Tina Robinson, is an expert when it comes to creating the perfect work-life balance. Overcoming many adversaries, aged 14 suffering the tragic loss of her best friend she consequently developed bulimia, life became unimaginable but her strong innate resolve and passion for the subconscious mind guided Tina on the right path.
Success means different things to different people, yet societal pressures often reduce it to external markers like social media metrics or material wealth. Let us explore how redefining success on your own terms can lead to greater internal satisfaction and a more balanced, fulfilling life.
What does success mean to you?
In a world with so much emphasis on success, the pressure to be the best and perfect can become so overwhelming that it can have the opposite effect. Let's face it, success means something different to everyone, but we live in such a visual world that society places success on the car you drive, the number of followers you have, your postcode, or how many social media accounts you have; this in itself can be very soul-destroying and it has huge effects on young adults of today, who will become our future leaders and caretakers. This concerns me because if so much emphasis is placed on external validation by strangers you don’t know, how can anyone truly feel satisfied internally when their world is so externally focused?
It can often be a daily battle and I was not raised around social media, so imagine for a moment how hard it is for young people today to fully grasp what success can feel like from the inside and that it doesn’t matter how many strangers like your post. For example, for me, I set myself small challenges and when I succeed at one, I feel empowered that I have succeeded at something. These could be tiny wins, like starting this article on a day that I don't feel like it, or it could be maintaining a good diet. These small wins add up and they become compounded which helps with self-confidence, and internal feelings of success, and it is also not based on anything external which is paramount for long-term mental health.
There is a lot outside of me that requires third-party interaction that can affect my perception of success if I allow it. You see, perception is everything. I believe that having the ability to change your perspective on a situation that is getting you down and affecting your productivity, whether in the workplace or in life and how it connects to success is vital.
At its core, success encompasses the achievement of goals and the fulfillment of one's potential. However, the essence of success does go beyond mere accomplishments and accolades; it embodies a state of being, a journey towards self-actualisation and personal satisfaction.
Personal fulfillment
For many, success is intrinsically linked to personal fulfillment. This includes the pursuit of passions, the realisation of dreams, and the attainment of a balanced, meaningful life. Personal fulfillment means living in alignment with one's values and principles, finding joy and contentment in daily activities, and experiencing a sense of purpose. It is about creating a life that resonates with who you are at the deepest level, leading to a profound sense of satisfaction and happiness.
Professional achievement
In the professional realm, success often manifests as career advancement, financial stability, and recognition. It is measured by reaching milestones such as promotions, acquiring wealth, and gaining respect within a field. However, true professional success also involves loving what you do, feeling challenged and motivated, and contributing positively to your organisation and society. It means setting and achieving ambitious goals while maintaining a healthy work-life balance.
Relationships and community
Success is also reflected in the quality of our relationships and our contributions to the community. Building and maintaining strong, meaningful relationships with family, friends, and colleagues is a significant aspect of a successful life. It involves nurturing connections, offering support, and fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding. Additionally, success can be seen in the positive impact one has on the community, through acts of kindness, volunteer work, and civic engagement.
Overcoming challenges
Another crucial element of success is the ability to overcome challenges and learn from failures. Resilience, perseverance, and adaptability are key traits that contribute to long-term success. Each setback provides an opportunity for growth, learning, and self-improvement. Embracing challenges with a positive mindset and a problem-solving approach can lead to greater achievements and a deeper sense of accomplishment.
Self-improvement and growth
Continuous self-improvement and personal growth are fundamental to the concept of success. This involves striving to become a better version of oneself through education, skill development, and self-reflection. It means being open to new experiences, seeking knowledge, and constantly evolving. A successful person is committed to lifelong learning and personal development, always looking for ways to enhance their abilities and broaden their horizons.
Whilst sitting down to write this it got me thinking of the current situation I am in. I am dealing with a period in my life where there is a massive transition, and I have placed so much power on the outcome which I have linked to my success that in some ways it has become a separate entity. I recognise I did this to myself and I also know that the outcome is reliant on external factors that I have no control over. This lack of control has created a new level of anxiety that I haven’t felt for years. It has crept up on me and has affected my mental and physical health. I want to draw you back to one of my previous articles where I talk about bulimia. If anyone reading this suffers from or knows someone who needs support click this link.
The thing with eating disorders is that even when you think you have it under control, you do, to a point but it lurks in the depths of your mind and if you are not mindful it can manifest in other ways that may not be obvious. It is a constant battle to avoid repeating patterns whereby the eating disorder is back in control, so this is where I have recently been reminded that I will always be dealing with this. Due to my current transition in life, I have been suffering from anxiety and have lost a lot of weight in a short space of time due to not wanting to eat, and because I didn’t have control of this external factor that I attributed success to, I did have control of what I ate. I recall when I first became bulimic this was the original pattern, so luckily for me I can consciously recognise it and have made the necessary changes by re-framing my perception of the situation and taking back the power.
I now feel calmer, accepting of what will be, and in control again. If I had continued to allow this separate entity to grow it could have had a profound negative effect on my life and perhaps also create an internal dialogue where I feel like a failure and have the opposite effect. You see, I turned it around and it was difficult because the subconscious loves to thrive on any underlying deep-rooted core issues, mine being bulimia. I am constantly reminded that I am a work in progress and haven’t got it all boxed off and figured out, to be like that, in my opinion, is quite arrogant, not sure if you would agree! In the end, we are always learning and these can be counted as tiny wins that help sustain a successful mindset, propelling us forward.
Ultimately, success is a highly personal and subjective experience. It is defined not just by external achievements, but by internal satisfaction and personal growth. It is about living a life that aligns with one's values, passions, and goals while making meaningful contributions to society and fostering strong relationships. Success is a journey, not a destination, and its true meaning lies in the pursuit of a fulfilling and purposeful life.
If you need any assistance with learning how to reframe a situation or to dig deeper into the subconscious mind to remove anything that is currently affecting your productivity, get in touch with me for a chat.
Tina Robinson, Peak Performance Hypnotherapist & Entrepreneur
Tina Robinson, is an expert when it comes to creating the perfect work-life balance. Overcoming many adversaries, aged 14 suffering the tragic loss of her best friend she consequently developed bulimia, life became unimaginable but her strong innate resolve and passion for the subconscious mind guided Tina on the right path. She has spent over 20 years as an entrepreneur working with her subconscious mind creating the perfect balanced life. A Certified Hypnotherapist specialising in 'Peak Performance' Tina offers globally, a one of a kind service to fellow entrepreneurs, who are on a quest for harmony, using her unique method in 'Mind-Artistry'. Her mission: is to transform lives from the inside out.