Understanding SUCCESS: By The Letters

Although we often hear so much discussion about what it means to be successful, or defining what makes something a success, it remains an area that perhaps will always remain difficult to define, because success means different things to different people! Although we each strive for different things, hold different things near and dear, and are often less than clear, even in our own perspectives, about what this term or concept even means to each of us personally, looking at this word from a mnemonic perspective gives us a clearer idea of essential components that are needed to be considered as a success. Therefore, SUCCESS might be best understood as requiring these components: Seek being of/ or providing true value while maintaining a commitment to highest personal values; Understand what your goals are, and how they align with the needs of others and society, in a truly useful manner; Maintaining a caring attitude and be led by considering the needs and desires of others, as well as knowing what you want; Having a conscience that leads you to consistently prioritize doing the right thing; Being effective, while at the same time proceeding with empathy towards others; Approaching every action and activity with absolute integrity and sincerity; and, Prioritizing service.

1. Do you seek providing value to others, as a component of achieving your success? Then, you must first listen effectively and always consider how your actions might impact the rest of society.

2. Are you willing to take the time and effort necessary to really understand the nuances of your actions and activities? Is your personal plan of action something which will prioritize being useful in that it contributes to a better scenario than before you began?

3. Is your attitude one of a caring individual, or do you only think about yourself? One can win a specific battle and even achieve a modicum of success in certain aspects, but unless he does so in a fair manner, he rarely will truly achieve personal success. What do you really care about?

4. What does your conscience tell you about your behaviors, attitudes and actions? If you examined your actions from an objective perspective, are they something to be pleased and proud of?

5. How effective are you? Are you actions goal - oriented, or is your time management so in need of assistance, that you are often spending more time running in circles than achieving necessary goals and objectives?

6. Are you words and actions in sync, so that you approach life with sincerity and absolute integrity? How much do you really care about your stated objectives?

7. Is everything you do service orientated? When you think about what success means to you, what are your major determinants?

There will never be an easy definition of success. However, we each need to realize that simply doing well financially or merely advancing one's career do not indicate personal success, but merely accomplishment in specific areas. Invariably those that can balance personal and career accomplishments with the aspects listed above, are on the needed course for success!