Using Impact as a Measure of Success

Success is such a personal word. I bet if you were to survey a 100 different people on their definition of success, you’d get a 100 different variations or answers. And that makes sense because everyone values different things.

When I think a little more deeply about this, I do believe the Western culture and collective belief system has ingrained in us (even in part) that success is tied to salary, titles, promotions, following, reach, etc. And those things are important, as they pay the bills and allow us to live full lives. But I think there’s a better way to measure our success or at the very least look at it.

But first a short story.

When I worked in the corporate world, I definitely wrapped some of my worth around the amount of money I made, the timing of my promotions, the opportunities I was selected for, my titles, etc. Truthfully, it was hard not to.

Fast forward to now. I quit my job. I am, for the foreseeable future, a stay-at-home mom trying to build a coaching business. My income is nowhere close to what I was making in my previous job. I am plagued with doubt at times.

Quite a contrast to the life I lived a little over a year ago!

The other day, I found myself thinking about why I quit my job and if my current life situation helps to alleviate some of those things in a way. And the answer is absolutely.

I quit my job because I wanted more freedom and flexibility to do things my way. I wanted to build something from scratch. And most importantly, I wanted to make an impact on a very personal level. The kind of impact that was near impossible in Corporate America.

So, I started a coaching business, and I now also have a podcast I’m co-hosting.

No fancy title, no accolades, no big salary or benefits package, BUT tons and tons of potential for impact (and actual impact!).

I 100% acknowledge that I’m very privileged to do what I do in the way that I do it. We’re blessed that we don’t necessarily need my previous salary to make ends meet. And I’m also lucky that my husband is super supportive.

That said, every single coaching session I’ve done to date has left me feeling like I’m making a small difference. Like the business I’m building matters. I matter.

This in turns fuels my desire to expand my impact, which will only benefit my business at some point.

Look, I’m not saying everyone should quit their jobs and start businesses. What I am saying is that by ever so slightly changing our definition of success and looking at it from an impact perspective, we increase our own fulfillment and joy while making a tangible difference.

And if you, like me, don’t believe you’re making an impact through your day job, find a volunteer opportunity that aligns with who you are, make and deliver food to your local food pantry, donate part of your monthly income to a cause you believe in, start a side hobby like a podcast or a blog, organize an event in your community. The possibilities are endless when it comes to impact. I truly hope you find a few that resonate with you and act on them ASAP.