Success is different for everyone, and it’s important to define it for yourself rather than follow society’s definition. If you don’t set your own standard, you may chase achievements that don’t bring you real happiness.
For me, success is not just about financial wealth or recognition. It’s about financial freedom, happiness with my family, time freedom, making a positive impact on others, and having strong faith. Let me share why defining success in this way matters and how you can apply it to your own life.
1. Success is Internal, Not External
A lot of people measure success based on external achievements—titles, wealth, or social status. While these can be part of success, they shouldn’t be the only factors. True success is internal.
For me, success is about internal fulfillment—feeling happy, at peace, and satisfied with my life. No amount of money or business success will matter if I’m not happy and aligned with my values.
Ask yourself: What truly fulfills you? If you base success only on what the world tells you, you may end up achieving things that don’t make you happy.
2. Success Should Support Your Bigger Purpose
Your career and business should help you achieve the life you want. In my case, success in business is not just about profit. A successful business gives me the ability to make a bigger impact on others—whether through my work, influence, or opportunities I create.
If you are building a career or business, ask yourself: How does this contribute to my bigger vision? If your work drains you and doesn’t align with your goals, it may be time to rethink what success means for you.
3. Time Freedom is a Key Factor in Success
For me, success means having time freedom and the ability to work anywhere. It’s not just about working hard and earning money. I want the freedom to spend time with my family, travel, and experience life fully.
Many people think success means working long hours and sacrificing personal time. But I believe real success allows you to enjoy life while still achieving your goals.
Ask yourself: Does your definition of success give you more freedom, or does it trap you?
4. Family is the Core of Success
No amount of wealth or fame can replace quality time with family. For me, family is my priority. If I am financially successful but don’t have a good relationship with my loved ones, I wouldn’t consider myself truly successful.
Success should not come at the expense of the people who matter most. It’s important to balance career and family.
Ask yourself: Does your success bring you closer to your family, or does it take you away from them?
5. Success Involves Continuous Learning
I believe that success is not a final destination but a continuous journey. Personal growth and learning are part of success because they help you become a better version of yourself. Every time I learn something new, I feel more successful.
The more you grow, the more opportunities you create for yourself. If you stop learning, you stop progressing.
Ask yourself: Are you actively growing and improving yourself? If not, you may be limiting your own success.
6. Success Should Align with Your Dreams
One of my bucket list goals is to stay at least one night in each province of the Philippines. To me, this represents freedom, adventure, and the ability to create memories.
Your version of success should include things that excite you. Success isn’t just about work; it’s about living the life you truly want.
Ask yourself: What are your personal goals that define success for you? Don’t just focus on work—include experiences that bring you joy.
7. Success is Driven by Your Motivation
Lastly, you need to identify what drives you. My motivation is simple: my family. Everything I do—building my business, growing as a person, managing my time wisely—is for them.
Your motivation will push you through challenges. If you don’t have a strong “why,” it’s easy to give up when things get tough.
Ask yourself: What motivates you to pursue success? If your motivation is strong, nothing can stop you.
Success is personal. Define it on your own terms, not based on what society expects. For me, success means:
- Financial and time freedom
- Happiness and strong relationships with family
- Making a positive impact on others
- Continuous learning and growth
- Achieving personal dreams
Now, I challenge you: What does success mean to you? Once you define it, you can create a plan to achieve it. Don’t settle for someone else’s version—build your own path to success!
