What is
SUCCESS? Inspired by the recent Women in Business seminar at The Colony, we ask how we should define success and, equally, why failure is good
C
reating a formula for success is a million-pound industry. Everywhere you turn there are tips and strategies, life hacks and guarantees. Easy. Or so you would think. As unique individuals, though, our definitions of success are specific and, in turn, also unique. For some, it is winning the battle with those extra pounds, for others it is about getting that promotion or mastering that work-life balance conundrum. Each time, though, it is inextricably linked to your happiness, is it not? Self-professed people junkie and life coach Melissa Porter regularly writes and speaks about your uniqueness and how that is the key to your success. Sharing her story over a glass of prosecco, she openly speaks of life, love and loss. Her advice is in your personal journey, your personal goals and your personal happiness. A few months ago she wrote: “Scroll through the latest social media craze on Instagram and Facebook, and it’s a visual candy store of what we perceive as ‘successful and inspirational’ types, all showcasing their newly toned bodies and get-rich schemes. This can be demotivating. You might be asking yourself the question, how can so many of these people
pictured have their ducks in a row when you’re unable to? How come they have the answers to feeling inspired and happy, and you don’t? “Comparison aids depression. There’s a bazillion differences between you and the entire world population, so comparing yourself on one aspect – your body or the amount of money in your bank – is plain dumb. It’s not a fair comparison. Stop. Instead, choose to focus on you. Dig deep and unearth all negative, limiting self-talk that goes on within, about yourself and others. Jealousy, judgement, blaming and self-loathing are not inspirational. “These days I consider myself an inspirational success when I sit through the most boring of meetings without insulting
“Those who are truly successful are the ones who live feeling fulfilled and full of energy”
68