A for effort! How do you think success should be measured?
Success is defined as the "achievement of something that you have been trying to do", but the question is how should it be measured? Is it by wealth or something more? Damon shares his views on the topic.
Many of us would love to think we are successful in our field of work, but I pondered on how exactly it should be measured? Is it about being in a happy relationship, being fit and healthy, or is it just about having a successful career and being wealthy?
When we think of someone who’s successful, our minds usually head straight to the thought of how much money that person must have, how powerful they are in the position they hold, how many symbols of wealth they’ve acquired, and how well regarded they are.
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But is it really all that? I don’t think so. Sure, wealth does show a level of success, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say I’m in awe of billionaires in the world, but for me, it goes way beyond someone’s finances.
Here are a few things I look at when I measure someone's level of success:
- Are they a nice person?
- Are they a good leader?
- Do they use their position to influence other people positively?
- Are they genuine, live by their beliefs, and practice what they preach?
In my eyes, I would consider Richard Branson as successful because he's not a leader who’s stuck behind a desk. He’s out there visiting his employees as well as his customers, showing his staff respect, and someone who took the time to meet and listen to them.
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Richard has hung in there despite huge challenges in his life which ranged from early cash-flow problems to tax issues and countless failures. Instead of giving up, he chose to learn from his mistakes and push on. He also has dyslexia and even though it still affects him today, he has never let it hold him back. Plus he loves animals and does a ton of humanitarian work – which just seals the deal for me.
I believe that success is largely about leaving a legacy behind. How people remember and talk about you is everything in my eyes.
What about you? How should success be measured? Let me know below.