During times like these, it’s all too easy to think we’ve fallen behind. With our vision boards and carefully drafted business plans hanging above our desks, we may feel that, despite our best efforts, we are far from where we ought to be right now.
We didn’t get to attend that conference we’d been looking forward to. We didn’t meet our sales numbers that we projected. We didn’t get to clock in as many hours as we did around the same time last year.
With our first quarter of the year already crossed off our calendars and behind us, we can’t help but wonder if we’ll ever be able to catch up. What’s more, basing our sense of success on these external measures can be stressful, as well as discouraging.
It’s hard to persevere and stay optimistic in our new normal. And that’s why today, I wanted to share who and what encourages and motivates me, in hopes that you too will find reassurance and confidence in it.
What And Who Inspires Me
The thought that picks me up during times such as these, is that success is more than all that is measurable.
“To live the lives we truly want and deserve, we need a third measure of success that goes beyond money and power.”
Sound familiar? It should! This is a quote by Arianna Huffington, shared when her book Thrive was first published 5 years ago – the very foundation of Thrive Global.
In her powerful message that inspired my children’s book I Wish You Success, the third measure of success consists of four pillars, namely
- Well-Being
- Wisdom
- Wonder
- Giving
Unlike money and power, these four pillars of the third metric are mostly internal measures of success. And right now, what could be more relevant and fitting?
But Why Redefine Success From The Inside Out?
Shifting the way we measure success cannot only save us from feeling disappointment and resentment because of times such as these. Making this shift can actually help us feel fulfilled, grateful, and accomplished, despite such times.
- Maybe you’ve started taking an online yoga class and have improved your poses…
- Maybe you’ve started a gratitude journal, jotting down (and thereby acknowledging) what you’re thankful for each day…
- Maybe you’ve finally had the time to sit down and play some board games with your kids…
- Maybe you’ve filled your heart by helping your elder neighbors by going to the grocery store for them…
By focusing on internal measures of success, we begin to slowly remember what truly matters most in our lives.
Whatever it may be, if it fills your heart or someone else’s – acknowledge, recognize, and celebrate it as a success; every single one of them.
With time having slowed down all around us, we no longer need to feel the need to catch up. We, again, can allow ourselves to do everything at just the right speed.
So when disappointment and a sense of failure creep in, I remember Arianna Huffington’s work and try to remind myself what true success is all about.