What if....We Defined Success Differently?

I was interviewed by the producer of a show called “Anything But Ordinary” which provides inspiring stories of individuals’ success and the road that led to it. As I have put together my interview questions, the “What is Success?” question I have asked coaching clients over the years has really provoked a lot of thought as to what message I want to convey to the audience. Since my passion is helping others LIVE OUT LOUD, take a look at the list below to help you think how you really have been successful in YOUR own way.


Here are a few thoughts to help you define your personal success:

1. Are you living your life according to what’s most important? (living your priorities?)

2. Forget about how society or others define success. We all have a unique design and cannot be put into a cookie-cutter mentality.

3. Answer this question: “How do I define success?”

4. If you are not feeling successful, you must be willing to determine if you are living by others’ expectations or by your God-given design.

5. Are there any roadblocks to your success? (i.e. your own thoughts saying you aren’t successful, current life circumstances, etc.)

6. MONEY DOES NOT EQUAL SUCCESS! Especially here in the U.S., that is how success is defined. Refer to above questions to define your personal success!

What if....Failure Was Not Final?

There is no better education than one’s own failures.

There was an IBM project manager who lost the company ten million dollars. Dejectedly, he walked into the president’s office and said “I’m sorry. I’m sure you’ll want my resignation. I’ll be gone by the end of the day.”

The president’s response showed his understanding of the value of failure. He said, “Are you kidding? We’ve just invested ten million dollars in your education. We’re not about to let you go. Now get back to work!”

I’m sure you have had your moments in life where you have felt like a failure. Failures are the mistakes that teach you some of your life’s greatest lessons. The question is, will you embrace them to help build your confidence, or will you let the mistakes devastate you? You always have a choice. Whether your failure is losing a job, your marriage, or some other important matter in your life, you can use it as an opportunity to see what’s in store for your future.

WAYS TO USE YOUR MISTAKES AS LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES:

1. Evaluate what went wrong. Be willing to take responsibility for your contribution. Sometimes it’s easier to point the finger at someone or something else, but resist that temptation. Taking responsibility provides you with a greater learning curve.

2. Be willing to talk to others who can provide you with an objective point of you (Those closest to you and/or your situation cannot). These people can provide you with what you need to know, not what you need to hear.

3. Talk it over with God. After you finish talking, be willing to listen and keep your eyes open to see what He wants to show you or teach you through other people or circumstances.

Live Out Loud Ladies!