Defining Success

Imagine it is your 85th birthday party. Look around. Who is all there?

Now look closer. There are pictures along the wall from various highlights in your life. What do you see?

Finally, you sit down as various family, friends, and community members offer toasts. They talk about your accomplishments. They offer kind words about the way you have carried yourself over the years. They express thanks for the things you have done on their behalf. They celebrate a life well-lived. What do you hear?

The people, the places, the stories from your 85th birthday party: this imagery reflects your definition of a successful life. You may have seen career accomplishments, community contributions, recreational experiences, meaningful relationships, educational attainments, earned respect, some combination thereof...

This exercise is part of the important first step of goal setting: reflecting on your vision of success. Now it is your responsibility to create this success through thoughtful goal setting and determined effort.