Sunday, March 1, 2009

What does success mean to you?



Recently, I was reading PINK, a magazine for professional women that focuses on tips and tricks for balancing the demands of a career, family, and self. This was my first time reading this magazine but I think I would probably read it again. As some of you regular magazine readers know, there is often a question posed of the staff and their responses are printed next to their names. The question in this issue was, What does success mean to you? As I read through the staff’s answers, I was pleasantly surprised to see a variety of answers ranging from material things to spiritual awakenings. Of course, I then began to think what DOES SUCCESS mean to me? I will attempt to answer this question relative to specific areas in my life in opposed to one broad answer. So here is what success means to me:

Spiritual: To lead a life that reflects God’s grace (i.e. my actions and interactions clearly show my desire to encourage and love others.)

Mental/Emotional: To spend the majority of my moments being content regardless of my circumstances

As a Mother: To have the children in my life shine brighter as a result of my parenting

Relational: To be in a committed relationship with a man that inspires me, encourages me and loves me in an especially different way (all you Jill Scott fans know what I’m talking about)

Financial: To be debt-free!!!!!!


Of course, the cool thing about success is that it can be measured on many levels and in many different ways. As I review my success criteria, I’m so happy to see that it encompasses my vision of life being a journey not a destination. I am aware that some days I will feel more “successful” than others and that’s okay. So what does success mean to you?

6 comments:

joanofalltrades said...

I love the way you so eloquently state your thoughts in such a succint way. Anyway, can I piggy back on your success definitions? The are all so wonderful! Great post!

CG said...

I agree with "joan" bravo! Keep up the writing, girl! you are totally BRILL!

Alan said...

Can a fella post something?

Ultimately, as you've stated, success if is finding contentment in whatever state one finds one's self in.

... or as in the case of this post, it may mean "Act first, ask for forgiveness later".

Seriously, your work is a joy to read.

renee said...

Wow, what a great post. I need to check out Pink.

3 Bay B Chicks said...

Great, great post. I would have to say that many of my defitions are similar to yours...especially when it comes to parenting and financial.

However, another element on my own personal success pertains to moving forward as an individual and as a woman. This could be anything from finding quiet time for myself, to pursuing educational opportunities, to finding passion for my career.

-Francesca

PS: Adore Jill Scott!

Anonymous said...

I love PINK! Great magazine that remembers we are women.

It's so great to know that even women we see as successful in the world still find their greatest success in their hearts.