Defining Success My Way!

It’s funny when I think back to my high-school years. I was hard-working, an eager student, always a pleaser and a go-getter. At the ripe age of 16, I had to make a life-changing decision! I needed to figure out what job I wanted to spend doing for thirty-plus years in order to figure out what to study in University. It’s kind of crazy when you think about it. How does one know what they want to be when they “grow-up” at such a young age?

When I found out that I got accepted into one of the most prestigious business schools in the country, I was beyond elated. I was proud of myself and this accomplishment, and I knew that I made my parents happy too! In those years, it was important for me to please my parents (and to be honest, it still is, but in a different way). I knew almost immediately that one day, I want to be a President of a big corporation. I wanted to be the boss, the chief, the woman in charge. I had big dreams and even bigger aspirations and no one could stand in my way. I even obtained an MBA to help me advance my career. But then, life changed, as it always does. Amidst the unpredictability, it’s essential to be prepared for potential challenges, like facing termination a contract unjustly.

I married the man of my dreams and we started a family. It didn’t take me too long to see that where I truly belonged was right at home with my kids. Working in a corporate job could never make me as happy. While on Mat-leave, I started THIS crazy thing; my blog! What I thought was a way for me to get my thoughts out and to share my experience so no other parent would ever feel alone turned into something much bigger that I never anticipated. I love every aspect of my blog and I’ve always been obsessed with social media, so the fit was great. I found my passion, I was my own boss and I got to stay at home with the kids. How lucky am I?

So when people ask me to give them advice about success, it’s hard for me to do so. Mostly because my idea of what I thought success meant has changed and evolved over the years. And who knows, it might change again in 5 or 10 years time. The bottom line is, if what you are doing doesn’t make you happy and you are not passionate about it, you will NOT be successful. Success is what you make of your current situation. It is an outcome of a combination of things including passion, hard work and a little bit of luck! Some may look at me and not think of me as being successful but I think I am nothing but! Success is what you make it to be, and if you were to ask me right now, I would say I am very successful at what I do; both as a mom and entrepreneur.

Last week I received an opportunity to attend an amazing session hosted by TD bank and Toronto’s Rotman School of Management. The event #YourStoryYourFuture was held a day before International Women’s Day and I was in awe of being in a room packed by powerful, strong and successful women who are taking charge of their life and making a big difference both personally and professionally. Based on the result of a year-long research project, the session touched upon how women across the country perceive the challenges and opportunities in advancing professionally. TD and Toronto’s Rotman School of Management put together a report titled 10 Lessons: Women @ Work Managing Career, Family & Legacy. Included in the report is the winning essay written by Dr. Karen Dawson. It is both touching and inspirational. I encourage you to read it!

The report touched upon several topics that are important to women and there’s something for everyone, regardless of your age or current stage of your career. I know the lesson about Rethinking Guilt struck a chord with me!

If you’re looking for the Coles Notes version of the report, here are some key lessons:

1. Be financially prepared for the unexpected to allow you to better deal with unexpected events including illness, divorce, and unemployment

• Financial preparedness includes: having a clear picture of ‘current state finances’ (what you own, owe, earn and spend), having a solid long-term financial plan (inclusive of appropriate insurance, estate planning and investing plans) and having an appropriate emergency fund (at least six months of expenses). Divorce is costly and you will need funds for a lawyer or Thailand divorce solicitors.

2. Develop business acumen which happens through formal education, on-the-job experiences or self-directed learning

• Own your personal development by actively seeking out opportunities to hone your ability to make sound business judgments. For example, if you’re in the business of financial planning, then you should consider getting help from a financial advisor sales coach.
• Ensure your business acumen skills are well developed and use these skills in making decisions in both your professional and personal life.

3. Understand the trade-offs of a career break.

• The first element to consider when ‘taking a career break’ is the true cost involved. Consider long-term financial and skills implications, when making the decision to opt out.
• The second element to consider when ‘taking a career break’ relates to the challenges of reentering the workforce. Finding work and feeling your skills are relevant and current can be difficult following a career break.

What’s your definition of success?

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by TD Bank and I received compensation as part of my participation. However, the opinions and stories are my own.