My daughter recently asked me, "Do you see yourself as successful?"
In my home-based business creating button bouquets, I've sold them in 8 countries and all across the U.S. & Canada. Am I successful?
I've raised three beautiful children who are independent thinkers and productive members of society. Am I successful?
Ultimately, the question comes down to, "What does being successful mean to me?"
Success can be defined differently on a variety of planes - emotional, financial, personal, spiritual, career, academic.
Emotional: Am I emotionally healthy? Am I in an emotionally healthy relationship? Do I work through my emotions in a positive way? Am I willing to look at my inner myself and modify my behavior when it is warranted? Take responsibility for my actions and not blame someone else?
Personal: Am I happy? Am I doing what I want to be doing? Am I contributing to the world in a positive way? If I have children, how am I raising them? Have a done it thoughtfully?
Spiritual: Do I give back to society or am I just taking? Am I available for friends and family when they need me? Do I reach out to the elderly or a sick friend? Do I share my wealth, whether its money, talent or gifts?
Financial: Am I where I want to be financially? Am I self-supporting? Financially comfortable? Do I have financial freedom? Financial security?
Career: Do I have the career that I want? Am I happy doing what I do or just going through the motions? What career would I have if I could have any that I wanted?
Academic: Have I finished the degree I wanted? Have I made steps towards my goal? Have I defined what direction I want to take to better myself? What degree would I want and what would I do with it?
While I can unequivocally say that I was a success at parenting, I falter when it comes to believing that I am a financial success nor have I met my academic goals.
Yet, I've been successful on many levels over the years. So it's time to acknowledge that, YES!, I am a success. Even if I'm not where I want to be financially.
What ruler am I using to measure
"success?" Better question, who's ruler am I using? Maybe it's time to
redefine success for myself.
If you have thoughts on what defines success for you, please feel free to share!
Angela
Angela's Artistic Designs!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/angel9
Labels: accomplishments, blog, button bouquets, finance, financial success, home based business, life, money, parenting success, success