Stop.

Take 30 seconds and state your definition of success—out loud.

Don’t think, just let your natural definition flow then continue the statement with how you measure success.

Have you ever taken the time to determine your personal definition of success? Ironically enough, few of us have devoted the time to personally define the single thing which we design our lives around. Now, many of you consider yourself more focused on happiness than success. It is my belief, when defined correctly, happiness and success are one and the same.

After years of climbing the corporate ladder, running the rat race, going somewhere and reaching for the stars, I asked myself this simple question…how do I define success? For me, the Tripod of Success is simply purpose, wealth and legacy.

PURPOSE:

Living a life of purpose is what makes you successful, not money or fame.

WEALTH:

Success is earning enough money to make money not an issue. This does not mean being rich. It does not have an amount associated with it as successful people do live in all income brackets. As Warren Buffet reminds us, it is to Live below your means. Then, have a little left over to enjoy life. The goal of your work should not be merely to earn a living, but to make a life.

LEGACY:

The most vital aspect of success is the Legacy you leave behind. If your children have a better life, however you personally define that, then you lived a life with successful legacy. This aspect extends beyond the nuclear family. As a leader, remember that your success is found in those you mentor.

With these three simple words in mind, we can develop our road to success by remembering the 10 daily questions that create success detailed by Inc’s Geoffrey James :

1. Have I made certain that those I love feel loved?
2. Have I done something today that improved the world?
3. Have I conditioned my body to be more strong flexible and resilient?
4. Have I reviewed and honed my plans for the future?
5. Have I acted in private with the same integrity I exhibit in public?
6. Have I avoided unkind words and deeds?
7. Have I accomplished something worthwhile?
8. Have I helped someone less fortunate?
9. Have I collected some wonderful memories?
10. Have I felt grateful for the incredible gift of being alive?

Are you on a path to success in your career, your leadership, and your life? In order to be successful in life, you must first define what is most important to you then pave a path to achieve your goals.

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Chris R Stricklin

Senior Curator at General Leadership

Chris R. Stricklin is a leader, mentor and coach integrating the fields of negotiations, leadership skills, public relations, public speaking and complex organizational change. His unique experience as a U.S.A.F. Thunderbird coupled with Pentagon-level management of critical Air Force resources valued at $840B, multiple N.A.T.O. assignments and command-experience in the United States Air Force allow his unique synthesis of speaking, leading, management, negotiations and continuous improvement. Chris is also a Certified Manager with degrees in Economics, Financial Planning, Strategic Studies and Operational Art and Science. He authored a negotiation primer which was subsequently published and adopted as required Air Force Pentagon new action officer orientation. He and his wife, Terri, have 4 children.