Finding Success in the New Year
Jimmy Valvano, the late basketball coach at North Carolina State University defined success “by whether you have worked hard enough and smart enough to put yourself in a position to win, then can take advantage of the opportunities.”
The new year! Many people see it as the chance for change and to ponder what their new goals might be. This is also a good time to think about, what does success mean to me? More time to me? More time with my kids? Discovering the real me?
It’s tempting to measure success in terms of symbols that are visible to others: The biggest office, highest salary, number of clients, type of car. But if success is based on the quality of the effort, you become the judge of whether you’ve succeeded. Its important to have goals and aspirations that mean something to you.
To be fulfilling and “mentally healthy”, work must have meaning and relevance as well as status and compensation.
As you look ahead, here are some suggestions to help you have a clearer picture of what success means to you.
- What successes have you had in the past year?
- Be clear what your own definition of success is– not your parent’s or spouse’s. Write it down.
- What contributed to each of those successes?
- What part of my business do I dislike doing? What could I have others do or eliminate so I can spend my time on things I really love?
- As you look ahead, what dreams do you have? What regrets have you had so far about what you haven’t accomplished? This can be personal or professional.
- As you look at role models of successful people, what kinds of qualities do they have? What is it that you admire about them– is it their energy, their passions, their inner peace?
- What is your picture or ideal vision for your business in the next year? How can you break it down into monthly goals?
- Who is your support system to help you succeed?
- How can you take advantage of more opportunities?
By answering these questions, it will move you closer to your definition of success and a year you can look back at and be proud of.
