The Importance of Measuring Success Through Personal Happiness
Hello Igniters!
First, I’d like to wish my fellow Canadians a Happy Canada Day! To my friends in the USA Happy 4th of July! As you celebrate with friends and family, I trust the BBQs will be getting a workout and your coolers are well stocked!
This edition of the Insight Igniter is inspired by and being written on the shores of Lake Huron in Southampton, Ontario where my family and I have retreated on vacation. Being here has a very calming influence, the sound of waves replaces the street noise of the city, time seems to stand still rather than moving by in the blink of an eye – I am happy.
The Insight Igniter coaching question for July 1st, 2024:
“How will you measure success?”
This question invites us to reflect on our definitions of success and the metrics we use to evaluate our progress across various domains of life. In this issue, I have chosen to focus specifically on how success relates to personal happiness. By understanding and defining what happiness means to us, we can align our goals and actions to lead more fulfilling lives.
Success is often quantified through external achievements like career milestones, financial wealth, and social status. While these can contribute to our sense of accomplishment, they don’t always guarantee personal happiness. True success and satisfaction with life is deeply intertwined with our well-being, relationships, and personal fulfillment.
Well-Being
Your overall wellbeing is the cornerstone of personal happiness. I invite you to pause, reflect and assess your current physical, emotional and mental states. How are they influencing your success? What “KPIs” are you using to evaluate your current state? Does one need more care than the others? When these aspects are nurtured, they collectively contribute to a heightened state of success and happiness.
Relationships
Maintaining strong social connections provides you with emotional support and a sense of belonging – both which are essential for happiness. Relationships give meaning and purpose to our lives by making us feel valued and appreciated. In my consulting career, Thursday night was team dinner night – lifelong friendships were forged in fine dining establishments like Texas Roadhouse in Longview Texas and Cunninghams Café in Towson Maryland. Relationships often open doors to new opportunities and experiences that can lead to personal and professional success. This sense of belonging enhances our self-esteem and happiness as we feel connected and significant within our social circles.
Personal Fulfillment
Providing a deep sense of purpose, achievement and alignment with one’s values contributes to a deeper and more enduring sense of success and happiness. How are you setting and achieving your personal and professional goals? As you advance your career, master a new skill or contribute to your community, these achievements boost self-esteem and confidence. This ongoing sense of progress and self-improvement is a powerful source of success and happiness as you make a positive impact and realize their potential.
Whether in business or personal endeavors, understanding how we measure success can significantly impact our strategies, motivations, outcomes and ultimately our overall happiness. How you choose to measure success and happiness is a deeply personal and subjective endeavor. As you consider your current well-being, relationships and personal fulfillment I encourage you to solidify your measures for success. By thoughtfully considering how you measure success, you can align your actions with your true aspirations leading to more meaningful achievements, happiness and a more fulling and balanced life.
Until next issue.
Best,
Stefan