This article is being submitted to a contest being held at Mom Biz Coach.  Lara Galloway has invited mompreneurs to share their definition of success and how they have achieved it.  She’ll choose ten to publish in an upcoming magazine.  I would love your feedback!

Evolution of Success

Success evolves over time.  Naturally, as we move through childhood, we move from crawling to walking, from spelling tests to U.S. History exams.  In the earliest stages, we often focus on physical milestones for success.  In school, we feel success when we do our personal best and earn grades that make us proud.

The Corporate Ladder

Upon entering the working world, the corporate ladder defined my of success.  I steadily worked my way up that ladder for over 15 years.  By anyone’s definition, including my own, I was successful.  Then, towards the end of 2008, my employer offered something I never expected.  Every salaried employee was offered a severance package to resign from the company.  I accepted the offer.

The Evolution Begins

The subsequent two-and-a-half years have been a journey in determining my personal definition of success.  Once I left the corporate world, I had no idea what definition of success to use.  Knowing nothing else, I assumed I would replace my income within a year.  I worked with career coach Maggie Mistal to help me determine fit my passions into my next career steps.  Together we identified my career path, which was to start My Attention Coach and make an impact in the lives of people with ADHD.  I thought, ” I’ll work hard and be a success!”  That is the way it always worked previously so I figured it would work with my business. Well, with my definition of replacing my corporate income, I was NOT successful.

Defining Success

Over time, however, my definition of success has evolved and I find myself enjoying success at each new step.  Financial success in business can take time. I have determined that my success needs to take a wider view of life.  Success to me now means so much more than money.  Don’t get me wrong, money is important, but there is so much more.

Family

I have achieved success with my family over the last couple of years.  My husband and I strengthened our marriage and I have been able to spend more quality time with my kids.  The flexibility of my business has meant more vacation time and unconventional work locations this year.

Connections

I have met so many wonderful people over the last three years.  Both virtually and in real life.  Without stepping away from Corporate America, I never would have met many new friends and colleagues.  This is a wonderful point of success for me.

Making a Difference

My career coach, Maggie Mistal probably knew this would happen back in 2008 when I hired her.  I have made a difference in the lives of people with attention challenges.  Even making a difference in one person’s life is a success.  I come back to this point on a regular basis.

Success is now pretty simple.  If my family is strong, I am connecting with amazing colleagues and I am making a difference in the lives of people with attention challenges, I am successful.

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