Write Again Soon: My definition of success -- WEbring Assignment #4

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August 22, 2005

My definition of success -- WEbring Assignment #4

This week's topic, "My definition of success", comes courtesy of Ms. Wish To See. She's definitely on to something, because everyone on the WEbring list is going through major changes and (if they are like me) are sorely in need of some serious reflection.

As for me, I've not exactly been a shining emblem of continuity. I've moved three times in the past 15 months (from condo to parents to Sweden to parents), quit my job and then returned to it in another guise, and suddenly decided that I need my own business.

All this change cries out for a little structure. And boy do I need it--right now I'm all over the board, trying to manage all the details without making any major mistakes.

And this might be an example of where my newly minted graduate degree in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability comes in. One of the most useful things we learned was the (drumroll, please):

5 Level Model for Planning in Complex Systems.

The gist is that in any complex system there are five non-overlapping, but inter-related levels that must be understood in order to strategically plan for the future. They are:

1. System: If we consider "my life" to be the system, then level one includes understanding all the relevant aspects (my health, my financial situation, my obligations, my family/friends, etc.)

2. Success: Here is the tricky part. How will I know if I have succeeded in my life? A question for the ages.

3. Strategy: Once I understand what "success" means, then I can decide on strategies to get me there. But until I know how to define success, I shouldn't be expending a lot of energy on strategies that might actually be moving me in the wrong direction.

4. Actions: This level includes everything I do to move strategically towards success. Like taking a shower every day (or two).

5. Tools: The final level in the model is tools, which are the "helpers" I will use. In the "my life" system, this might include education, the internet, my car, etc.

Whew. Enough exposition.

So what is my definition of success. As I understand it from the model above, everything hinges on knowing my vision of the future. While it's impossible to try and create a vision for the entire rest of my life (although I tried it here), I can at least outline a few "success" goals for the next couple of years.

1. As usual, financial security is at the top of my list. While I don't need to be rich, I never, EVER want to be in a place where I can't pay the rent. When I look at all the other characteristics of my dream life, I would almost always sacrifice the others for financial security.

2. Next on my list is autonomy. In relationships and in work, I want the freedom to be my own person, dictate my own schedule, and plan my own future.

3. Third on my list is a robust social circle. Right now, I'm extremely pleased with my group of friends and family. They are diverse but cohesive, funny, and smart. I'm proud to be part of their lives.

Hmm, this is interesting. All this time I thought that "moving out" and "starting my own business" were on the success list. But it turns out that those are really strategies designed to move me towards success.

Nonetheless, it gives me a shiver of excitement to see that Ms. Post No Bills has completed a first draft of the Big Idea's website. With any luck, it will be up and running by the middle of next week. Hurray for tools (the website) that lead to actions (advertising my services) as part of a strategy (starting my own business) that move towards success (financial security and autonomy) in the system (my life)!