The “success” quiz

I am often asked after speaking engagements “what is it like to be successful?” I often answer that success is in the eye of the beholder.

Each person has their own definition because success is a personal notion.

For some it is financial security and for others it is the depth of their friendships. 

I recently came across an old survey that I completed years ago. I’m not sure where it came from (because I had it in a spread sheet) but I was asked to rank from 1-10 each of the questions below, with 10 representing doing really well. 

In some way the questions represent a notion of “success”.

Over time my answers may change. It is interesting that most of the questions relate to those five fundamental components of well-being documented by the New Economic Forums – people connection, being active, take notice, learning and give.Take a moment to see where you want to focus your energy, remembering that our success and wellbeing is a personal journey.

• Finding meaningful and fulfilling work? ___
• Finding suitable spouse partner? ___
• Building a successful relationship with your spouse/partner? ___
• Raising your children? ___
• Building and/or maintaining a close relationship with your parents? ___
• Building and/or maintaining a close relationship with your siblings? ___
• Developing close friendships? ___
• Stewarding your financial resources? ___
• Living up to your intellectual potential? ___
• Nurturing your spiritual potential? ___
• Dealing with your fears? ___
• Finding wisdom? ___
• Taking care of your physical health? ___
• Taking care of your emotional health? ___
• Being of service to others? ___
• Being at one with yourself? ___
• Accepting your limitations? ___
• Coming to terms with ageing and your own mortality? ___
• Everyone at birth is dealt a hand so to speak, rate the quality of the hand you were dealt? ___
• Rate yourself on how well you believe you have played the game of life given the hand you were dealt? ___

I have always operated believing that “if it is meant to be it is up to me”.

Where did you score below five and what are you going to do to work on that area?

I’m reviewing my life in terms of the questions/answers and there are actions to be taken.

It is just as important to ask yourself hard questions about your life – and review how it is going – as it is for a business.

Naomi Simson is considered one of Australia’s ‘Best Bosses’. She is an employee engagement advocate and practices what she preaches in her own business. RedBalloon has been named as one of only six Hewitt Best Employers in Australia and New Zealand for 2009 and awarded an engagement scorecard of over 90% two years in a row – the average in Australian businesses is 55%. RedBalloon has also been nominated by BRW as being in the top 10 Best Places to Work in Australia behind the likes of Google. One of Australia’s outstanding female entrepreneurs, Naomi regularly entertains as a passionate speaker inspiring people on employer branding, engagement and reward and recognition. Naomi writes a blog and is a published author – and has received many accolades and awards for the business she founded – RedBalloon.com.au.