How do you measure success?

Yearning to be successful is common. Many with this desire look to others they regard as successful for inspiration, to use as an example and try to emulate.

But how do you determine who those people are, and what lessons do you take from people to improve your own chances of success?

Most will assess people’s success on the privileges they’ve earnt or their achievements. It’s natural to recognise accomplishments, as its these things that are easy to identify.

However, having a desire to emulate others is not enough.

Success can’t be achieved on aspiration alone. So, what’s the key ingredient?

In trying to emulate, it’s logical to focus on what others have done, and then attempt to replicate. Rather, the key component of being successful, is to focus on the things that need to be sacrificed.

Talk to those that have achieved any level of success, and their mind will immediately go to the sacrifices they’ve made along the way. Listen to anyone accepting recognition of success and they will speak of the sacrifices made and express gratitude to those that supported them along the way.

Many try to have it all. Because their focus is on the privileges earnt or achievements gained by others, the desire to achieve it all without sacrifice becomes the motivator. Ultimately, this leads to failure.

For those wanting to achieve success, it’s critical to identify the correct measures. First and foremost, rather than being motivated by the privileges earnt by others, use the sacrifices they’ve made for inspiration. Secondly, rather than wanting it all and being unwilling to forego, best focus on the things that need to be relinquished to achieve ones’ goals.

Ultimately, I can assure you, it won’t be the things earnt that you’ll use to measure success, but rather the sacrifices made.