defining your personal success.

Amongst the hustle and bustle of daily life, a jam packed schedule, daily commitments, and the 10-15 "hats" you have to wear every single day (wife, husband, brother, mother, runner, chef, chauffeur, business man, etc.), you need to insure that you are taking some time away to reconnect with simply yourself. If the words 'privacy', 'alone time', or 'solo mission' haven't existed in your life in several weeks or months, it may be time to hit the brakes and make a personal date. Reflecting on your values, morals, and goals on a regular basis is arguably what will define how successful you will be in life. Without adequate time to figure out what you want, what makes you happy, and what you could do without, how will you expect to move forward in a positive and successful manner? As difficult as it can be make the time, you should make it your priority. Personal growth begins with a commitment to yourself that you want to live your life in the most uplifted and passionate manner as possible. And it all begins by asking yourself what does success mean to me? Success as we've come to know it in this day and age usually revolves around fancy cars, fat paychecks, a big house, happy family, and multiple degrees. These are stereotypes. Why do we try so hard to compare ourselves to society's unrealistic framework of success? Probably because we're programmed that way! We are exposed to the lifestyles of the rich and famous far too often, and in turn, internalize what success is based on what we see. Take a moment to consider what success means to you. What is it that you want to achieve in life? Setting goals for yourself is the first step to actually achieving them.

"When success is pursued as proof of your worthiness, you are giving your life and efforts over to the assessment of others...but when success is pursued as the alignment of your innermost values and your goals, it becomes the validation of your inner truth; you honor your authentic self." -Cherie Carter-Scott.