Define Success On Your Terms
By Cachet Prescott, PHR, SHRM-CP

What does success look like to you?

I often ask this question when working with entrepreneurs, usually getting a puzzled look in response. While the question is important, I've found that most of us don't take the time to ask it of ourselves often enough (myself included).

Defined for You, By You

We're constantly barraged with “success” stories including images of “successful” people doing “successful” things, detailing how you and I can be just as “successful”. (Get the point?) And though these things can certainly be encouraging and inspiring, they only speak to success at a surface level.

But success is a personal matter, and the sum total of your personal beliefs, values, motivations and personality contribute to a tailor-made definition. So, in the moments where we allow ourselves to get caught up in the allure of someone else's carefully curated “success” story, we risk the possibility of adopting an ill-fitting definition as our own. It's like you wearing someone else's shirt that's two sizes too small. The shirt (aka the other person's definition) is a great fit and look for that person but is a poor fit and look for you (and it will ultimately show).

Internalized definitions of success bring clarity, and this clarity allows you to set the right goals to thrive in your endeavors. Misalignment or confusion (i.e. vaguely defined success) can leave you spinning your wheels, pursuing goals or achievements that don't reflect your needs or desires.

So, what does success mean … to you? What does it look like spiritually, mentally, professionally, financially, relationally, etc.? What are your personal success indicators? For instance, in your professional life, do you define success by:

• Your title?
• How many degrees and/or certificates you've attained?
• Your annual salary or business revenue?
• Your level of fulfillment?
• How many people you serve?
• How much time you can take off or how many vacations you can take each year?
• How many hours you work each week?

Keep in mind that this isn't an exhaustive list of questions, and your questions (to self) will differ for each area of your life. Remember, this exercise is not about judgment; there are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to be honest with yourself and what matters to you to get the most effective results.

Don't Set and Forget

Once you've formulated your personal definition of success, revisit it at least annually (i.e. during your December review before the new year) to determine if it still applies. This is important because:

• People change. Who you are today isn't the same person you were just five years ago and won't be who you are five years from now. We're eternally evolving creatures by nature. The things that I wanted in my 20s differed from the things I wanted in my 30s, and those desires have since changed since entering my 40s. As we change, so do our definitions of success.
• Circumstances change. Life changes may cause you reprioritize and redefine what success looks. For instance, the birth of a child, caring for an aging parent or the death of a loved one may change your success pursuits in your new season.

My Challenge: Define success means to you (in the various areas of your life) and determine if what you're currently doing aligns with your definition. If not, figure out what you need to do to get on track and make it happen!

Psychology-driven business strategist and mindset coach, Cachet Prescott helps stagnant entrepreneurs, professionals and organizations shift from stuck to clear, bold action. She owns Shift Matters where she creates space for others to think, focus, plan and do … with clarity and confidence.

Cachet's advice and insights have been featured on Careers in Government; GI Jobs; Military Spouse Magazine; Blue Star Families; The Muse; Thrive Global; The Huffington Post; Introvert, Dear; DailyWorth; Fast Company; FlexJobs; International Business Times (IBT); LearnVest; Monster and Recruiter.com.

A double certified HR professional, Cachet also holds a Master's in Sociology from the University of Georgia; a Master's in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from Fairfield University; and a Bachelor's in Sociology from the University of Virginia.

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