Defining Success
by Leslie Fieger
If you do not have a clear definition of what success means to you, how will you know if you have
achieved it?
If your definition of success is some inherited, vague and undefined idea, your results, at best, will be
vague and undefined. Your fulfillment and happiness will be as illusive as the distinctness of your
definition.
The super successful all have a clearly defined idea of what success is. It is more than likely written
down. It certainly has been the result of some very careful thought combined with some very
passionate desire.
The creation of success begins with having definite, unambiguous and distinct ideals, and having an
intense longing for their fulfillment.
Stop right now and take the time and effort to write down a definition of success. Then study it
carefully. Is it reflective of who you are and what you truly want? Does it inspire passion? If not, work
at it until you are prepared to commit your life, your time, your effort to without ceasing.
Forget the expectations of others. Forego the cultural bias you have assumed. Make it yours. Unique!
Special!
Make it complete enough to include all aspects of self… material, physical, mental, emotional and
spiritual.
I once saw an interview with Donald Trump, in which he claimed to have figured out what success is
and how to go about getting it. He said, "I could start over anytime and become successful in almost
any business."
I believe him. The interviewer then asked about his two failed marriages. He laughed and said, "Well, I
guess I have not figured out how to create a successful marriage yet."
He knows success. He has proven that. His original, personal definition of success, however, did not
include either the ideal of a life-long relationship or a commitment to it. Perhaps it does not need to.
Maybe his idea of relationship success is a series of exciting short-term relationships. That is his
business and it is not our place to decide the worth of his choices.
There are plenty of examples of people who, late in life, wake up to the fact that they have lived their
lives in pursuit of something that, in the end, had not as much value as the things they sacrificed to get
there.
The point is, if you are not inclusive in your definition, you will find success in one area of your life,
perhaps at the sacrifice of some other area. Make your personal definition of success as complete and
comprehensive as you can. It will evolve over time and you will adjust it as you go along.
Write it down and read it regularly. Remind yourself why you are doing what you are doing.
Next, write down your ideals in each aforementioned area of your life. Refine them. Make sure they are
yours, not your parents, your teachers or your peers. Ensure that they are in alignment with your
specified definition of success.

Congratulations! Your life now has purpose and meaning. That is a big step. Most people do not know
the purpose and meaning of their life. Look around you and see the truth of that. People vainly attempt
to find meaning and purpose in shopping malls, in prestige offices, in churches or in procreation rather
than in the creation of a purpose and a game plan for their life.
The next step is to decide upon specific goals or milestones on your pathway. Create a roadmap to your
destination. Sure, there will be detours; but, without a roadmap to follow, you could end up like Chris
Columbus…in the Caribbean thinking you have arrived in China or India.
Success is more than the merely material.
Living a successful life is also about maximizing one's potential and leaving a legacy.
In getting to know what you truly want or passionately desire, you get to know yourself.
In getting to know what you are willing to do, the price you are willing to pay, to achieve success, you
get to know yourself.
In getting to know what you are dedicated to becoming, you get to know who you already are.
Click below to find out more about...
Leslie Fieger, The DELFIN Trilogy and The DELFIN Empowerment Platform