New Year, New You... Or Same Old Chaos?

Well, the start of a new year — that magical time when we suddenly feel compelled to take inventory of our lives. Are we crushing it, or just barely surviving on a steady diet of coffee and questionable life choices? Most of us have a parade of thoughts rolling around in our heads, but let’s be honest — without tangible measuring sticks, it's a bit like playing darts in the dark. Success may be a personal concept, but having some clear yardsticks can keep you from wandering aimlessly into a midlife crisis or a motivational YouTube binge.

Personal Success: Measuring Growth Beyond Wealth (and That One Random Skill You Learned on YouTube)

Let’s start with personal growth. It’s more than just reading self-help books or meditating for five minutes before getting distracted by your phone. Ask yourself: Am I becoming the best version of myself or at least a slightly upgraded model? One way to gauge this is by checking your skill set. Did you learn something new this year that you didn’t know before? And no, mastering the art of ordering Uber Eats doesn’t count. Have you invested time in your growth through books, courses, or mentorship? Because let’s face it, personal development is the gift that keeps on giving — unless, of course, you gift yourself excuses.

Next, let’s talk about relationships. Success isn’t about having the most contacts in your phone — it’s about whether those contacts would actually answer your call. How many new connections have you made this year, and more importantly, are they worth your time? A successful network isn’t just about numbers; it’s about depth. Think quality over quantity. If your new connections inspire you more than your coffee does on a Monday morning, you’re doing it right.

Now, let’s discuss time freedom. Are you running your schedule, or is your schedule running you? Can you take a day off without panicking about what’s falling apart in your absence? True success means having the ability to say “yes” to what matters and “no” to what drains you. You're winning if you’re spending time on activities and people that bring you joy (and not just out of obligation).

And finally, let’s not forget your legacy. Are you positively impacting your community, or are you just known as “that person who shows up late to meetings”? Personal success is more than just ticking boxes — it’s about leaving something behind that makes people say, “Wow, they really made a difference.” Or at least, “They were a pretty decent human.”

Financial Success: More Than Just Fancy Toys and Shiny Things

While personal success is all about self-improvement, financial success is about cold, hard numbers — and perhaps a little bit of warm, fuzzy financial security. Start by asking yourself: Is my net worth growing, or is it stuck in neutral? Ideally, you want it to grow by 10-20% annually. And if half your income is passive, you’re practically living the dream. Just don’t spend all your passive income on avocado toast.

Next, consider your cash flow and liquidity. Is your monthly income higher than your expenses, or are you doing mental gymnastics every time you get a bill? Do you have an emergency fund that could keep you afloat for 3-6 months if life throws a curveball? If you can access your funds without selling a kidney, congratulations — you’re ahead of the game.

If you own a business or invest regularly, it’s time to talk about ROI (return on investment). Are your investments outperforming inflation, or just sitting there like a lazy roommate? Is your business revenue increasing year over year, or is it stuck on autopilot? And most importantly, are your clients coming back and referring others? Because let’s be real — a solid client retention rate is the real MVP of sustainable success.

And let’s not forget lifestyle and experiences. Can you afford to live your desired lifestyle without financial stress, or is your dream life still on layaway? Are you able to enjoy experiences like travel, dining out, or pursuing hobbies that make you happy? If your money is enhancing your life rather than being a constant source of worry, you’re doing something right.

Holistic Success: The Ultimate Balancing Act (No Juggling Required)

True success is about finding balance between personal and financial goals. It’s about achieving the freedom to make choices based on desire, not necessity. It’s about creating value in the world and receiving fair compensation for it. And most importantly, it’s about feeling fulfilled, happy, and at peace with your progress.

To check if you’re hitting that sweet spot of holistic success, ask yourself these key questions:

• Am I financially free to make choices based on desire, not desperation?
• Am I creating value in the world and getting paid what I’m worth?
• Do I feel fulfilled, happy, and at peace with where I’m headed?
• Am I building a legacy that makes people say, “Wow, they really lived a life worth remembering”?

Remember, success isn’t just about reaching the destination — it’s about enjoying the ride. By regularly checking in on your personal development, relationships, time freedom, financial security, and lifestyle, you’ll ensure you’re not just running in circles. After all, life’s too short to spend it measuring your worth with someone else’s ruler. Grab your own measuring stick, and make sure it’s one that works for you.

Joseph Willmott, CEO of the World Referral Network

jwillmott@worldreferralnetwork.com

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