What Does Success Look Like to You? Exploring Personal Definitions of Success

CREATED BY DAVE CORDLE Published: 14/08/2025 @ 09:01AM #DiscoverSuccess #PersonalJourney #EmpowerYourself #UniqueVision #SocietalExpectations

Discovering what success looks like is a deeply personal journey. You may already embody success without realising it. This exploration can empower you to shape your life according to your unique vision rather than societal expectations ...

What does success look like, A mountain peak bathed in light, Hard work and dreams unite

When pondering the question, "What does success look like to you?" it's vital to understand that success is not a universal benchmark. It cannot be confined to the typical narratives of high-paying jobs, prestigious titles, or social status. All too often, individuals find themselves ensnared in the web of external definitions imposed by society.

But let's shift the focus back to you. Your personal
definition of success is what truly matters!

Success can be as simple as doing work you're passionate about that complements the lifestyle you envision. Reflect on what makes you feel fulfilled. Embrace the idea that success isn't a static concept but a fluid one that evolves with your experiences and aspirations.

Maybe you're currently thriving in a career that excites you, or perhaps you enjoy a flexible work environment allowing time for family and leisure. You might even achieve personal growth through hobbies or volunteer work that enriches your life. Whatever your situation, questioning, “What does success look like to you?” offers clarity on your priorities and values.

It's insightful to remember the
significance of planning!

You might not always know where to start, but having a vision of the life you desire can provide direction. Like many, you may have faced uncertainties or hardships - those moments can redefine your perceptions of success. This flexibility is crucial. For instance, when your career path took an unexpected turn, did you find ways to embrace it or adapt your goals? Those decisions exemplify success in facing life's challenges with resilience.

Each day presents opportunities to experience success in smaller scopes, not merely in larger achievements. Ask yourself, how can you feel successful today? Acknowledge and celebrate the small victories, whether they involve progress in a fitness journey, improving a skill, or maintaining positive relationships. This daily recognition fosters a mindset where happiness and success are not distant destinations, but rather ongoing experiences.

Remind yourself that comparing your journey against others inevitably leads to discouragement. Just as it's unreasonable to judge your running ability against an Olympian's, comparing your success to someone else's detracts from your achievements. Identify your progress and honour it as success in its own right.

Ultimately, the question, "What does success look like to you?" is deeply personal, intricately connected to your unique aspirations. You hold the power to shape your success. Embrace the journey, take ownership of your choices, and continually ask yourself how you define success.

In the end, you might find that success looks remarkably
like the life you already lead!

You may just need a shift in perspective to recognise it. By fostering an awareness of your goals, values, and daily achievements, you can create a fulfilling framework for understanding and appreciating your success. So, as you move forward, remember to keep returning to that question again and again.

"What does success look like to you?"

Until next time ...

DAVE CORDLE
Career Development Professional

07941 690 391

www.davecordle.co.uk / www.linkedin.com/in/davecordle

Everything you need for your career:  www.davecordle.co.uk/basecamp

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About Dave Cordle ...
I began my professional life training as a cartographer with the Directorate of Overseas Surveys, a department of the British government. I made maps of places such as Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Sudan and the British Virgin Islands. It was a fascinating time, being involved in planning the flights for aerial photography, interpreting the photographs and eventually producing the plates for the different layers of the final map. It was during my latter years as a cartographer and my career in computing that I undertook bigger mountaineering expeditions to the Andes, the Himalayas, the Tien Shan and the Caucasus. At that time I also held various leadership roles in scouting. I coached and trained young people successfully leading them to develop themselves and embrace new experiences. So that’s where my passion comes from to help young people learn the strategies for success that I share with my business and career clients. My journey in personal professional development and coaching has been amazing, and will continue to be so: it’s why I’m here, it’s my big passion. It’s what has informed my vision and mission. However unlikely your dream might seem, if you keep taking steps towards it, even small steps, you may well just surprise yourself.

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