How Do I Know When I Am Successful?

Many of us focus on success, on defining what success means and how to achieve it. Can we ever really put a finger on it? Is success something small enough that we can fit it in a box or put a label on it? Many a discussion has taken place on how to be successful, giving us steps, ladders, and mountains to climb, but we continue to ask the same question. How do we know we are successful?

We have sweat equity, focus, commitment, determination, passion, alignment, vision as just a few of the virtues we fold into our arsenal of tools for success. There are game plans, mission statements, business plans, and step-by-step outlines that keep us on our path to success. Ever one of those virtues and actions are only the tools, not the originator. Our essence, our being is the originator, the reason and underlying value behind anything we create.

When we look at the definition of success it means “accomplishing what was proposed”. In a sense we are all successful, all of the time. Thoughts lead to actions, and actions lead to results. It doesn’t matter if what you “proposed” was conscious and intentional, or something hidden away in the collective unconscious definition of self: You get whatever you believe in. Still, the question remains: How do I know when I am successful?

When we look back at what we have accomplished what are we really looking at? Are the results the definitive answer that tells us we are successful, or not? No, success is something we must measure. What are we using to measure our success? We look back at what we proposed: call it our vision, or our dream, we compare beginning to end. What do we see when we look at the beginnings? We see the originator. We see ourselves.

When I look at those who stand before us as examples of success I hear a voice saying, “It’s whatever you put into it”. Some will answer back saying, “I have nothing, how am I ever going to get something out of nothing”. There are many paths to reach the top of the mountain, with some more challenging than others but either way we can reach the top.

We have skills, knowledge, perspectives, and ideas, to name only a few pathways. Ever hear the story of “Stone Soup”? Not everyone has the savvy to toss a rock into a kettle of water and then convince others to add their bits and pieces to the pot, creating something that everyone will value. What did they begin with: a rock, something that most would consider common and of little value.

I believe that our measure of success is not in the results, or the idea that started the whole process, but in whether or not we believe in ourselves. The taste buds that tell us “Yes, I like this” are found in the originator, not in the results. Those underlying beliefs you carry are the spices you add to that Stone Soup you are creating. Your ideas are the recipe. If you have a recipe but add all the wrong spices you may end up with undesirable results.

Your beliefs set parameters in your life, and serve as roadmaps, telling you the best route to take. Let me give you an example of this concept: if your goal is to make more money, but you are already working 60 hours a week giving it everything you’ve got, how are you ever going to achieve that goal to have more? Talk about sweat equity! Find and refine that belief that you have measure-for-measure, the work-vs.-money ratio, and you may be able to find new ways to make your efforts more effective.

So the question may change. We might start with the question “How do I know when I am successful”, and turn the question into a mirror. The originator can transform that question into a new direction, turning “How do I know that I am successful” into “Am I the greatest supporter of my success?”

Estee Taschereau, author of “Now Is The Time To Believe”, utilizes powerful intuitive and spiritual skills in individual phone consultation services. Who do you know that seeks to clear themselves of those underlying limitations to success in business, relationships or personal growth?

To check out how I met Estee, Read This Post