Success is a state of mind
Are you 'comfortably uncomfortable' in your life? Here's what you can do about it
By Hazel Morley

How do you define success? What does it mean to you? What would you have, be or do if you felt "successful"?

Many people do not know what success means to them and so, tend to either compare themselves to someone else's vision of success, or settle for something far less than ideal. Both can result in feeling disappointed and inadequate.

Many have become "comfortably uncomfortable" with their life. That is, they are unhappy with aspects of their life and wish for more, but don't know how to make changes, or have lost the energy and motivation to change, or believe that it's not possible to change.

Do you identify with this?
Here's the good news! There is a way to get out of the rut and start feeling more successful - set yourself some goals.
Successful people define what success means to them and invest time setting goals in different areas of their life to ensure they achieve, and maintain, the kind of success that is most important to them.

Where do you begin?
The starting point is to describe what success looks, sounds and feels like, to you. For example:

• What kind of work are you doing? Part-time, full-time, self-employed?
• Where are you working? What kind of environment/industry/sector?
• What have you achieved? What new skills and experiences have you gained?
• How are you feeling? What words do you use to describe your life?
• Who is with you? Do you imagine being alone or with others? Describe the important people around you.
• Where are you living? What surrounds you?

It can help to record your thoughts on a large sheet of paper. You can use pictures, symbols and colour, as well as words, to create an inspiring "vision" of success.

Rate yourself
Next, list the different areas in your life that would benefit from some attention (e.g., career, personal development, family, finances, health and fitness, hobbies and interests, relationships, etc.). For each area, ask yourself:

• How satisfied am I with this area of my life? Score each area from one to 10 (one is low, 10 is high).
• How much of a priority is this for change? Rate each area High, Medium or Low.

The areas where you have scored five or less and rated a "high" priority are the ones that will benefit from goal setting.

Goal-setting strategy
Now, here are some practical tips to help set and achieve your goals.

1. Record your goal in the present tense.
   Research suggests it's important to state your goal as if its happening now and as if you already have what you want.
   
   
2. Think positive and personal.
   Think about what you want, not what you don't want. This will create the appropriate positive attitude and keep your brain focused in the right direction. Use "I" statements, even for goals that involve others - be clear about what you are going to do.
   
   
3. Put a date on your goal.
   Your brain doesn’t know when three months time is; it needs a more specific target for direction. As you'll be reviewing your goal regularly, you can change the date as necessary.
   
   
4. Visualise your goal.
   Create a rich, sensory picture in your mind of yourself having, being, doing whatever it is you want. Connect with, and appreciate, the feelings and outcomes associated with achievement.
   
   
5. Use affirmations.
   Affirmations are positive statements about you and your ability that will send positive instructions to your subconscious mind. As well as building confidence and self-belief, affirmations can release any negative thoughts of this goal being impossible, or you being unworthy.

Beware of getting "comfortably uncomfortable." If you want things to be different in your life, take responsibility for making it happen, because no one else will do it for you.