Many people chase success without asking: What does success look like for me? Success, after all, is highly personal. What feels fulfilling and meaningful to one person might look entirely different to another. Without clarity, we risk climbing the wrong mountain, only to realize the view isn’t what we hoped for.
If you’re ready to define success in a way that aligns with your values, purpose, and dreams, this article will guide you. By exploring five key waypoints, you’ll gain clarity, focus, and actionable steps to create a life you’re proud of.
Why Defining Success Matters
Defining success gives you direction. It prevents you from chasing other people’s dreams or drifting aimlessly. Success isn’t about ticking off universally agreed milestones; it’s about fulfillment—aligning your daily life with what truly matters to you.
As Victor Frankl once said, “If we have a clear ‘why’ to live, we can bear almost any ‘how.’” Your “why” acts as a compass, confidently guiding you through challenges and decisions.
5 Waypoints to Define What Success Looks Like in Life
1. Find Your Purpose
Your purpose is your “why.” It’s the driving force that gives meaning to everything you do.
When Victor Frankl observed life in concentration camps, he noticed a common thread: people with a clear purpose had a stronger will to survive. Purpose pulls you forward, even in adversity.
Action Step: Ask yourself these questions to discover your purpose:
- What drives me? What activities or causes energize me?
- What impact do I want to leave on the world?
- What legacy do I hope people remember me for?
For some, purpose might involve telling their story, helping others, or creating something meaningful. Start small. Your purpose can grow and evolve as you do.
2. Determine and Prioritize Your Roles
We play many roles in life: parent, spouse, professional, friend, leader, or creator. Success comes from achieving balance across the roles that matter most to you.
Why prioritization matters: Warren Buffet once said, “The difference between successful people and really successful people is that really successful people say no to almost everything.” Focus your time on what matters most and say no to distractions.
Action Step: Identify and prioritize your roles.
- List all your important roles.
- Rank them by importance.
- When demands conflict, let this list guide your decisions.
Remember: Success in a low-priority role at the expense of a high-priority one isn’t true success.
3. Allow Your Reach to Exceed Your Grasp
Goals are essential to success, but the most fulfilling goals are those that stretch you beyond your comfort zone.
Consider Pablo Casals, the world-renowned cellist. Even at 80 years old, he practiced for hours each day. When asked why, he simply said, “Because I think I am making progress.”
Perfection is unattainable—but growth is limitless.
Action Step: Set stretch goals that challenge you.
- SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound.
- Choose one goal that excites you and makes you a little nervous.
Success lies not in reaching the goal but in becoming the person capable of achieving it.
4. Embrace the Journey
Destinations are powerful—they pull us forward. But success isn’t just about reaching the summit; it’s about the memories, relationships, and lessons along the way.
When I hiked up the Comox Glacier at 20, the summit was unforgettable. But I cherish most the campfire laughs, breathtaking sunrises, and bonds formed during the trek. Those experiences made the journey meaningful.
Action Step: Shift your focus to the process.
- Celebrate small wins.
- Savour meaningful moments: a great conversation, a hard-earned skill, or simple joy.
- Reflect on progress, not just outcomes.
Life happens on the way to your goals—don’t miss it.
5. Anticipate Regrets
Regret can teach us what truly matters. Next time you face a big decision, picture yourself years into the future. Will you regret turning down this opportunity? Will you wish you had acted differently?
I faced such a choice in Yellowknife, NWT, a few years ago. It was -40 degrees, and I had pressing work deadlines. I was tempted to skip an evening with the local Indigenous community, but I asked myself, “Will I regret missing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity?” The answer was yes, so I stayed.
That night—filled with traditional songs, games, and the Northern Lights—became one of the most cherished memories of my life.
Action Step: Practice the “future regret” test.
- When making a decision, ask: “Will I regret this later?”
- Choose the path that aligns with your future self’s contentment.
What Does Success Look Like for You?
Your version of success is unique. By reflecting on these five waypoints—finding purpose, prioritizing roles, setting ambitious goals, embracing the journey, and anticipating regrets—you’ll uncover your roadmap to a fulfilling life.
Get Help Defining Your Success
Sometimes, defining success requires guidance and accountability. Gasparotto Group’s leadership coaching can help you uncover your purpose, align your roles, and set goals that inspire growth.
Take the next step:
- Reach out for a one-on-one consultation.
- Email us at leadership@gasparotto.co and start building the life you want to live.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What does defining success in life mean?
Defining success means understanding what truly matters to you and aligning your actions, goals, and decisions with that vision.
Q2: How can I determine my life’s purpose?
Start by reflecting. Ask yourself: What drives me? What impact do I want to make? What legacy will I leave?
Q3: Why is prioritizing roles important for success?
Prioritizing roles ensures you focus on what’s most important. It helps you avoid burnout and live a balanced, fulfilling life.
Conclusion
Success isn’t a destination—it’s a personal journey. By following these waypoints and reflecting on what success truly means, you’ll create a life full of purpose, growth, and fulfillment.
Ready to get started? Contact Gasparotto Group today and take the first step toward defining your success.
Original article written by Anthony Robb
Gasparotto Group helps organizations create cultures that develop highly effective leaders and build strong, resilient teams.