How do you define success?

A simple question really. How do you define success? I typically ask most candidates who interview with me how they define success. The varied response to the question is amazing. 

First let me say, I don't think there's a wrong response to this question. Some responses are very thought provoking and while it's true you may disagree with some responses, I believe each person must define this for themselves. On that note, I thought long and hard about this and asked myself  some questions:

Is success defined by your education?... Does having a college degree or even an advanced degree make someone more successful over someone with a high school diploma? When I pondered this, I thought about the many people I know who have degrees yet they have elected not to use their degree for the intended purpose. As an example, I met more than a few people who received their law degree but elected not to practice law.  In each case, I found them to be successful people. More importantly they viewed themselves as successful. As I continued to think about this, there are lots of examples of people who didn't finish college but I perceive them as successful. Most of them are professional athletes but there are some notable business leaders who have achieved high levels of success without the benefit of a college degree. Mark Zuckerberg and Bill Gates come to mind. While I have not had the opportunity to ask either man if they believe they are successful, I've watched interviews from both men who have professed their success.  Going back to the professional athletes for a moment, how many times do you hear about a former professional athlete who made millions playing a game only to be bankrupt years later. Does this mean they are failures? Some would suggest so.

As I continued to think about this, I continued to ask more questions. Is success defined by the number of people you manage? The clothes you wear? The car you drive? The watch you wear? The size of your house,  ZIP code you live in? Have you ever met a successful homeless person? I have.... and I concede I may look better in clothes from Nordstrom over clothes from Walmart but I found nothing materially had changed about me. Certainly more people may wish to strike up a conversation with me if they see I'm wearing a high end Swiss watch over another watch but I am materially the same person aren't I?  The answer I came up with is yes.

So for me, success is defined by first and foremost having a purpose in life. My purpose is to enrich people's lives in some way, shape or form. At the end of the day, I want for as many people as possible to say they were better for the opportunity to know me and to have me touch their lives in a positive manner. Whether at work, home or in my personal relationships, I aim to move the needle for nearly everyone I meet.

I recognize this is no easy challenge because I meet lots of people and it's almost an impossibility that I'll be able to materially impact the life of everyone I meet. The way I approach it is to take it one step at a time. For example, How many times have you been on a bus or a train that was jammed and you notice a lady who is visibly pregnant? Would you consider giving up your seat for her? Sure you'll likely not meet her again, but think about how you can impact her life in a positive way, even for just a small moment in time. Last week, I noted a horrible story about a little girl who was badly burned and lost most of her family in a fire. There she was smiling and her wish was to receive as many Christmas cards as possible. I learned about many who sent cards to this little girl. For a moment in time, I trust each person felt the warm feeling of making a difference in someone's life.

I also have come to the understanding that It's entirely possible there are some that don't like me. That's understandable and simply the nature of life. In this case, it's not going to be easy to make a positive difference. I often tell people it's not my business what other people think about me. That aside, I don't aim to be liked necessarily, I aim to be respected. In my professional life, I want my team to know that we're in this together. We succeed as a team, and we fail as a team, but regardless of the outcome, we're a team. At home, I've learned to not be as self-centered or selfish. I admit, I'm not perfect at this and have some way to go (my wife will tell you this) but I am getting better. As an example, my wife made these heavenly blueberry muffins the other day and I sat down to enjoy one and my son looked at me as if to say, hey buddy.... I'm hungry too. We shared the muffin and in doing so, I moved the needle for him. I know this because he smiled at me. So in the end, that's how I define success.

So my question to you is how do you define success? I look forward to your responses. Remember, there's no wrong answer. Also, if I made a positive difference in your life, please let me know. Also let me know if I disappointed you. I learn through failure.

Thank you.