The Thought: success is mostly a choice, not an achievement.

The Context: How we define success is crucial. So much of our lives, we’re trying to keep up with what others deem necessary and haven’t taken the time to figure out what is essential.

Life gets better when we figure this out and align ourselves with it.

Most of the truly important things in life aren’t the things that can be bought.

Instead, they are the things that we receive, give, and cultivate.

So, how we define success for ourselves is a paramount thing.

This topic is multi-dimensional. I have to qualify for that because I think there is a lot of value in setting goals and going after things.

I have attached too much value in the past to things that weren’t all that important and, without the right wisdom, can be lost.

I think the crucial thing to consider is the WHY we go after achievement and “success.”

This frame is important because of how much effort we put into achieving things we think others will find valuable enough to give us what is already free. Love.

DEFINING SUCCESS RIGHTLY – is the start…

I think success is having love, joy, peace, and contentment. That’s the foundation for everything. I sound like a hippie right now. 😂

It’s having a healthy relationship with God and with myself. Because nothing achieved will ever fill that if it’s broken.

You see it with really “successful” people more often than not. They everything everything but really nothing. Empty.

Then, it’s having a healthy family. A vibrant marriage and relationship with my kids IS a success.

Is that success if I’ve sacrificed my relationship with myself, God, and my family to get all the money, jets, cars, Rolex’s, accolades, businesses, etc., in the world? I don’t believe so.

DEFINE VALUES to DETERMINE SUCCESS

Determining what we value is vital in defining what is success for us.

What do you value, my friend?

I’ve had money, big businesses, and accolades, which are fun. But they’re not everything. And without the proper boundaries, it can be dangerous.

I value having peace, joy, and contentment (in case that wasn’t obvious 🤣).

I value having a healthy marriage.

I value my relationship with God and my spiritual development.

I value my kids and who they’re becoming.

I value my close friendships.

I value having margin in my life.

I value doing what I love.

I value being authentic, honest, and helping people.

ALL those things I can decide on and choose.

There is nothing to “achieve” to make me feel better.

I value money, and things are not as high as they used to be.

When I start to go down a path that isn’t parallel to those values, it’s not the right path for me, so having my values will help me course correct.

Operating from MY INTERNAL values versus others’ EXTERNAL values is much more enjoyable.

I think this also helps with burnout.

I’ve found a lot of burnout comes from doing things we’re not aligned with (values).

So, getting clarity on what we value and aligning ourselves with that is the right track for longevity.

That’s it for today.

Did this hit for you? Let me know below! 😄

Here’s to your success,

Chris