Success

Over the past few years, it became apparent that my definition of success was incomplete. I’d become overly fixated on professional prestige and neglected to consider and measure other life domains. Without a more balanced view, I had tunnel vision on rank and position. Now, as I continue to explore what success means, I am expanding the domains I consider to gain a more holistic perspective.

Before, my idea of success was attaining the highest possible rank and most prestigious position. The primary motivation to achieve this version of success was my own ego. Sure, I wanted to make a difference by commanding at high levels. Still, my drive was fueled by a need for personal achievement and recognition. My family was a consideration, but I’d conditioned myself to intuitively chose family sacrifices. The rest of my life domains weren’t even a consideration. My personal health was simply a means to an end. I ignored the signals my body provided to maintain the “fitness” success in my career demanded. In the winter of 2019/2020, I began to rethink my life and my definition of success.

I now have a broader and more balanced view of what success means to me. Even in the twilight of my career, my profession as an Army Officer is still essential to how I view success. However, after much reflection, my professional legacy has become more important than rank and position. Legacy is the part of you that stays with an organization long after you depart. For me, legacy is about the positive impact I make on others, affecting who they are and how they lead. This measure of success is far more nuanced than just considering personal accomplishments.

Additionally, I’ve expanded my consideration of “everything else” when considering success, particularly regarding my family and my health. Achieving success in these domains means consistently aligning decisions and day-to-day activities toward more balanced life goals and objectives.

How you view success impacts how you view the world and shapes your actions and outlook. Success is not a static view. When I was displeased with my life’s trajectory a few years ago, I made a major course correction and adjusted my definition of success. Now, this definition continues to evolve as things like community emerge as important facets of my life. Finally, a definition of success is wholly individual. Only you can define what it means to succeed in your life. Take the time to consider your definition of success, today and iteratively in the future.