Is success a given?

Whether it be being an athlete, a writer, an employee or a mother, most of us would like to be successful in any one or all of these things. We strive to be better, to work harder and persevere with goals that are important to us.

But if we work hard enough, is success a given?

I’d like to believe that we are all capable of success. Usually it’s dependent on our own dedication and perseverance. Ten years ago I couldn’t imagine ever running more than 10km, let alone a marathon. So far I’ve run two. Five years ago, completing a triathlon seemed impossible, now I’ve done several sprint distances and am signed up for a half Ironman.

Is this a form of success?

Yes, it is. It might not be coming first and winning tons of money or fame. But we don’t strive to be successful just to experience the finale. The process plays a significant part. It’s what we do each day that makes us successful. It’s the challenges that are placed before us and we are forced to overcome, without them success would not taste so sweet.

How we define success determines how we experience the small triumphs in our lives. What’s a small success you might ask? Well, I’m glad you did. I’m talking about sticking to your training plan, finishing a training run when you didn’t feel like it, getting a PB, crossing the finish line, getting up each morning to work on your novel, taking the first steps in physiotherapy after an accident, making time in between two works shifts a day to play with the kids, paying off a home loan on a single paycheck, finishing a degree, completing any goal you have set yourself.



Set realistic goals, achieve them and move forward and you will be successful. It’s unlikely you’ll succeed in running a marathon if you have never run more than 5km. Nor will you become a published writer if you never send your writing out. Paying off the house quickly isn’t going to happen if you keep spending all your spare change on work lunches. A certain level of sacrifice and SMART goals are required to be successful. But with each SMART goal completed you raise the bar a little bit higher until you realise you’re achieving what you once thought impossible. Success is within your grasp if you don’t give up.

Define success for yourself rather than comparing to others and you’ll find mini achievements in your every day life. With that, you’ll gain confidence and widen your horizons. Sure there will be obstacles, some small and some inconceivable, but you’ll get there if you are committed. 
When we succeed with one goal we seek out others. It’s not just because we want all the boxes ticked, it’s about stretching ourselves and pushing past barriers. 



I was always one of those people who set big goals but forgot about the small ones. This year I began focusing more on the little things. This way, I have improved the journey to accomplishing the bigger goals. I may not be a world class athlete, a multimillionaire or best selling author, but each day I feel more successful because I’m working towards achieving the goals that are important to me and will lead to the level of success I’m aiming for.

How do you define success?