We all have goals we want to achieve. Whether it's personal growth, career advancement, or nurturing relationships, setting goals is part of life. But before jumping into action, there’s an essential first step:

What truly matters to you, and how do you define success?

It’s a question worth asking because too often, we chase success based on what others expect or what society deems important. We climb ladders without stopping to ask if they’re leaning against the right wall. We compare ourselves to others, absorb their narratives, and try to follow their formulas. But is it really your formula?

Why Clarity is Essential

Defining success for yourself is a foundational step to creating a fulfilling and focused life. Without clarity, you risk pouring your energy into pursuits that don’t align with your values or bring genuine satisfaction.

Here’s a simple step-by-step approach to help you reflect, define, and take meaningful action toward your goals.

Step 1: Get Clarity

• Take a notebook and draw a horizontal line a quarter of the way down the page.
• From that list, identify the one thing (or up to three) that matters the most right now—the priorities that would have the biggest impact on your life.
• Write these above the line.
• What you’ve written above the line represents your core priorities—the foundation of what success means to you.

Step 2: Define Your Success

Look at your above-the-line priorities. Ask yourself:

• What does success look like in these areas?
• How will I know I’ve achieved it?

Your answers will define success in a way that’s personal to you—not influenced by societal expectations or comparisons to others.

Step 3: Align Your Actions

Before committing your energy to something, pause and ask:

• Does this align with my above-the-line priorities?
• Does this truly matter to me?

If the answer is yes, proceed with intention. If not, reconsider or pivot.

Step 4: Take Action with Focus

Once your priorities are clear, it’s time to turn them into actionable goals. To do this, focus on one goal at a time, channelling your energy into what matters most.

If you have multiple goals, break them into separate steps and tackle them one by one.