Defining success: What are you working towards?

It saddens me to see the unhappiness some experience in their jobs, yet I understand that the current job market does not provide a lenient head space for us to just go around and play.

This does not mean there is absolutely no opportunity for change. I speak to many clients, whether they are an experienced accountant or an aspiring musician, who often struggle with motivation and lack of direction. Getting up and feeling particularly heavy for work is a call to action, Warning signs, fortunately, come early, and regardless of where you are in your career life it is important that you keep track of your own satisfaction levels in your job. Not everyone notices them immediately. I've met friends who have been so caught up in getting professional recognition, as well as growing their financial status, that they woke up one day and realised that they hate their life. This call to action does not in any way refer to resigning, but rather serves as a calling to act on defining where your own motivation comes from.

What are you working towards?

This is an important key question you need to figure out: What are you working towards?

Why is this so important? Understanding yourself and what makes you happy in your career will determine the choices you make in the development of your professional life, and whether you can define what you actually want from an employer in order to work towards achieving the things that you find contribute the most to your personal happiness. Many of us think that a higher salary will bring more satisfaction, and as much as I recognise the sense of security that comes with financial stability, there are many other factors that motivate us to feel happy in our professional and personal space.

What, then, is it that exactly defines success? I believe the main reason why we do what we choose to do on a daily basis is different for everyone, and figuring out our personal drive could perhaps lead us to find inspiration with those we resonate most with. Through the work that I do, I meet some people who have a career, salary and position that is commonly perceived as being highly successful, but can be just as lost and miserable as someone who is unemployed and looking for his first job. Surprisingly, many of the people I have spoken to don't actually know what motivates them or what they work towards.

What motivates you most?

Aside from the importance of setting clear goals to allow yourself always to progress, regardless of whether you stand still, it is important for you to find out what it is that motivates you most. This is not something you always know, but is important to reflect on, as it possibly defines your personal career trajectory in the long term.

There are some of us who aspire to power, others who prefer financial security above anything else. Maybe you are driven by the excitement of adventurous challenges. Freedom or creative independence can be important too, while some might get the most satisfaction from helping other people. Self-reliance or flexibility can be key driving forces for your career. I meet many of you who are driven by variety and being part of dynamic social working environments. These are all factors that can define our feelings of being successful, and should be considered when looking at your personal trajectory.

Most of the starters will (understandably) work for 'survival' only, as financial stability and getting valuable work experience are the beginning stages; however, do keep in mind that these are the great times to explore, learn and realise what it is that you find important too. Don't be worried if you don't know exactly what it is, as priorities might change when you get older. You might notice that your sense of self-reliance grows over time, or that family life perhaps creates a bigger urge for flexibility.

A combination of things

Try to find out what is it that makes you feel most successful in your career, and what you feel most comfortable in. This doesn't have to be black and white, but can be a combination of things that you aspire to, like wanting to grow towards a financially stable situation whilst being able to help other people on a daily basis. Or working more independently and being provided with more challenges and variety. Perhaps you just want to have the ability to work flexibly and create things. These are all factors that can help you align your personal goals and you can use when you are looking for a new job opportunity. Alternatively, you can use these personal motivations to communicate to your employer if the opportunity comes up, or when you negotiate a new contract.

The individuals I admire are those who have defined their personal success factors and align their professional life to reach a balance of personal and professional happiness. I challenge you to find those around you that provide similar inspiration and do things that you strive towards, even if they are in a completely different field. Perhaps that way you can find out a little bit more about yourself and, in your own way, become more successful.