How do you define success? For some it means having a high-earning, high-achieving, top status in society. Others may define it as having a balanced, happy, low-stress life. Success differs for everyone听and is defined in terms of our unique vision of fulfillment of our central values.
Knowing how you see success is key to understanding your values, goals, personal attributes and so much more. It鈥檚 one of the first questions you should ask yourself when you think about the future.
Career Services asked 抖阴旅行射 Boulder students, staff and faculty what success means to them. Which one do you resonate with most?
Success is accomplishing goals
By completing a predetermined task that I set out to accomplish, it shows me that I鈥檓 capable of achieving what I set my mind to do,听and potentially more. This knowledge and demonstration of my capabilities to achieve a desired goal is how I would define success for myself.鈥�
鈥揃enjamin, 抖阴旅行射 Boulder student
Success is happiness
You can make all of the money in the world and be miserable your whole life. I think if you can make a living doing something that is fulfilling to you, then you鈥檝e succeeded. It doesn鈥檛 have to be the same thing year after year either. Don鈥檛 dedicate your time or your life to something because someone told you to or because you think it will make you rich. Do it because you love it!鈥�
鈥揓esse, 抖阴旅行射 Boulder staff member
Success is making a difference
I feel most successful when I feel useful and that I鈥檓 making a positive impact on people and my community. I love feeling like I can share my experiences, skills and knowledge to help others and use my influence for the good of others.鈥�
鈥揕isa, 抖阴旅行射 Boulder staff member
Success is having a well-balanced life
Aside from doing work that I love, my health and well-being are so important for having a well-balanced life. If I鈥檓 not healthy or don鈥檛 feel my best, I鈥檓 not able to give my best to the work I鈥檓 doing or to relationships I have. Taking care of myself and making sure I鈥檓 filling my bucket first will allow me to impact others in a positive way.鈥�
鈥揝arah, 抖阴旅行射 Boulder student
As you consider what success looks like for you, know that Career Services is here to help. Career development advisors support students in discovering their strengths, skill, interests and values while helping them recognize and honor the values of others.
If you鈥檇 like to talk through any of these questions and explore different paths that align with your idea of success,听make an appointment or drop by our office. Our goal is to empower students and alumni to find a sense of purpose in the world and positively impact their communities.
