Living With Purpose: Measuring Success

By Carla Ezell

Being a success is often mistaken for being rich, beautiful, heavy laden with opportunities, meeting goals or other outward, results driven criteria. But I have found that success is not measured in physical accomplishments. It is best measured by inner growth. Success is a state of mind, not a state of being and definitely, not a bank statement. It is owning who you are, accepting yourself in every way and learning to love yourself even while you work on your growth points.

To that end, there are clear indicators by which we can define our level of success that have nothing to do with how many items we can mark off our To Do lists and Goal Calendars. While the definition of success is a positive result outcome, the measurement of it is not quite so black and white. If you are looking for tangible triumphs, perhaps you are looking for the wrong things. Success is an inside job that is reflected in outward results. Below are five measurements by which we can determine our level of success.

1. Happiness. Do you enjoy what you are doing in life? Do you wake up each day, ready for whatever is coming your way? Are you living a life you can be proud of? Happiness is not the same for everyone. It is personal. It is more than just a feeling. It’s a state of mind. If someone has billions of dollars, but can’t enjoy their riches because they are always worried, are they really successful?
   
   “To me, the definition of success is waking up in the morning with a smile on your face, knowing its going to be a great day”. Mark Cuban (owner of Dallas Mavericks, Chairman Axis TV)
   
   
2. Relationships. Having a positive support network of likeminded friends that encourage you to keep going when things challenge you is a very real measurement of success. Are your friends movers and shakers? Are they ride or die for you? Do they have optimistic views and positive attitudes and encourage the same in you when you are struggling over a hurdle? Can you be accountable to them when striving toward your goals? These types of relationships are priceless because they will push you beyond your current situation toward triumphs again and again.
   
   As the saying goes, “Pick your friends wisely because you’re stuck with family”. (unknown)
   
   
3. Personal Growth. When you reach a level of personal satisfaction, it doesn’t matter what other people think anymore. Somehow, others’ opinions of you take a back seat to the self confidence you develop as you check off accomplishments on your goals list. Successful people have a healthy dose of self confidence and their self esteem isn’t threatened by their circumstances. 
   
   
4. Determination and Resilience. Life can be challenging. It can push you beyond your comfort zone and really “stick it to you” sometimes. Things don’t always work out according to plans either, no matter how amazing the plan you laid out could have been. How you handle those struggles is what really matters the most. Having an insane work ethic despite setbacks and pushing through your doubts to achieve your goals when others would have given up long ago is a huge indication of a successful person.
   
   “Success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration”. Thomas Edison
   
   
5. Legacy. What you leave behind will tell the world how successful you were in life. Are you changing people’s lives for the better? Are you leaving an impact on society that will remain long after you are gone? How do you treat the people who can do nothing to repay you? These are all indications  of how successful a person is in life.
   
   “For Barak, success isn’t about how much money you make. It’s about the difference you make in people’s lives.” Michelle Obama

Bringing it all together: measuring success is an inside job. It's personal and different for everyone. It is not so much goal oriented as it is health oriented. 

​“Success is liking yourself, liking what you’re doing and liking how you do it”. Maya Angelou

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Carla is a performer, playwrite, director, blogger and entrepreneur from Burlington County, New Jersey. She joined The Bridge PHL's team in 2017, and works behind the scenes in everything from web design to photography to social media management. Her background in Psychology, Social Sciences and nearly two decades experience in Business Administration, Christian Ministries, and Worship Arts, gives Carla a unique perspective that helps further The Bridge PHL's mission and opens dialogues on self-love, women's empowerment, racial equality and the power of black girl magic. Check out her blog and the entire Living With Purpose series here.

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