What Does Success Mean to You?

What Does Success Mean to You?
By Ligia M. Houben, MA, CG-C, CT, CH, ACCPr
Life Transitions Consultant and Coachr
Certified Grief Counselor

Professional Speaker-Author

"Success is hard work disguised as good luck." -Julio C. Martínez A.

When you hear the word "success" what comes to your mind? To be wealthy? To excel in your career? To have peace of mind? What makes you fulfilled?
As I looked at the definition of success: http://www.webdictionary.co.u/definition.php?query=successr
I found the following words very appropriate "an event that accomplishes its intended purpose." It does not refer to any achievement in particular but to realize one's desire or goal. I would add something else: we are successful the moment, we find our purpose, and we embark in the journey. Of course, once we reach our goal is the culmination, but we also need to enjoy the process. If we focus only on the material aspects in life, for example, to be wealthy, we can miss the opportunity to live a meaningful life. Let's take a look at the life of Mother Theresa of Calcutta: do you think she was successful? Did she work hard for Peace? How do we remember her? We can read the biographies of people who inspire us and see that each one of them worked hard to become successful according to their values.
And this is the message contained in the words of my father, Julio C. Martinez (see quote). As I reflect on his words I realize that any kind of success involves passion and dedication. Many people tend to think that one can achieve success because one is "lucky" but if we ponder on how many people we know are successful in their marriages, careers, in their role in society, as parents, in achieving peace, it is because there was an effort involved. They wanted to succeed and they didn't mind working to attain it! What makes this path wonderful is that we all have our own definition of success as it is expressed in the new book Success is a State of Mind, http://www.ligiahouben.com/chopra.html which is a compilation of interviews of influential people in the area of personal growth. I had the honor to share my own story on how I embarked in this path of helping others transform their losses and transitions and change their lives. Each one of us has our own definition of success according to our values and beliefs.
Do you have a definition of success? Do you want to have that feeling of fulfillment in your life? Keep in mind - your desire comes from the heart combined with effort, purpose and dedication.

Remember, your Life has Meaning!
This was an article published in my newsletter of September. If you want to subscribe to our free monthly newsletter go to www.ligiahouben.com