Redefining success: what does it mean to you?

I've been thinking a lot about success recently - specifically: what does success really mean?

We’re conditioned to measure success in terms of salary, job title and status. Those markers are visible, easy to compare and socially reinforced. But are they really enough?

For many of us, especially those 20 years into their career, the answer is no.

Success on your own terms

I had a brilliant conversation with my friend and fellow coach Katie recently, and it helped me articulate what success looks like for me.

It isn’t just about one thing - it’s a mix of things that add up to a life that feels good:

• Regular exercise.

• Designing my own weeks.

• Time with friends and family.

• A healthy bank account.

• Doing meaningful, rewarding work.

• Spending time outdoors.

When I looked at these and the other things on my list, something clicked.

Zooming out for perspective

It’s so easy to fixate on the one or two areas where we feel we’re falling short or failing. But when I zoomed out and looked at the bigger picture, I realised I was ticking most of the boxes on my list.

By my measures of success, I’m far more successful now than I was a year ago - even though back then I was still in the golden cage of my corporate job with all the external markers of success lined up.

Your turn

Here’s my invitation to you: take 10 minutes to write down what success really means for you.

I bet it’ll be more multi-faceted than you expect. And when you see it written down, you might discover you’re doing better than you give yourself credit for.

Success doesn’t have to look one way. The point is that it’s yours to define.

And if reading this has made you wonder whether your current career is still aligned with your version of success, you might find my free Career Audit useful.

It’s a simple set of questions that helps you see where you are now and what matters most for the next stage.

I’ll review your answers and send you a short personalised video with my reflections and your best next step.

Get your free Career Audit here