3 Ways To Measure Your Success

"Success is a journey rather than a destination."

- John C. Maxwell

When I was in High School I played varsity soccer as a striker. During one of our tournament games our team fell apart making mistake after mistake and not working together to win the game. Some of my teammates yelled harshly at each other because they weren’t passing the ball and one of my teammates said he didn’t want to play with us anymore. Despite our issues, we ended up winning the game 3-2 and advanced to the semi-finals.

As I began to take ownership of my professional development a few years ago, my mindset changed about what it meant to be successful. Do you only achieve success through winning? What if you won a game but played terribly?

I stumbled upon a book about leadership in the bookstore on my way to Texas a few years ago and I fell in love with the author’s words. John C. Maxwell changed my perception about success, leadership and other aspects of life. I learned from him that success is not a destination, but more of a journey and there are three key factors that will define your success.

Success is…knowing your purpose in life

We were all created for a purpose in this life. Knowing your purpose is not only self-fulfilling but it’s the answer to ‘why are we here.’ According to Maxwell, there are four questions that will help you get closer to an answer:

• For what am I searching?
• Why was I created?
• Do I believe in my potential?
• When do I start?

Success is…growing to reach your maximum potential

If you agree with Maxwell that success is more of a journey instead of a destination, then you can see why growth is a huge part of success. Many times we might feel like we’re growing professionally but that there is no end result to get to. This is actually a good thing! When we stop learning, we stop growing. As Maxwell would say, “our potential is probably our greatest untapped resource.”

Success is…sowing seeds that benefit others

Success isn’t accidental and most successful people never became successful by themselves. Success typically comes with help from others. As Maxwell, plainly puts it, “It’s been said that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Don’t forget those that have helped you on your path to success and don’t hesitate to lend a hand to others in need.

Playing soccer in my younger years made me believe that winning was everything and only through victories would I be able to achieve success. Now, I have learned that success is not a trophy or a medal. Success is more than that. Enjoy the ride. 

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