by Stu Crum, author of “AIM FOR THE UPRIGHTS: The Intentional Playbook for Success in Faith, Family, and Business“
What is success? According to Merriam-Webster, success is a “favorable or desired outcome; also, the attainment of wealth, favor or eminence. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, success is the achieving of the results wanted or hoped for; something that achieves positive results; someone or something that becomes popular, wealthy, or has achieved a lot.
While all of these definitions may be true, I believe that achieving success without compromising your values is a more important goal and a crucial aspect of living a fulfilling and meaningful life. In today’s fast-paced, sometimes win-at-all-costs world, it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of material wealth, status, and recognition at the expense of our core principles and beliefs. However, true success is not just about achieving external markers of accomplishment; it also involves staying true to ourselves, our values, our friends, and our family.
Cherish What Truly Matters
One way to redefine success without compromising your values is to take the time to reflect on what truly matters to you. This may involve identifying your core values, such as honesty, integrity, character, compassion, and authenticity, and considering how these values align with your goals and aspirations. Are you forthright in your communication with others? Do you show compassion by listening, engaging, showing appreciation, and serving others? Do you honor your commitments to yourself, your colleagues, your friends, and your family? Are you trustworthy?
By clarifying your values and priorities, you can ensure that your definition of success is grounded in what is most important to you, rather than what society or others may expect of you.
Learn When to Say No
Another important aspect of redefining success without compromising your values is learning to set boundaries and make conscious choices that align with your principles. This may involve saying no to opportunities or situations that conflict with your values, even if they promise wealth, recognition, or advancement. By prioritizing your values over external rewards, you can maintain your integrity and authenticity in all areas of your life.
Share the Rewards
Redefining success without compromising your values requires a shift in mindset from a scarcity mentality to an abundance mentality. Instead of believing that success is limited and competitive, embrace the idea that there is enough success and prosperity to go around for everyone. By cultivating a mindset of abundance, you can collaborate with others, support their success, and celebrate their achievements without feeling threatened or envious.
Reframe Failure
Redefining success without compromising your values involves accepting and embracing failure as a natural part of the journey toward success. Instead of viewing failure as a reflection of your worth or abilities, see it as an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-discovery. By reframing your relationship with failure, you can approach challenges with resilience, perseverance, and a growth mindset, ultimately leading to greater success and fulfillment in the long run.
Believe in Yourself
Redefining success without compromising your values is essential for living a purposeful and authentic life. By clarifying your values, setting boundaries, embracing abundance, and reframing failure, you can create a definition of success that is aligned with who you are and what you believe in. Ultimately, true success is not about sacrificing your values for external rewards; it is about living in harmony with your principles and making a positive impact on the world around you.
I have said it once and I will say it until I die… Character and integrity matters!!
Stu Crum’s college football heroics put him on the national radar as a model student-athlete. Tagged as a winner with a natural gift for leadership, he made his name internationally in key positions with Texaco, Shell Oil, Jiffy Lube, and Bridgestone. Developing a simple, dynamic game plan that he calls intentional living, Crum lays out his playbook for success in faith, family, and business in his new book, “AIM FOR THE UPRIGHTS: The Intentional Playbook for Success in Faith, Family, and Business” (July 9, 2024). Learn more at www.stucrum.com.
