Very (very) few of us will ever be CEO or have more than three opportunities to walk by the C-Suite.- Nearly all of us will spend serious time budgeting during our retirement.
- None of us will become rock-and-roll or movie stars. (Just a reminder.)
- It’s a small percentage of us who will publish a book.
- At our retirement party, only a few of us will be brought to the front of the room to receive a plaque.
That’s why it’s so important to remember how you define success:
- What difference will you make for others? Customers? Colleagues? Humanity?
- What security will you create for your family?
- What is the idea that is bigger than you for which you will toil?
- Do you finish your day with peace of mind—or rationalizing behaviors you hope no one else noted?
Being recognized for your leadership is nice. And while popular culture uses the metric of personal achievement (fame!) as a measurement of worth, it is no such thing for the leaders most of us choose to follow.
Contributions to others is what fuels your day. The opportunity to make a difference is what mobilizes your heart and guides your actions.
Success is within your grasp—based upon how you define it.
