What Does Success Look Like To You?

Success is defined as "the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame." It's a funny definition, because I totally disagree that success is defined by just those things. 

In my opinion each persons idea of success is much different. Wealth to me may mean $75,000 and wealth to another person might mean $500,000. I've thought a lot about what success means to me over the last few weeks and I've decided it's totally subjective. 

Personally, success isn't just financially driven. It means I am able to live a comfortable life making enough money to 

• have spending cash to do the simple things I love like buying coffee in the morning, eating out every now and then, affording a gym membership.
• travel to a new place twice a year (and splurge while I'm there)
• pay for rent and bills 
• have a growing savings, and retirement account
• enjoy my free time after work and am able to workout, not take my workload home or stress home
• have time to take up new hobbies
• don't resent going to work every day 

I don't personally think being rich would necessarily make me that much happier than making enough to just do what I love and enjoy life. 

I don't think success is working 80 hours a week with no time to see your friends and family. Yes, you may have a great job title; are you truly living if you don't have the time or energy to enjoy? A happy balanced life doesn't mean making X amount of dollars or having a certain car. Once you find what success looks like to you and what your goals are I think you'll change the way you approach life. Now I ask you, what does a successful life look like to you? What does your day look like? I'm curious! Please share.

New Week New Mindset

Prepping for your week doesn't just mean updating your calendar, planning your meals, and having your clothes ready. Being prepared to means to me, getting mentally prepared. Easy to say, but sometimes hard to do.

Here are some tips I use to getting mentally prepared for my week:

1. Sunday alone time: 

I am someone who is extremely social. I often book my calendar morning until night without much time between. What keeps me in check and mentally prepped for my week is taking some time for myself on Sunday. I often wake up a little later (without an alarm if I can help it) then walk to get coffee and head towards the bridge. This allows me to think, relax, calm my mind, and enjoy my beautiful city.

2. Forget what bothered you last week at work:

Did your coworker annoy you? Even worse; your boss? Write it down, and move on. Seriously. We won't always agree with everyone, understand everyone, and you need to realize that your reaction may be debilitating your progress at work. If you can change the way you react then you might be able to diffuse any issues.

3. Didn't catch up on enough sleep?

Is Monday and you didn't get enough R&R over the weekend. Do not allow that to slow down your week! Make it a priority on Monday to get in a power nap. You need to manage your schedule!

4. Goals

What do you want to acheive this week? Besides chores & work you should be making a list of things you want to do and out them in your calendar. Sometimes we forget that is better to work to live than living to work. Make sure you prioritize doing something fun! 

5. Clean space 

I am working on this right now, but I've read a ton about having a happy clean space to come home to. This means decorating, dishes, and laundry. It's important to leave a stressful job space and come home to a relaxing spot. It's sometimes a chore, but will be worth it to kick off your shoes and relax after your place is tidy. 

6. Exercise 

You knew this was coming, didn't you? When I am stressed I usually call my dad. He will listen to me blabber, and if I am a little stressed he usually asks me one thing, "did you workout today?". My answer when I am stressed it usually, "no, not yet". He replies, "go workout, and call me after." Seriously?! That's not the answer I look for, but when I workout I usually figure out my own answers. 

I hope these tips help you find a positive mindset to start your week! Happy Monday.