"Success is subjective."

it's easy to get caught up in other people's metrics. Defining success on your own terms is crucial for fulfillment and sustainable growth.

In the high-stakes game of startups and business, we're constantly bombarded with images of success: the unicorn valuations, the rapid growth, and the cover stories in Forbes. But are these the only valid measures of success? What if your definition of success is different – perhaps it's about achieving a sustainable work-life balance, making a positive impact on your community, or simply building a business that allows you to pursue your passions?

In this article, we decided to challenge the conventional notion of success and argue that true success is subjective, deeply personal, and defined on your own terms. We'll explore why chasing someone else's definition can lead to burnout and dissatisfaction, and how aligning your business with your individual values and goals can create a more fulfilling and ultimately more successful journey. It is important to understand what you are working towards.

The Conventional Success Metrics: Are They Right for You?

Traditional business success is often measured by metrics like revenue, profit margins, market share, and company valuation. These are important indicators of financial performance, but they don't tell the whole story. They don't capture the nuances of individual aspirations, values, and priorities. For some entrepreneurs, building a billion-dollar company might be the ultimate dream. For others, success might mean creating a profitable lifestyle business that allows them to spend more time with family or pursue other interests. It's crucial to recognize that these are all valid definitions of success and that one is not inherently better than the other. The right metrics for you depend on your own values.

The Danger of Comparison: Running Someone Else's Race

In the age of social media, it's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others. We see curated highlights of other people's successes and often feel inadequate in comparison. But comparing your journey to someone else's is like comparing apples to oranges. You don't know their full story, their struggles, or their sacrifices. Focusing on external validation can lead to a constant feeling of "not enough" and distract you from pursuing what truly matters to you. Remember, you're running your own race, not someone else's. You are unique, and so are your goals.

Defining Your Own Success: A Personal Inventory

Defining your own version of success requires introspection and a deep understanding of your values, priorities, and goals. Ask yourself: What truly matters to you? What impact do you want to make? What does a fulfilling life look like to you? Consider your core values – what principles guide your decisions? Your definition of success might involve financial security, creative freedom, work-life balance, social impact, personal growth, or a combination of these and other factors. There's no right or wrong answer; the important thing is to be honest with yourself and define success on your own terms.

Setting Meaningful Goals: Aligning Your Actions with Your Vision

Once you have a clear understanding of what success means to you, you can start setting meaningful goals that align with your vision. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART), but they should also be deeply personal and reflective of your individual definition of success.

For example, if work-life balance is a priority, your goals might include setting boundaries on your work hours, delegating tasks effectively, and scheduling regular time for personal activities. If your priority is social impact, your goals might revolve around building a sustainable business model, partnering with ethical suppliers, or donating a portion of your profits to a cause you believe in.

The Power of Intrinsic Motivation: Fueling Your Drive from Within

When your goals are aligned with your personal definition of success, you tap into the power of intrinsic motivation. This means that you're driven not by external rewards or recognition but by a deep internal desire to achieve your goals because they are meaningful to you. Intrinsic motivation is a far more powerful and sustainable source of energy than extrinsic motivation. It fuels your passion, increases your resilience, and helps you persevere through challenges. When you're working towards something you truly believe in, the journey itself becomes more rewarding.

Redefining Failure: Learning and Growing Along the Way

When you define success on your own terms, it also changes your relationship with failure. Instead of viewing setbacks as catastrophic events that invalidate your worth, you see them as valuable learning opportunities. You're more likely to embrace the "Fail Fast, Learn Faster" mentality, knowing that each setback provides valuable feedback that can help you refine your approach and get closer to your goals. Failure becomes not an end, but a stepping stone on your unique path to success. This mindset shift can be incredibly empowering and liberating.

Celebrating Your Unique Journey: Recognizing Your Progress

It's important to acknowledge and celebrate your progress along the way, no matter how small. When you're pursuing your own definition of success, the milestones might look different from the traditional ones. Instead of focusing solely on revenue figures or company size, take time to appreciate the personal and professional growth you've experienced, the positive impact you've made, and the alignment between your work and your values. Recognize and celebrate the achievements that are meaningful to you, even if they don't fit the conventional mold.

Real-World Examples: Diverse Paths to Success

There are countless examples of individuals who have achieved success by defining it on their own terms:

• The Lifestyle Entrepreneur: Someone who prioritizes freedom and flexibility might build a successful online business that allows them to work from anywhere in the world and travel extensively.

• The Social Entrepreneur: An individual passionate about social change might launch a non-profit organization or a social enterprise that addresses a pressing social or environmental issue.

• The Artist Entrepreneur: A creative individual might define success as building a sustainable career doing what they love, even if it doesn't lead to mainstream fame or fortune.

• The Family-Focused Entrepreneur: A parent might choose to build a home-based business that allows them to be more present in their children's lives.

These examples demonstrate the diverse paths to success and the importance of aligning your work with your individual values and priorities.

Your Definition of Success is Dynamic, Not Static

It is important to remember that your definition of success is not set in stone. It can, and likely will, change as you grow and evolve. Life circumstances change, your priorities may shift and what matters to you at the start of your journey may not be as important later on. Embrace this evolution. Regularly revisit your definition of success, and make sure it continues to resonate with who you are and what you want to achieve. This is not a sign of wavering, but rather a sign of growth.

Societal Pressure and How to Overcome It

Society often imposes a narrow definition of success, one that typically revolves around wealth, status, and power. This can create immense pressure to conform, even if those goals do not align with your personal values. Recognizing and acknowledging this societal pressure is the first step to overcoming it. Remind yourself that you are not obligated to follow the herd. Seek out stories of people who have defined success differently. Build a network of like-minded individuals who support your unique vision. Remember, your journey is yours alone, and there is no shame in choosing a path less traveled.

Conclusion

In the competitive world of startups and businesses, you might be caught up in chasing external validation and common metrics of success. But true fulfillment comes from defining success on your own terms and aligning your work with your values and passions. By understanding that success is subjective, you can free yourself from the pressure of comparison and create a business that is both meaningful and rewarding.

Remember that your journey is unique, and your definition of success should be too. Embrace your individuality, set goals that inspire you, and celebrate your progress along the way. Ultimately, the most successful businesses are not just profitable; they are also a reflection of the values and aspirations of their founders. So, dare to define success on your own terms, and build a business that truly reflects who you are and what you believe in.

What does success mean to you? Let's inspire each other to build businesses that are both successful and fulfilling.