How to Define Success on Your Own Terms (And Why It Matters)

We all want to be successful. We want lives that feel meaningful, fulfilling, and, yes, financially supported. That's completely normal. As humans, the desire for success is built into us.

But pause for a moment and ask yourself:

What does success actually mean to me, right now?

How do you know if you're successful, on your way, or just spinning your wheels? How will you know when you've arrived and can finally relax and enjoy what you've worked so hard to create?

The truth is, you won't know unless you define it.

There's no universal checklist for success. It's not one-size-fits-all. For one person, success might mean landing their dream job. For another, it might mean building a business that gives them freedom. Others define success by travel, creative expression, financial milestones, or the impact they have on others.

And here's something most people forget:

Success varies across the areas of your life.

You might feel successful in your business but struggling in your relationships or feel fit and healthy but creatively unfulfilled. Your life is not always balanced, and that's okay. But looking at the whole picture is essential to feel genuinely successful.

Sometimes, the different versions of success you're chasing can compete with each other. For example, growing your business may require long hours, but success in your marriage might mean more quality time at home. Wanting both doesn't make you unrealistic; you must create boundaries and priorities that honour both.

This is why success isn't just about dreaming big - it's about making intentional decisions that reflect what matters most to you.

This kind of self-reflection can feel overwhelming. But you don't need all the answers immediately. You don't have to work on every area of your life simultaneously. You don't need to reach all your goals in a few weeks.

But you do need to pause and ask:

"Where am I heading - and does that direction still feel right?"

If you don't define success for yourself, it's too easy to follow someone else's version. And that's when you achieve things that look good on paper… but feel hollow.

Once you've defined success for yourself, cultivating a mindset that supports it is the next step.

Here's what that looks like in practice:

Success begins in the mind. The clearer your vision and the more supportive your mindset, the more aligned and rewarding your actions will feel.

You don't need to figure it all out alone. The Success Mindset Shift workbook is a powerful self-coaching guide that will help you:

Ready to get started?

Learn more or grab your copy via the Mindset Bookstore today.