2. Define your own success.

Too many people are using other people’s definitions of success instead of their own. We are greatly influenced by others, including our parents, TV, marketing messages, and society.

In effect, we are trying to live someone else’s life instead of our own. Consequently, many people do not truly fulfill their goals. As a result, they are unhappy. We should define our own ideas of success, based on our own ambitions, priorities, and values.

Before the birth of my daughter, I thought that success is being a CEO, having financial security, and a beautiful wife. Today, my definition of success is entirely different. And, I try to leave my life accordingly.

For example, I prioritize my family ahead of my career. This means that I schedule my business appointments such that I can spend quality time with my kids, take them to their after-school activities, and be a fully present parent.

And yet, you can’t have it all in life. Success in one aspect of our life comes at the expense of another part of our life. Therefore, to be happy with our choices, we should make them according to our own priorities and values. We have to be honest with ourselves. Trying to impress others by lying to ourselves will not make us happy. At the end of the day, it’s our life and we need to feel good about how we live it.

Hence, we should choose which aspect of life we truly want to be successful in. Consequently, we need to accept that we will be less successful in others. And, we need to set our expectations in those latter areas accordingly.

Defining your own success will have a positive influence on your perception of yourselves, your lives, and your happiness.

Here is a link to Part 1, in case you didn’t get a chance to read it yet.