What is Your Measure of Success?
Success means more than just wealth and power, and the measure of success is different for everyone.
The truth is that we all can achieve our dreams but also to interpret achievement the way we want to – regardless of where we are in life.
One measure of success is accomplishing your goals.
And it can be measured by several other variables, too.
Keep reading to learn more ways you measure success that we don’t traditionally think of.
1. Having a sense of purpose in your life
Your life should have direction and should be headed to a particular destination.
You may not be where you want to be, but you have a sense of purpose.
If you are clear about the path you want to take and know where you are headed, that’s one measure of success many people never achieve.
“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
2. A measure of success is simply being loved
Of course, as sentient beings, we also want to love and feel loved.
It becomes futile and disappointing when our love is not reciprocated.
It’s only natural that being loved is a measure of success.
“Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.” – Lao Tzu
3. Making a difference in the world
We all want to make an impact in the world around us, not just to be recognized for our efforts.
It doesn’t matter where we need to make such a difference, whether it is our home or when we travel abroad.
Making a difference in the world helps us embrace inner peace and awesomeness.
It’s a good measure of success.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” – Mahatma Gandhi
4. Achieving individual goals
The goals do not need to be outrageous or colossal to be a true measure of success.
Sometimes, little steps could take us in the right direction we want.
Achieving certain goals can make us feel successful and have a sense of fulfillment.
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” – Winston Churchill
5. Believing in yourself
You don’t need to be wealthy and famous to feel successful.
Often, the belief we have in our abilities and strengths could be what determines our success at the end of the day.
Most times, people tend to live an opposite life other than that which helps them become the best version of themselves.
When you believe in yourself, you tend to want to live your best life and NOT the life other people want for you.
“Believe in yourself! Have faith in your abilities! Without a humble but reasonable confidence in your own powers you cannot be successful or happy.” – Norman Vincent Peale
6. Having inspiring relationships is a measure of success
We can’t do without relationships with others.
Whether it is for our personal gains or for the interest of others, inspiring relationships can help us attain the success we desire.
Of course, when you can inspire people to become the best they can be, surely that is one measure of success in life.
“The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own.” – Benjamin Disraeli
7. Taking responsibility
Everyone wants to pass the blame to someone else.
It is so easy to make complaints and offer excuses.
The reality is that many people do not want to be liable for their mistakes.
But to develop and grow, you have to be willing to accept responsibility for your errors.
Through this, you can find achievement and personal fulfillment.
“You must take personal responsibility. You cannot change the circumstances, the seasons, or the wind, but you can change yourself.” – Jim Rohn
8. Satisfaction regardless of our circumstances
Satisfaction and contentment could elude even the rich.
Often, after having a particular thing, we always want something else.
It is a struggle to be contented with what we have.
But when we eventually find such contentment, we understand what true success means.
“True happiness is… to enjoy the present, without anxious dependence upon the future.” – Lucius Annaeus Seneca
9. Being generous
It shows we have an abundance mentality when we are generous and kind to others.
It is not about how much we have but how much we can give away.
To those who have received much, much should be given away.
It is not about our material possessions or valuables.
Most times, it is about our attitude towards these things.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” – Winston Churchill
10. Gratitude is an important measure of success
While some would find it difficult to adapt to certain circumstances, it takes success to find enough good in any situation, to express gratitude, and focus on the right things that are working for you.
Attaining success means you can infect others with such a great spirit.
“Gratitude turns what we have into enough.” – Aesop
11. Having the right attitude even in victory
Showing off accomplishments could mean arrogance for some.
But one good measure of success is having the right attitude, even in triumph.
Yes, those who are quick to deflect praise even after reaching their goals and winning should be the first to receive it.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
12. Persevering during failure
It takes character and strength to persevere during failure.
When people fail, it either exposes their weaknesses or strengths.
Successful people can face failure with courage, character, persistence, and humility.
One measure of success is when you can face your adversities and rise up to try again.
“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford
13. Discipline is a strong measure of success
It is so easy to fall under the influence of substances and possessions.
We could become slaves to these things and lose ourselves in the process.
It takes control and discipline to face any sort of addiction – and become victors.
“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” – Jim Rohn
14. Being gracious to others
Spreading love and extending grace to others can also be a measure of success.
When you realize how unfair the world is, you realize how much you need to assist others regardless of their background.
Rather than take a selfish stand, you view extending grace and mercy to others as an opportunity.
Nobody is truly self-made.
You will always seek the help of others to get to the next phase of your goals.
“No one has ever become poor by giving.” – Anne Frank
15. Being faithful to commitments
We live in a world where people say one thing and do another.
It hurts when you see someone betray your trust.
Anytime we seal something with a handshake or in a contract, we should be willing to keep to it.
You earn respect and are viewed as honorable when you can be true to your word.
“Commitment is an act, not a word.” – Jean-Paul Sartre
A measure of success is whatever you make it.
It is one thing to measure personal success based on the points listed above.
Still, you have to believe in yourself.
Have confidence in your skills and desires.
If you can do this, people will believe in you, too.
You should dare to dream and follow your dreams.
Even when your dreams are intimidating and vague, it is up to you to actualize them.
Learn to break down these goals into smaller goals, as this will lead you toward the bigger picture.
Know what inspires you.
It could be by reading motivational material or hanging out with people with similar dreams.
You could find your motivation and inspiration in building your mental strength or perhaps meditating.
Be willing to unleash your passion and engage in those activities you are enthusiastic about.
It is difficult to retreat and let go of your goals when passion is involved.
Passion is always a recipe for success.
“Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful.” – Albert Schweitzer
In conclusion, success is a highly personal and multifaceted concept that extends far beyond the traditional notions of wealth and power.
By recognizing and embracing the diverse measures of success, such as having a sense of purpose, making a difference in the world, and maintaining strong relationships, you can create a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Remember to stay true to yourself, believe in your abilities, and pursue your passions with unwavering dedication.
What does success mean to you? Which of these alternative measures of success resonates with you the most?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below, and let’s continue the conversation about redefining success on our own terms.
