Let’s get something straight: Success isn’t a finish line—it’s a decision you make.
That decision? It changes. It evolves. And if you’re clinging to someone else’s version of success, chances are you’re feeling more pressure than pride.
I’ve had years where “success” meant hitting revenue targets. I’ve had seasons where success was getting out of bed and not quitting on myself.
Neither one was more valid than the other.
The problem? Most people are still living by someone else’s scoreboard—usually one they never agreed to in the first place.
Your Definition > Their Expectations
People love to ask me, “What does success mean to you?”
Here’s my answer: Whatever I decide it means—based on who I am now and who I’m becoming.
That might sound flexible (because it is), but don’t confuse flexible with flaky. This is the power of defining success from the inside out.
Success isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s walking away from the wrong thing with your head held high. Sometimes, it’s letting go of the 5-year plan you’ve outgrown. Sometimes, it’s giving yourself permission to slow down without feeling like a failure.
Redefine. Reframe. Realign.
Here’s a simple exercise I give my clients:
Ask yourself:
- What does real success look like to me—today, not 5 years ago?
- Whose version of success am I subconsciously chasing?
- What would I be doing differently if I trusted my own definition?
Write your answers down. Don’t overthink it—just start. If it makes you uncomfortable, good. That means it’s hitting a nerve that matters.
Success Is a Moving Target—Good.
Stop trying to lock it into a rigid shape. You’re not static. Your mission isn’t either.
The more you evolve, the more your definition of success should change. That’s not failure. That’s alignment.
So the next time your old goal stops lighting you up, don’t panic. Ask better questions. Rework the plan. Get honest about what you really want—and stop trying to impress people you wouldn’t trade lives with.
Final Thought
Success isn’t a mountain you climb once. It’s a compass you recalibrate as you go.
Stay flexible. Stay dangerous. Stay you.
Want to gain more clarity, confidence, and control over your version of success?
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Throughout my life there have been fundamental beliefs, ideas and principles that have helped me achieve success in many respects. I’ve benefited from many different schools of thought and learned from mentors of all different backgrounds and philosophies. The way I live my life and the concepts I teach are a reflection of these different points of view.
