Determine your priorities — Make a list of your priorities because it keeps it real and productive.
Have you ever noticed how often we equate success with more? Whether that’s more products, more profits, more activities or more accomplishments, we buy into the belief that we have to do more to have more to be more. And that will sum up to success. And then along comes The Great Resignation. Where employees are signaling that the “more” that’s being offered — even more pay, more perks, and more PTO — isn’t summing up to success for them. We visited with leaders who are redefining what success means now. Their answers might surprise you.
As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Bonnie Frankel.
When Bonnie Frankel changed her life’s’ direction late in life, she knew that life as she experienced it would never be the same or would the same definition of success describe her. She unencumbered herself to explore with the tinge of escapade as she redefined success. Bonnie Frankel did it her way.
Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?
There were two heartfelt life experiences that had an impact that shaped my life. The first came unexpectedly when I was diagnosed with breast cancer at a young age. My life was at stake and the process had a profound effect on not only surviving as well as the way I was living my life. It compelled me to reevaluate and to search what was my true calling in life. It also began the process of decluttering and simplifying my life. The next brouhaha came when I attempted suicide. This act of failure gave me the privilege of a second chance to get on the road to my life’s path by reentering the educational system to discover my calling. This lured me to become an activist and an exercise guru. My emotional, mental, and physical immune system became healthier than ever before which greatly affected my life in many positive ways.
We all have myths and misconceptions about success. What are some myths or misconceptions that you used to believe?
I was raised to believe that the more wealth and fame one has defines your success in life. Hang out with highly successful people, and they will give you a helping hand to attain success. It was repeatedly suggested to marry a professional man because it would guarantee that I would have financial wealth and security. Oh yes, and marry into a wealthy family because that gave you more of an edge that you would even have more financial success. If you had a college degree, it would guarantee that you would obtain a paramount job. A woman’s role was to be a housewife and mother, not a good wage earner. Don’t take a risk, because its best to go by the book.
How has your definition of success changed?
I live and fly by the seat of my pants which makes me more flexible whereas before I was more involved with forethought. Adopting this form of lifestyle, nudges me to notice how the universe seduces my senses to partake in and make decisions as I go along. It orients my mind to be in the present moment, not wondering what uncertainty brings with what the future holds. This has changed my interpretation of what success means to me today. I am not thinking about choices or obstacles that might come up and interrupt my path. I will accommodate them when they arise. When I used to plan ahead, it never worked out for me. Security is a myth, and knowing that living in the present moment is the only time I have.
The pandemic, in many ways, was a time of collective self-reflection. What changes do you believe we need to make as a society to access success post pandemic?
People of all faces need to come together to help and honor one another. It re-enforces how interdependent we are. We all share the same hopes, sorrows, and potential successes as we cultivate peace of mind by developing calmness and sagaciousness to manage through these uncertain times. By doing this it will strengthen our souls. Loneliness takes a huge toll on our society, politically, as well as physically. For us to preserve our health, wealth, and also our democracy we need to improve and take a long hard look at the social and economic systems that underlie how we live, work, and play. We need to stop the overabundance that the haves have compared to the have nots. We need to balance the scales.
What do you see as the unexpected positives in the pandemic? We would love to hear a few of your stories or examples.
People well be of service to one another which will encourage them to get closer to one another. The theory of less is more will be more prevalent. During the pandemic and even now due to inflation, the possibility of a recession, and the shortage of supplies are still in effect, people are able to do with less. Most of us are cleaning out our closets and cupboards giving away what they don’t need to give to others in need. Many more will be concerned with building their physical, emotional, and immune system to stay a healthy fit. This will innately initiate a healthier diet in your life and to stay disease free.
We’re all looking for answers about how to be successful now. Could you please share “5 Ways To Redefine Success Now?”
1) Have faith in yourself — when you believe in yourself, you are unstoppable.
2) Simplify your life — Get rid of the clutter so that your values become crystal clear.
3) Healthy fitness — A healthy emotional, mental, and physical immune system enlightens your world.
4) Take a risk — You never know where this may take you, as you build faith in yourself.
5) Determine your priorities — Make a list of your priorities because it keeps it real and productive.
How would our lives improve if we changed our definition of success?
You would be in alignment with the vision the universe had in mind for you because you will define success by your own standards not others. You will make decisions that support your unique vision. To help you accomplish this, I recommend you create a plan and document it in a journal. It validates the way you see the things you are doing and are working on instead of seeing the negative feelings of what you aren’t succeeding at.
What’s the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our redefined success? And what advice would you offer about overcoming those obstacles?
Make your goal a priority accompanied with a long -time plan. We need the support of others to help nurture us to be able to accomplish goals. It’s important to set short term goals so that they are achievable. This way we can accomplish the long- term plan because it doesn’t overwhelm us. Baby steps.
Where do you go to look for inspiration and information about how to redefine success?
I let the universe show me a pattern of the various paths I can take. Listening to my dear friend supports to guide me to what is simply important. When I run outside with nature, it gives me a clarity of how blessed I am for my simple achievements. When I do a water workout, it clears my mind and allows me to feel and see things that make me feel successful. My journaling reinforces my successes.
We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she or they might just see this if we tag them.
John Maxwell
How can our readers further follow your work online?
bonniefrankel.com
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success and good health.