The Art of Success: Defining What Truly Matters to You

The start of a new year often comes with some reflection, what have we achieved, are we going where we want to go, are we focusing on what really is important to us? Family travel and creating lasting memories is one of my priorities.

When running a small business, it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day operations, financial pressures, and competition. However, one of the most important steps for any business owner (or anyone really) is to have a clear understanding of what success looks like. It might mean financial profitability, flexibility, work-life balance, or making an impact on the community. The key is figuring out what success means for you and ensuring that your business reflects that vision.

In this blog, I’ll share some tips on how to define that vision and how to keep on track.

Why Knowing What Success Looks Like Matters

1. Provides Clarity and Focus

Having a clear definition of success helps you stay focused on what truly matters. Without this clarity, it’s easy to get sidetracked by non-essential tasks or to chase short-term goals that don’t align with your broader vision.

2. Guides Strategic Planning

When you have a defined idea of success, you can map out the steps needed to achieve it. Whatever it may be, your business plan and strategy should be built around that vision.

3. Ensures Long-Term Sustainability

Without a clear idea of what you’re working toward, you risk burnout or steering your business in a direction that doesn’t satisfy you personally or professionally. Defining success ensures that your business grows in a way that remains sustainable for you as an owner.

5 Questions to Ask Yourself to Start Understanding what Success Looks Like for You

Figuring out what success looks like for you means taking a good, honest look at yourself. It’s about digging into your values, what drives you, and what kind of future you want, not just for your business but for your life too. Make sure to write them down.

1. What Are My Personal and Business Values?

   • Think about the core values that guide both your personal life and your business. Do you prioritise work-life balance, innovation, social impact, or financial freedom? These values will shape what success looks like for you.

2. What Motivates Me?

   • Are you driven by financial growth, creative expression, making a difference in the community, or providing stability for your family? Understanding your motivators will help you define the goals that feel meaningful to you.

3. What Does My Ideal Business Look Like?

   • Visualise the business you want to run in 5, 10, or 20 years. Are you employing a large team, working remotely, or expanding?

4. What Role Do I Want to Play in My Business?

   • Do you see yourself actively involved in every aspect, or would you prefer to delegate and step back?

5. What Kind of Lifestyle Do I Want My Business to Support?

   • Success often goes beyond business metrics. Consider how your business supports your ideal lifestyle, whether that’s financial security, freedom to travel, or time with family.

   
   

Understanding and prioritising your values and motivations is key. Rating them according to importance will give you more clarity and help you identify what you're willing to compromise on, and what’s non-negotiable.

Tips on How to Get Where You Want to Be

1. Set Clear, Measurable Goals

Once you’ve reflected on what success looks like, set specific goals that align with that vision. For example:

• Financial Goals: Revenue targets, profit margins, or debt repayment.

• Personal Goals: Work-life balance, flexible hours, or the ability to take vacations.

• Community or Impact Goals: Social or environmental initiatives your business supports.

Clear, measurable goals allow you to track your progress and stay focused on the outcomes that matter most.

2. Break Down Success into Milestones

Rather than aiming for one big outcome, break your vision of success into smaller, achievable milestones. This makes it easier to track progress and stay motivated. For example:

• Year 1: Break even financially and establish a loyal customer base.

• Year 3: Expand your product range or services and increase profit margins.

• Year 5: Open a second location, or build a team to manage daily operations.

Each milestone represents a step toward your broader vision of success.

3. Ensure Alignment Between Personal and Business Goals

It’s important to remember that your personal goals and business goals go hand in hand. If having flexibility in your life is a priority, try to set up your business to make that possible. When your personal and business goals don’t match up, it can lead to stress and burnout.

Success is something very personal and something which can change over time. Defining and reviewing what it looks like for you is critical to building a business and life that truly aligns with your goals and values.

I can usually feel it in my gut when something isn’t quite right. But as an achiever and a doer, I often push that nagging feeling aside to focus on getting the job done. I can ignore it for a while, but deep down, I know it’s only a matter of time before I have to deal with it. And every time I finally take the time to address it, I’m left wondering why I didn’t do it sooner. I promise you, taking that time out to reflect is worth it.

Struggling to define what success looks like for you or your business? Let’s work together to uncover your vision and create a path that aligns with your goals and values. Whether you're just starting out or looking to reassess, I can guide you in setting a clear, achievable direction. Contact me today to start defining your success—your future self will thank you!