accomplishment” piece is universal, however the “aim or purpose” piece is individualistic. In coaching, this is the Clarity component. Its an exploration of your values to determine an aim that will provide fulfillment and purpose.

Let’s repeat those words, fulfillment and purpose. As they should stay at the forefront of our definition. Sadly, in many circles, success has come to be associated with financial pursuits while ignoring the greater tenets of fulfillment and purpose. To put it succinctly, financial pursuits will never bring fulfillment and they are far from your purpose. Its not to say that success couldn’t be measured in abundance, but that abundance should be in the intangibles in life that bring us peace, love and joy… in other words… fulfillment.

Of course, these intangibles vary to some degree for each and every one of us… and yet I am confident that we are more similar than we are different.  In the end, it’s the little things like connecting with an old friend or making a new one; like celebrating a loved one’s achievement or being celebrated by those we love;  It’s going to bed knowing that you “showed up” in life and waking up excited to “show up” again. It’s the absence of guilt & shame, and the freedom from worry & anxiety.  In fact, we are always in the midst of an opportunity to become more successful!

Success Surrounds Us

No matter where you are or what is happening in your life, the opportunities to live a life of fulfillment and purpose surround you. Similar to financial pursuits, the secret lies in taking action and making the right investments.  Consider every action you take like casting a vote. You are voting for the person you want to become, for the life you want to live. Consider the time you spend an investment and the people you frequent are your portfolio. Where are your current relationships

Measuring Success

So how do we measure Success?  Great question! Luckily I have developed a short quiz to do exactly this:

• Are you happy? I mean, are you really happy?
• Are you at peace with where you are in life?
• Do you have intimate relationships in which you can truly be you?
• Do you spend some time every day laughing?
• Is your mind at peace?
• Is their love in your heart?
• Is there joy in your spirit?

Okay, maybe my quiz doesn’t produce a score, but I hope you get the gist of it. The simple truth is,  I don’t need to give you a quiz, you already know.  Similar to all the personal questions of our lives, the answers are within.  Simply take inventory and be honest with yourself.  What are the intangibles that contribute to your success? Do you have them in abundance?