By Shae Hadden | Bio
I’ve been thinking about how we define success, and observing how serene people become when they feel ‘successful’. For most of my life, I’ve focused my thinking on achieving the traditional symbols of success: significant recognition, meaningful associations with particular people, my own home, specific possessions. Something shifted in me a few years ago when I realized none of these ‘mean’ anything when we reach the end of our journey. They hold only peripheral interest for me now.
Life gets fired at us point blank. And I notice that my actions continue to be predicated on my old definition of success. So I need a new definition to provide a more empowering context for my future, one more in line with my current thinking. Here’s my first stab at a new ‘take’ on success. If I can live the following, I may be successful:
- Sincerity – listening generously and speaking authentically
- Understanding – learning about my self and others and our world
- Commitment – being clear about what I’m committed to and acting on my commitments
- Courage –acknowledging my fears…and being in action anyway
- Empowerment – developing others to be who they choose to be (and myself as who I choose to be)
- Standing – for others and the future I’m committed to
- Serenity – surrendering to ‘what is’ and trusting intention
As Aristotle said, “We are what we repeatedly do.” So to be successful, I’m committing to these habits:
- Smiling for no reason
- Loving compassionately and unconditionally
- Listening with my whole being
- Speaking powerfully
- Singing spontaneously
- Playing with work
- Sharing my joy and passion
- Doing what’s necessary to be energized, healthy and serene
- Expressing gratitude for the arrival of each new day, every new person, and all the ‘breakdowns’ in life.
So how do you define success?