Just before he died, John Lennon recorded his first album for many years. I heard a track from the album recently and while it might not be the most inspiring song he ever wrote, the words really got me thinking.
The song is called ‘Woman’ (written for his wife) and the first verse includes these lines:
… Woman, I will try express,
My inner feelings and thankfulness,
For showing me the meaning of success …
It’s that last line that gave me pause. Here was a man had fame and fortune by the bucket-load. But, at the time he wrote these lyrics he had turned his back on his his hell-raising days and on his celebrity lifestyle, and had spent the past few years at home with his wife, baking bread and looking after his young son.
The implication I draw from these lyrics is that for John Lennon, the true meaning of success was not in the obvious trappings of wealth and fame, but rather, finding peace in a simple life of love and harmony with his wife and son.
Ironically, there are those who seem to have all the external trappings of success – lots of money, great job, happy family – but inside they’re absolutely miserable. Their seemingly happy life is totally incongruent with who they are and what’s truly important to them.
So, what’s YOUR definition of success? This is a question I often ask my clients, and it is fundamental to the coaching process. Of course, everyone’s definition will be unique to them. There’s no right or wrong – only what’s right for you.
The common thread, though, is that once we are clear about what ‘success’ means for us, it’s much easier to act with certainty. It also gives us a solid base – a yardstick – from which to make decisions about the future.
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