How do you define success?

While working on one of my many projects, a thought came to me: What is success? I know success means different things to everyone, but these are just a few things that define success for me.

1. Living in and on purpose. I write or blog every single day, and I love it.

2. Good health. Without it, I have nothing.

3. Having the wisdom to know when to shut up and when to speak up. I’m still learning this, but I’m doing well. Although I think I should speak up a little more. I’m praying on the when and what to say.

4. Being in touch with people I love. I try to reach out to people every time they cross my mind via phone, e-mail, text message, Facebook or Twitter.

5. Working on fulfilling my dreams. A dream is only a goal with a date on it. As long as there are action steps, a dream can be fulfilled.

6. Having the resources I need to succeed. As I sit down and think about the people I know and their skills and connections, I know I’m in a good place.

7. Being surrounded by positive people. This is necessary in order to move forward. On those days when I just don’t know what to do, I call one of my positive people, and everything is OK. And sometimes God will have someone to send me a message that I need.

8. Integrity. There are days when only my name and history of good works carry me through. Hold tight to this!

9. Knowing who I am regardless of what others say. You have to know who you are so others cannot define you.

10. Building a community, not a network. A network is comprised of the people I meet and know; my community is built on the relationships with those people. I’m working on the day when every possible resource I need is only a phone call away.

11. Helping my community. This is done through educating others on Shorty: Your Chicago South Side Resource. Since I cannot reach out to everyone individually, I created my blog to expand my reach.

12. Peace of mind. No explanation needed.

13. Financial freedom . I’m working on making my money working for me and not the other way around. When I do get it, I’m going to invest in an educational system designed to ensure the success of all children regardless of race, color, gender, income-level or other social and political issues.

14. Serving others. This is rather hard when you don’t get the support you would like. But when you are living in purpose, those resources will come to you.  It’s still hard, though.

15. Taking initiative. Be very selective about the projects and issues you take lead on because  you will automatically become the leader.

So, I would like to know from you: How do you define success?