What does success look like to you?

Creating a successful business doesn't happen overnight.

It can take a LOT of time, effort, and money to get there.

But let’s take a step back…what does success even mean to you? What does success look like?

Is it hitting a certain financial goal? Is it being able to buy a nice car or have a dream holiday? Is it winning an award, gaining a certain qualification or accreditation? Or is it having more balance and family time?

We’ve all looked enviously at other service-based business owners on social media with their amazing offers, graphics, free resources, and massive audience and thought there's no way I am going to reach their level of success.

At least I know I have.

But whilst success is something we all strive for, rarely, do we take the time to consider what it means to us personally. Because we’re all different and it won’t look the same for me as it does for you.

Imagine two copywriters. One might define success as securing some big clients and carving a path to becoming a high-profile agency. The other might define success as having a few long-term retainers, with a steady income but the flexibility to work around family life.

Both are very different and there is no right or wrong. Success is going to be personal to you. It’s not a one-size-fits-all thing!

The problem is that we can lose our drive and motivation as we end up chasing somebody else’s version of success and not our own. We end up comparing what we have to the highlight reel of others. And more often than not, this comparison leaves us feeling inadequate and like we don’t quite measure up!

That’s why it’s important to define what success looks like for YOU.

It will help you to set goals and make decisions that are aligned with your values and passions and help you to focus your time and energy on what matters most (and stop you from getting caught up with external pressures or comparisonitis). Plus, once you know what success means and looks like to you, you’ll feel more satisfied and fulfilled in what you do.

So, what does success mean to you? Here are some questions to help you figure it out:

• What’s important to you in your life right now?
• What activities or achievements bring you a sense of fulfilment and happiness?
• What aspects of your life or work make you feel genuinely satisfied and content?
• What do you want to achieve personally?
• What do you want to achieve professionally?
• What do you want to be known for?  How do you want to be remembered?
• What does a good work-life balance look like to me?

These questions are a great starting point to work on your own definition of success. Take the time to reflect on each question and identify what truly matters to you. Once you’ve defined what success looks like for you, you can start creating a plan to move forward and work towards achieving it! Just remember, start with small steps (and small is key so it’s more manageable!) that will help you achieve your goals.

And if you need help getting a plan together or working through your vision and definition of success, I’d love to chat.