What is success?
Society tells us that to be successful we need to earn a certain amount of money, buy a huge house and all the nice things, have a certain car, holiday in certain places and do all the things!
People talk about having a £1m/£10m/£100m business – but is that what we really want or what we think we ‘should’ want? Are we achieving what we want – or just trying to keep up with the Jones’ – someone else’s view of success?
We reach a milestone then look to the next one – always wanting more. Never getting to enjoy where you are now and the achievements you’ve had to date because you’re already focusing on the next step. Because that’s what’s ‘expected’. But is that really what you want?
Where is the point for you when you say I have enough? I have achieved and I am successful – I don’t need or want more? When do you stop chasing the next thing?
Are you missing your successes because you’re too busy chasing the next thing – or trying to achieve someone elses’ idea of success?
Success means different things to different people
I’m not here to shame anyone – success means different things to different people. And that’s ok! It would definitely be boring if everyone was the same.
I think what I’m getting at here is – whatever your view of success is is ok – as long as it’s your own view and not one that has been ‘put on’ you by someone else. It’s your life and business, and you should get out of it what you want.
You work damn hard to achieve your vision of success, and should be proud of that. And celebrate it. But never be belittled, or made to feel like you’re not successful, just because your view of success doesn’t match up to what someone else thinks or says.
Things change & people change!
I’ve also found that success can mean different things to you at different points in your life too. My view has certainly changed over the years.
When I was younger and starting out in the world of working I thought success was a fancy office with a fab view (Ally McBeal is partly to blame here!), a six figure salary, buying all the things I never had as a child, and a huge fancy house – along with a husband out of a fairytale of course! (Please don’t shame me – I was 18 and soooo naive 😂)
As I grew up, like most of us, I got older and wiser. I did achieve the house – but hated it (and my ex husband would say it was all his success and nothing to do with me 🙄) – it felt empty, and was never a home. We had nice things – but none of those things brought me joy – not one single one. And I certainly didn’t feel successful – far from it! In fact, I’d go so far as to say one of my biggest successes to date has actually been getting out of this horrible situation – but that’s another story for another day!
When I first set up PPF my view of success was being able to do it on my own, to cover the bills and still be present with my kids. This was my goal, and achieving this meant success to me – being independent and not having to rely on anyone else.
As PPF has grown over the last few years, and I have with it, my view of success has changed again. My family has grown (complete with my fairytale husband 🥳 – although I no longer see this as a measure of success!) – and so have those bills!
So although success is a little more to me now in monetary terms – it’s still the same success – to pay the bills and be independent. To give my children things I never had as a child – not just material things, but being present, a sense of belonging, doing things with them like playing golf all together on a weekend, not working all of the hours, not worrying about how we’re going to live.
I’ve also achieved success in being able to give other people employment – in a fulfilling role. I’ve helped businesses to grow and business owners achieve success too.
Yes, I still have goals and things I want to achieve. But overall everything comes back to my family for me. Feeling happy, enjoying life and being with those I love.
Certainly over the last couple of years there has been a shift in mindset – we’ve seen what’s really important to us as humans – and what we really want out of life. I also feel that we’ve allowed ourselves to actually listen to our own voices and opinions on success – and not be so caught up in what we’re told success is.
What is success?
As I’ve said before, it’s personal to everyone – so what it means for you is not the same for the next person. It’s what it means to you personally that is important – not what someone tells you success is.
The definition of success is: the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
So what is your aim or purpose?
I spoke to the team and here are some of their view’s of success:
Ellie – For me it’s being able to feel like I’ve enjoyed every day – sounds cheesy! But I mean being at a point in your life where every day you can do something that you want to – whether it’s that you enjoy your work, or you have time for your hobbies, or even just if you’re chilling, but it feels good because you’ve earned it etc. Like no day is wasted.
Caroline – Success for me is being a good Mum to my children and being there for them but at the same time having some time to myself to work and do the things I want to do so I maintain my identity and am not just a Mum.
Enjoying life and spending time with friends and loved ones. I don’t want to live life with regrets so don’t generally put things off because “there is no time like the present” and who knows what the future holds. I think the last couple of years have certainly taught us that!
Grace – For me feeling happy in what I’m doing – content. Not feeling stressed and having quality time with friends and family.
Madison – I think just being able to look back and think I have spent my time doing worthwhile things and not wasting it – living life in a way that makes me happy and content!
I also asked a few of our clients to share their view of success, and they shared the following:
Tanya – Success for me is defined by “living and working a purpose-led, fulfilled life”
Marissa – Work-life balance!
Sonia – Success to me is about reaching the/my perfect balance between work and private life
Do you know what you want out of your business – or even your life? Has your view changed over the last few years? Check out our Masterclass which looks at success and how to achieve your redefined view – check out the recording below!
If you’d like a copy of the free resources mentioned or like to chat further please drop us an email on hello@pinkpigfinancials.co.uk
What I’m asking you today is what does success look like to you? What is your enough?
