Jess Lively

This morning I would like to point out a really interesting post from Rue Mag founder, Crystal of Plush Palate. In her recent post, she asks for input on what makes someone successful or a failure. While writing my own comment on the topic, I thought it might be worthwhile to share here on MML as well. I get a lot of business owners or want-to-become business owners asking me how to grow and become better at their business. In many cases, the words are code for “how to make their businesses” successful.

To be honest, my perspective on this question has actually shifted in the the past year. Below explains my thoughts on the success vs. failure definition.

I don’t think that money actually has anything to do with success or failure – not that you did either – but it is many times a looming indicator for a lot of people. While starting a business, it is essential in order to continue to grow the business or pursue the purpose, it is like fuel, if you will, and therefore really important.

But I’ve found as I’ve grown my own business, that as money fades into the background and becomes relatively less worrisome, the real test of success is how well I’ve been able to develop and grow my business into something that provides purpose, meaning, and touches people’s lives. That impact is success – I could have done many things to just earn more money or have a bigger business- but if it didn’t provide purpose and meaning, then I think as a self-employed person, I kind of failed at the whole point.

Do what you love and keep doing it. The fact that money may be an issue throughout that journey is an undeniable fact, but doesn’t need to enter the success/failure equation.

Of course this is just my personal opinion and there are an unlimited number of success/failure definitions. Hop on over to Crystal’s post to share your thoughts on the subject!