How Do You Define Success?

How do you define success? Are you like many Americans who define your success by your job, or how much money you have? If you are able to earn money online, and support your family, are you successful? Or are you more like the Scandinavians who define success as being able to live a comfortable life? One way or the other, they are both good goals for which to strive. Unfortunately, we know that not everyone can be successful. There are ups and downs, winners and losers.

I have a strong sense that most of us desire to be on the up and winning side. However, as we progress through our years, we run into people who do not advance in life. Do you feel as though you are one of these people? Of course, if you are trying to better your life, you are trying to be on the up and move to the winning side.

Whether you are successful or not depends on many things. I define success as accomplishing your intended goals. For instance, my intent has always been to become a lawyer, have a family, and stay athletic. Now I am a lawyer, have a great family, bench press 405 lbs and weigh 205lbs at 5' 11". I hate stating this because it seems that I am bragging. I am NOT. What I am stating is that I consider myself to be very successful because I have achieved, and continue to achieve my goals.

Realize that success is not about looking better than those around you. Rather, success comes from within. Success is defined by how you perceive yourself and your life. It is not something which you have to see on a daily basis, but it is how you live your life.

Below I will outline three factors which I believe lead to success:

1. Create Your Vision of Success

Having a vision first and foremost, is the most critical step of any successful plan. Create a vision of what you hope to accomplish. Write down how you want to see yourself one year from now. Think about how your life will look and feel once you get there. Take the necessary action to get there.

Remember these words, "Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare."

2. Take up Good Habits and Break Unproductive Habits

Stay informed on what is going on in the world around you. Think every opportunity through, and do not be impulsive. Eat well and exercise consistently. Remember that health and weight loss require consistency over time. Learn how to deal with distractions, and do not use distractions as an excuse to push you off course.

3. Enjoy your Journey

Enjoy your road to success. It will not be easy, and the path will be filled with adversity. Keep your sense of humor because you may experience very tough challenges along the way. Be responsible, try and control your time by being as effective as possible.

Remember that success requires sacrifice. The sacrifice is time and effort. Success may be difficult, but it is rewarding. To be successful you must work hard, educate yourself, and maybe have a little luck on your side.