What is success to you?

[Lori]

What IS success? How would you define success in your life? I'm a big believer in benchmarking. The momentum we create by achieving small goals consistently is what helps us achieve our big goals eventually.

Defining what success means to you is an effective way to brainstorm what your next goals are in your business.

[Audrey]

Great question. It sounds like you and I think very much alike on this issue. Success to me is being able to smile at what I've done.

I was at a memorial service last night. The man who lost his father was speaking about his father. I know I was smiling as I listened to his words. I began to look around the room. About 3/4 of the others there were also smiling. The final 1/4 were not smiling. It made me wonder why.

I like to be able to smile. Success to me is being able to smile :)

[Lori]

I like that Audrey -- Success is being able to smile. Nice.

Anyone else?

[MamaSoul]

Excellent thread!
Success to me depends not so much on what I've managed to attain in life, but how I've managed to maintain in life! I see success as being able to take the perceived good with the perceived bad and know that everything in life is cyclical and ebbs and flows. I often say that faith is having hindsight without having to go to the future to get it. You know how we often have "bad" times and can't understand why all this is happening until some times goes by and we see that it did happen for a reason? Well, I consider success as seeing everything as perfection...all is on course and if the tide is out...go clamming!

Peace...always...all ways.
Shauna

[Sam]

Thanks for this thread! Topics like this one stimulate thinking and can turn helpful when we have to make crucial decisions.
I agree with Lori that benchmarking may be useful, because if you don't know where to go, the road will be more difficult for you than if you knew where you want to get.
As for my idea of success, I will be able to say that I've achieved success if I realize my major aspirations and make someone happy:) :) :)

[taraburner]

success to me, is total peace with what you're doing and how you're doing it as well as the influence your life will make on others in the future. (ie: my kids, my volunteer work, in addition to my businesses)

I don't measure 'success' by a $$$, like many do!
it's not all about the $, if you're doing things the 'right way' that's SUCCESS!!

Tara

[Bella-Candle-Girl]

Success...

We all love or hate that word. When I was younger I dreamed of success with a narrow view of how the world worked. It was like I really did have these fluffy dreams that I thought would go "poof" and come true.

Then I became bitter and kind of an internal-negative person, for I felt I had not attained my goals. I would always beat myself up inside.

Then I decided that if I could just "be happy" with what I had that I didn't need to have this extremely successful life...

Being thankful for what we have is the first step and key to success. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way and that energy is felt; however I realized in this that I could be as successful as I wanted and I didn't need to "settle" for less.

There is nothing wrong with the desire to be scentsational! If you give it your best shot every time then you are already successful and it will only get better!

[Audrey]

Dani,

You've written a wonderful post. Each of us interprets words differently. As I posted, success to me is being able to smile...not everyone in this world is able to.

Glad you've joined us here :)

[Shiroley]

Being happy & peaceful is atmost Success to me.:wav:
It's having a lifestyle and doing what I love to do.. recently have the 'priviledge' to become a stay-at-home mum. it was a dream come true..:angel2:

[Shiroley]

Being happy & peaceful is atmost Success to me.:wav:
It's having a lifestyle and doing what I love to do.. recently have the 'priviledge' to become a stay-at-home mum. it was a dream come true..:angel2:

[jimsomchai88]

Success to me are:

Peaceful mind,
Health and energy,
Do notworry about your financial situation,
Good relationship,
Meaningful goals in life,
and Knowing why we are in this world.

Best regards,

Jim Somchai

http://www.visualizationmeditation.com/rights

[Audrey]

Jim,

Thanks for sharing. Those are all nice things.

[jimsomchai88]

Dear Audrey,

You are welcome. I got these from the book and I think that they
are applicable.

Best regards,
Jim Somchai

http://www.visualizationmeditation.com/rights

[JennyW]

There are so many different aspects to success. One thing that comes to mind is the time I realized that sometimes people just don't begin to understand success. I know a man who has held a simple job all of his life- he is hardworking, dedicated, dependable- but never moved up the ladder in his company. He also has a large family, and each of his children is in AWE of him- they love him and would do anything to make him happy, and treat every word of his with tremendous respect. Someone once told me, "It must be hard for him to have a job like that... he never really made it in life."
And I thought of his family and thought, "Here is a person who is a MAJOR success!"
What is a position or money or social status? Your relationship with those dearest to you - now THAT is the true measure of success!

[Nanci5]

I think I finally realized that I was already "sucessful" when I truly became grateful for all that I already have in my life.
Even though my husband had been let go from his job after 12 years - right before the holidays - we took it as a sign that it was time for us to make a HUGE life-style change. Every day we would talk about what we were grateful for, no matter what might have happened during the day, or the day before. Eachother, our family, our dreams.
Now we sometimes laugh out loud when we wake up in the morning! We have moved to a beautiful area, bought a home that is more beautiful than we ever dreamed, and our horses are right outside! We are able to ride off our property and into a National Forest that goes on forever. My husband got a job that's better than what he had (and he used to think that was something that just wasn't possible) and I'm growing a home based business that will continue on for our family. I'm also working with others to write music, and a novel - something I had only dreamed about - it's all coming true!
It's true - when you Chase Your Dreams, You Change Your Life. Be grateful for what you have RIGHT NOW. And Positive Thinking Creates Positive Results.
Life is an amazing gift and should be enjoyed every day!:shades:

[SitterMom]

I know what success is NOT:

Its not how much you have in the bank.
Its not about having the highest paid job.
Its not having the largest house in the neighbourhood.
Its not giving the impression that ones life is perfect.

Success is:
Being truthful to ones self.
Making the best of opportunities.
Sincerely loving others.

Success is putting God first, People next and things last.

[seobeglobal]

For me success is having understood from your own and others mistakes and through this understanding, accomplish your goals. In others words, for me success is like wisdom.

[eapoosmama]

Thank you for the excellent thread.
This topic has recently come up in my discussion with others.

my personal success lies in:

having daily gratitude for all things in my life, both good and bad and seeing each of these purposes to direct me where I am supposed to be headed. And using this gratitude / understanding to better all around me.

living life, not working to live, Voluntary Simplicity!

while third on the list here it is most certainly first on my lifes list -- raising my children and hoping to bring forth good productive members of society.

acting on the passion of bringing forth ideas that are kind and gentle to the world around us.

finding daily peace while doing my time here.

[Angela Porter]

For me, as far as financial success goes, it's simply earning enough money to keep my bills paid so I can be able to afford to stay at home with my daughter. As for success in general, I feel like I've achieved what I wanted to in life -- I have a lifestyle I love, and a great family, and I'm happy. That's all it takes to make me feel like a success.

[Quennie]

Hi to all,

I think 'SUCCESS' is a very relative word. The answer will have to elicit a gazillion answers from all people across the globe, taking into account their race, culture, social strata and their spiritual beliefs.

If I am to answer this, I think success is having harmony in the family, roof over our heads, food to eat, a decent living to help augment everyday needs, peace of mind; and, ultimately, CONTENTMENT. I guess, this spells success for me.:shades:

[katiabaer]

See main folder!

[Dlim]

We are often taught to define our own success in life by comparing ourselves to other people and even though we may not aware of this, we are always using other’s life as a benchmark to measure our own success.

In actual fact, success can come in all different areas of our life. We are all successful in some way, shape or form, depending of what we want in life.

[WorkAtHomeSpace]

Success to me could be the smallest accomplishments in life. We all have experienced success starting from birth. Small feats or big feats..what you overcome in life and if you feel good about it is success. I agree with Tara, success is not measured on how much money you have or status or materialistic things.

[pplprincess]

Success to me is;

Success to me is being able to put together a plan, and perhaps not stick to it but at least move toward the end goal with a solid plan in place that allows side tracks.

Success to me is being able to help others achieve their goals. We are all in it
together after all. No matter how inadvertantly it may be.

A little bit of inspiration (I hope);

I used to think that I had forever to do the things I wanted to do in life. I was young (still am) and just figured I would get around to it.

Now, I realize that things don't happen just because I want them to. In fact, dreaming is good but, planing is better. I realize that I am in charge of my destiny.

Maybe you already knew that your destiny is your own. Maybe just maybe you had no clue and as you sit and read this you think to yourself, 'I may be in charge of the actions I do but the world has made life so difficult for me to get ahead. It doesn't matter anyway, I can never be what I really want.'

If that is you, I am sorry. I know how you feel. I felt the same way. Do you know what I found? It just isn't true. Whatever you want out of life is possible. You may have people who support you, you may not. But as long as you have the will to be and do what it is you want. Then you can.

Ignorance is not bliss. And just because you don't get the result you are looking for it doesn't mean you should stop working. It means you should start working with even more conviction, with even more spirit, with even more desire.

Life is only what we make of it, nothing more and nothing less. So if you gone your whole life wondering what is the point.

The point is do something awesome, outrageous, creative, and do it for yourself. Don't worry about what the world thinks. Dont worry about the crosses you may have to bear. Don't even worry about the mistakes you have made.

Who cares about those mistakes? Trust me. I could make a list of the great many things in my life that I have messed up. But at the end of the day it affects me far more then it affects anyone else in my life. Because of those mistakes I can clearly see what I am meant to do with my life right now.

Who knows, maybe my goals and aspirations will change. Maybe they will stay the same. But they are mine to accomplish. And mine to fail. Which do you prefer? To lay in bed at night knowing that you didn't even try to get a thing done or that you did everything possible to get your goals ACCOMPLISHED

It is the action the desire that helps me wake up and be grateful for each day I have to be alive and get what I want out of life. That is what I call success.

There is a way of living that sets you apart from everyone else. Some may go through their day and run into a snag then let that little snag mess up the rest of their day. Others choose (I choose) to brush it off. I just don't think life is worth getting that worked up about.

We may not have tomorrow but we do have today so for who ever reads this and for whatever it is worth, I say to you...

If you make a mistake, so what, admit it. Fix it. Then, move on.

If you feel like there is no point in trying, realize that you can't get anything that you don't ask for. You can't make any progress unless you try. You can't be what you want to be unless you figure out what you want to be. You need a purpose.

Lastly, learn as many skills as you can. The world is forever changing and while we are here on this planet to breathe the air, enjoy the sound of the ocean, the scent of a flower, the taste of our favorite food, and the feel of the breeze in our hair... we need to enjoy it.

Take advantage of our lives because we may only have one to live.

Ask yourself; what kind of person must I become to accomplish my goals?

What person must I become to accomplish my list of goals.

Continue to be a student.

Motivate others to motivate yourself.

Set a goal for what it might make of you to achieve it.

Liz~

[tam2005]

Hey there Liz,

What an excellent post! I've enjoyed reading it, as I've enjoyed reading all the others.

It is true...success means many things to many different people. ;)

What success means to me...

I've lived a lot of years...46 to be exact and I've learned from many, many mistakes in life, as we all do. I agree with a lot of the others, that success IS NOT how much money we earn, how much money we have in the bank, what kind of car we drive, or even what kind of house we live in.

Success to me is being satisfied and happy with the people we've become and being happy and thankful for WHAT WE DO HAVE. We all go through ups and downs and learn from them. Success is learning to deal with everyday life...even though it is extremely hard at times. I have come through some major trauma in my life just in the past 2 years (successfully) and I've learned to deal and accept what life has thrown at me. And that is true success to me...I mean, that says it all.

I'm also happy with my family....my husband, my son, and my future daughter-in-law. I have a lot to look forward to! Grandchildren is one of those things. And also growing old with my husband.

And from a business perspective...If we fail at something, we learn to pick ourselves up and try and try again and again. Never give up and throw in the towel. If you have a dream...go for it! I'm thankful for just being able to be at home and do what I do online. I don't make a fortune, but I'm happy at what I do and am thankful for what I do earn and I enjoy every minute of it! Working at home has been a long-time dream of mine, as I know has been for many others as well.

Success from a business perspective...is (in a nutshell) never giving up on your dreams. Reach for it with both hands and never let go.

And I told myself I wouldn't make this a long post! pfft!!! lol :lol9:

Oh well. :)

[marydawn]

Hi Lori,

For me “Success means having the courage, the determination, and the will to
become the person you believe you were meant to be”.:)

[Peggy]

Excellent thread!
Success to me depends not so much on what I've managed to attain in life, but how I've managed to maintain in life! I see success as being able to take the perceived good with the perceived bad and know that everything in life is cyclical and ebbs and flows. I often say that faith is having hindsight without having to go to the future to get it. You know how we often have "bad" times and can't understand why all this is happening until some times goes by and we see that it did happen for a reason? Well, I consider success as seeing everything as perfection...all is on course and if the tide is out...go clamming!

Peace...always...all ways.
Shauna
Hi Shauna

I loved your words :)

[4kids4me]

Success for me is having a passion for what I am doing, meaning I enjoy it. Mean while able to still focus on the kids and the home. Money being important factor in that, which I am comfortable making extra money for luxuries like nice clothes etc.. and add a few bills paid by my WAHJ would be successful enough! :popcorn:

[Peggy]

I am not sure I am in the right frame of mind to answer this question. What I can say is, that I can relate to many of the things that have already been expressed.
It is a wonderful thread, very thought provoking.
I was brought up with nothing. I spent my entire life bringing up my children and I would do it again in a heartbeat. My children are, and have always been the most precious "things" in my life. I used to get really saddened at the way people used to put material things in front of caring, sharing, compassion and thoughtfulness.
Then I moved to the USA and in my neighbourhood that way of thinking was tenfold.
I never settled, that's why on Tuesday I flew back home after 4 years...but I can say I have learned a lot.... When my husband first met me he said that british folks were molecoddled because of the benefit and national health services in this country and I took exception to that...however, after 4 years I think there was some truth in his observations.
It was easy for me to say that my children mattered more than money because when times were tough for me, the government helped...not so in the USA. I have seen good people lose everything because of Ill health and medical bills...that taught me you cant live on love alone.
So America did teach me the value of money but it also reinforced what matters most to me...my family...
I have 3 wonderful children so I can definitely say that part of my life was/is and always will be, a success but I am in a strange transitional place in my head and in my life at the moment and the rest is still to be determined:?

[ArbonneMom]

Success, to me, is seen in the eyes of my children:
they're happy and relaxed
they're getting enough sleep
they're not dealing with a grouchy, stressed-out mommy who's worried about bills and deadlines

[Dlim]

Success begin with mindset, you are what you think. Our mind dictates our belief. If you belief you can do it, you will definitely make it. If you think you can’t do it, you already loose half of the battle before even started. Therefore, program your mind for success is an important process, always think positively and keep affirming yourself that you can do it. You will definitely strive to the end.

[carlisleenterprise]

Success begin with mindset, you are what you think. Our mind dictates our belief. If you belief you can do it, you will definitely make it. If you think you can’t do it, you already loose half of the battle before even started. Therefore, program your mind for success is an important process, always think positively and keep affirming yourself that you can do it. You will definitely strive to the end.


I totally agree. If we aim for nothing, we will surly hit it. You have to have that goal in your mind in order to reach it.

[julie65]

I'm 40(+some), and I"m still not sure what success is!

When I was 10, I thought it was catching the biggest brim of the day!

When I was 15, I thought it was catching the best looking guy!

When I was 20, I thought it was getting the best paying job!

When I was 25, I thought it was getting the best promotion!

When I was 30, I thought it was making one of my sons laugh!

When I was 35, I thought it was GETTING THROUGH ONE DAY without the school calling (no, I don't have the PERFECT KIDS, but I love 'em anyway)

Now that I"m 40(+some), I think it is to stop questioning why something has happened, and just take from it whatever I can (I came across this one when I lost my mom)!

Who knows, when I'm 45(REAL SOON), I might view success as something totally different!

No, really. Like a lot of you here, I feel that success is having the inner peace of knowing that there is a higher power watching over me that will NEVER throw anything my way that I can't handle.:)

[Audrey]

Julie,

This is AWESOME. Thank you so much for posting it. I read it years and years ago...and of course today, I'm years and years older LOL.

[tam2005]

No, really. Like a lot of you here, I feel that success is having the inner peace of knowing that there is a higher power watching over me that will NEVER throw anything my way that I can't handle.

Powerful statement there. :D If you have that...you have a whole lot!

Now that I"m 40(+some), I think it is to stop questioning why something has happened, and just take from it whatever I can (I came across this one when I lost my mom)!

I went through this just last year. I questioned for a long, long time. This may be a real awakening statement to some...but death is a part of life...of everyone's life.

Thanks for sharing Julie! :)

[julie65]

Tammy,

Touched to hear about your mom (I don't say "sorry" anymore, because of personal reasons).

I hope you have some great support to help you get through it. Sometimes, it's good to talk with someone who's not close to the situation. I'm not always the greatest listener, but am always willing to listen!!:)

PM me if you ever feel the need!!

Julie

[tam2005]

Well...thank you Julie for the offer. Was very sweet of you. :)

It is getting a lot easier now for me. It's very comforting knowing that my Mom is with the Lord and with her family. She's happy now and no longer suffering. :D

My husband was my rock when it was really bad.

[honey415]

I found this quote a while ago and I think that if describes success perfectly.

"I truly believe that anyone can be a success if they will simply follow these three important steps: 1) Plan 2) Persist 3) Work."

[Lori]

I found this quote a while ago and I think that if describes success perfectly.

"I truly believe that anyone can be a success if they will simply follow these three important steps: 1) Plan 2) Persist 3) Work."

My teabag today says 'Joy is the Essence of Success'... :)

[Audrey]

I found this quote a while ago and I think that if describes success perfectly.

"I truly believe that anyone can be a success if they will simply follow these three important steps: 1) Plan 2) Persist 3) Work."

Sometimes wisdom can be found in just a few words. This is GREAT.

[mamaof2byz]

This Is Sooo The Truth! It Needs To Be All Of Our Modos! Plan Persist, Work!

[pretty posh]

I agree with this post 100% I would've written this practically verbatim!

Success begin with mindset, you are what you think. Our mind dictates our belief. If you belief you can do it, you will definitely make it. If you think you can’t do it, you already loose half of the battle before even started. Therefore, program your mind for success is an important process, always think positively and keep affirming yourself that you can do it. You will definitely strive to the end.

[mhobbs25]

Success to me is knowing I've done my best. "All you can do is all you can do. And when all you can do is all you can do, then all you can do is good enough." --Art Williams

[for2kids]

To me, success is when you are where/what you want to be, do what you want to do and you can feel butterflies inside because of it. Being able to make a difference, regardless of who your audience is or what your "job" is.

It's not a matter about money, you can be successful and be pro-bono and be miserable and a failure loaded.

[veronicagoldy]

I think success is achieving my goals in live and just being happy with my life and how it turns out.I think we are most happy when we are loved, and happiness to me is success.

[eapoosmama]

I think success is achieving my goals in live and just being happy with my life and how it turns out.I think we are most happy when we are loved, and happiness to me is success.

yep, I think like this too! :clap:

[veronicagoldy]

yep, I think like this too! :clap:

Thanks! I couldn't find your post here, what is success to you ?;)

[lakshmi_guru]

Getting what you want is success. Success can be achieved slowly and steadily if we work hard.

[arlenemh]

I know this thread originated over a year ago, but it is one that makes me think. I love that! Just as I loved reading all the wonderful replies. I agree with most of what has been said!

I have always been looking for more income and freedom of choice in my life and, of course, thought that success came from achieving that.

Now I realize that success has more to do with how I feel about myself and the world in general. I believe that success comes from knowing you are growing and moving towards becoming the best possible person you can be. It is discovering and utilizing your own unique gift to contribute to others' lives, and being happy about that!

We all have something of value and worthwhile to share with others and I am happy, finally, to realize this and to start to listen and recognize what that may be in others. It makes life so much more fun and rewarding!

[xocaiguru]

Success to me is knowing I have gave 110%. Success is also knowing that me and my family free of worries and are able to share quality time with family members. Being able to help the needing people around the world that’s in need, I would call that success. Just to live a simple life with out worries.

[kagome]

Success is finishing what I planned to do or achieving my goals in life.

[Audrey]

I really like that. I do not always finish what I had hoped to finish.

[nyeoman]

Success to me is being able to achieve financial freedom. I don't have to be rich with millions, but I would love to be out of credit card debt and not living check to check. I just want to be able to have a savings! The future is so uncertain, you know?

I hate working for others because they can fire you or replace you! Again, for me--security! And of course security for my children's future as well.

:heart:

[Momof3]

Success...

We all love or hate that word. When I was younger I dreamed of success with a narrow view of how the world worked. It was like I really did have these fluffy dreams that I thought would go "poof" and come true.

Then I became bitter and kind of an internal-negative person, for I felt I had not attained my goals. I would always beat myself up inside.

Then I decided that if I could just "be happy" with what I had that I didn't need to have this extremely successful life...

Being thankful for what we have is the first step and key to success. An attitude of gratitude goes a long way and that energy is felt; however I realized in this that I could be as successful as I wanted and I didn't need to "settle" for less.

There is nothing wrong with the desire to be scentsational! If you give it your best shot every time then you are already successful and it will only get better!

You have taken the words right out of my mouth. In addition to this definition of success I would have to add the look on my childrens face when they see how I wear my success :D .
Yolanda
www.yolandawolk.com
info@yolandawolk.com
In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.
~Albert Einstein

[whiteazalea]

Success....for me is when achieving my ambition and target in life!

[Alan]

Success too me is...

...When I finally get outside of myself and am free to encourage, strengthen, and comfort another...

...When I accept that yesterday has been sealed for eternity...tomorrow may never become present...and that the only promise I have is the one I live, today...

...When I learn to love the life I live and live the life that I love...

...My success... :)

[Audrey]

Alan,

Very nice words :) I'm really glad you've joined us here.

[SGoodknight]

Great thread here!

When I was younger I used to think of success as how much I have earned and being wealthy.

Today is a totally different story. I do not define my success as in how much I earn but rather my ability to help others in their journey with success. To me its about feeling great about what I'm doing and knowing that I am helping others in the same way.

To me success is not only my achievements but the achievements as a team and how well we can help others.

If I was making 100k a year on my own but had no team members that were finding success I would not call myself a successful person. To me, team means everything in my business. I am proud to say that we have found success as a team and we find much enjoyment in helping many people out there in all walks of life find this same success.

Success is something that we all search for and there are many that have their own definition of success. One might find their definition of success to be different from mine and that's ok I just wanted to share mine with you today!

[Audrey]

Susan,

Wow...that is really nice :)

[sunshinebabies]

Susan, I agree with Audrey. Love your post....thanks for sharing your thoughts on success with us!