Success is something most people chase, yet many fail to grasp its true meaning. The standard for success has often been painted as financial wealth, fame, or accolades.

However, this traditional view is not only limiting but also incomplete. To truly succeed, we need to challenge conventional thinking and redefine the standard for success.

In this article, we will explore what real success looks like in today’s world and why it’s essential to change your mindset. By doing so, you can unlock opportunities, build meaningful goals, and experience a more fulfilling life.

This is not just about achieving career milestones but also about personal growth and well-being. The urgency to redefine your standard for success is critical if you want to thrive in an increasingly complex and competitive world.

The Myth of Conventional Success

The conventional standard of success usually revolves around external markers: a high-paying job, a large house, luxury items, and public recognition. This narrative has been pushed by societal norms and reinforced by social media, where everyone is posting about their achievements.

However, these external measures of success often fail to deliver long-term fulfillment. According to a study by Harvard Business Review, many high-achievers suffer from burnout, anxiety, and dissatisfaction, even when they’ve “made it” by society’s standards.

Why is this? It’s because the conventional view of success focuses on the what instead of the why. People chase money and status without asking themselves whether these things align with their core values. Success, in the real sense, should be more holistic and personal, incorporating factors like well-being, personal development, and relationships.

A New Standard for Success: Aligning Purpose with Achievement

The first step in redefining success is to align it with your purpose. Success isn’t just about what you achieve, but why you want to achieve it. In other words, your accomplishments should be tied to a meaningful purpose that reflects your values.

To illustrate this, consider the case of Warren Buffett, one of the most successful investors in the world. His financial wealth is not the only marker of his success. Buffett has always stressed that success is about living life on your terms and finding happiness in what you do.

Despite his wealth, he lives in a modest home and enjoys simple pleasures like playing bridge. This goes to show that personal satisfaction is an essential component of success, and it is often disconnected from material achievements.

Your standard for success must be connected to the quality of life you desire. If your success only leads to stress and burnout, is it really success?

Personal Growth as a Key Indicator of Success

Another critical aspect of the standard for success is personal growth. Success should be seen as an ongoing journey rather than a final destination. People often focus on a single end goal and think they’ll be happy once they achieve it. But true success lies in continuous self-improvement.

Psychologist Carol Dweck, known for her work on mindset theory, talks about the difference between a fixed mindset and a growth mindset. People with a fixed mindset believe that their abilities and intelligence are static, while those with a growth mindset believe that they can continuously improve and evolve. The latter group sees challenges as opportunities to grow and embraces failure as a learning experience.

By adopting a growth mindset, you shift the standard for success from a fixed point (a title, a salary, a specific achievement) to a dynamic process. When success is tied to personal development, you are more likely to find fulfillment because every step becomes an accomplishment.

Balancing Professional Success and Personal Well-Being

Another critical element in redefining success is understanding the balance between work and personal well-being. The societal pressure to “hustle” and work constantly can make you believe that burnout is a sign of hard work and dedication. However, research shows the opposite.

A study by Gallup reveals that companies with more work-life balance policies reported a 23% higher likelihood of increased productivity and profitability. Individuals who take care of their mental and physical health tend to perform better and sustain their success longer. This isn’t just about avoiding burnout; it’s about ensuring that you’re making progress in a way that’s sustainable and enriching.

Take, for example, Arianna Huffington, the co-founder of The Huffington Post. After collapsing from exhaustion in 2007, she reassessed her priorities and founded Thrive Global, a company focused on improving well-being and performance. Huffington’s shift from conventional success to a model that balances achievement with self-care illustrates how crucial it is to factor in your well-being as part of your success journey.

Success Is Not a Competition

In today’s hyper-competitive world, it’s easy to view success as a zero-sum game. Many people believe that for them to win, others must lose. But this approach limits your potential. Success, in its most powerful form, is about collaboration, not competition.

Think of the tech industry. Silicon Valley giants like Apple and Google don’t just view success in terms of outperforming competitors. They are continually collaborating with others to drive innovation and move industries forward. By shifting from competition to collaboration, you open up opportunities that would otherwise remain closed.

The same principle applies to personal success. Instead of competing with others in your circle or industry, focus on how you can grow and contribute positively to your community. This leads to a more sustainable and enriching form of success.

The Emotional and Psychological Dimension of Success

Success is not purely logical—it’s deeply emotional and psychological. You need to feel successful to be successful. Studies have shown that emotional well-being and feelings of contentment are strongly linked to an individual’s perception of success. One interesting insight is the concept of intrinsic motivation—the idea that people are more motivated by internal satisfaction rather than external rewards.

Consider the work of Daniel Pink, who wrote extensively on motivation. According to Pink, the three main drivers of intrinsic motivation are autonomy, mastery, and purpose. People are more likely to be satisfied and feel successful when they have control over their work (autonomy), are continually improving (mastery), and find meaning in what they do (purpose).

These factors play a massive role in how individuals define their success and determine whether they are truly fulfilled.

Redefining Success in a Cultural Context

Different cultures have varying definitions of success. For example, in many Western cultures, success is tied to individualism—accomplishing personal goals and accumulating wealth. In contrast, in Eastern cultures like Japan, success is often measured by social harmony and contributing to the collective good.

This cultural difference highlights how the definition of success can evolve depending on societal values. In today’s interconnected world, there’s an opportunity to blend these ideas to create a more balanced view.

The Western focus on personal achievement can be enriched by the Eastern emphasis on collective well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and comprehensive standard of success.

How to Redefine Your Own Standard for Success

If you’re ready to shift your thinking about success, here are practical steps you can take:

1. Clarify Your Purpose: Spend time reflecting on what truly matters to you. This could involve journaling, meditation, or talking with a mentor or coach.
2. Set Meaningful Goals: Once you know your purpose, set goals that are aligned with your values and passions. Avoid setting goals based purely on external validation.
3. Prioritize Growth Over Outcomes: Focus on the journey of self-improvement rather than only on the end result. Celebrate your progress at every step.
4. Balance Your Life: Don’t let your career consume your personal life. Prioritize time for hobbies, relationships, and self-care. Remember that success is about the quality of life, not just achievements.
5. Redefine Success on Your Terms: Don’t compare your success to others. Success is personal and subjective; what matters is that your definition aligns with your values.

Call to Action: The Time to Redefine Success Is Now

It’s time to take control of your narrative. Redefining your standard for success will not only make you happier but also more effective in achieving your goals.

Break free from societal expectations and embrace a new, more fulfilling standard for success that aligns with your values, personal growth, and well-being.

Are you ready to unlock your true potential? Start now by reflecting on what success means to you. Share your journey with others and contribute to a broader cultural shift in how we define and achieve success.