While we define success in many ways, too often we think of success in terms of material possessions, money and power. We have been conditioned to a large extent to view success in this limited frame of mind, and so many go out endlessly working harder and harder at their job hoping to improve their success and prosperity. What would a life look like if we realized that all the money in the world, material possessions and power won't buy you fulfillment and happiness. If you were to see someone who appeared to live in financial abundance but had a broken marriage, would that be success? A great quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson eloquently summarise what I think success should mean.



To laugh often and much;

To win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;

To earn the approbation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends;

To appreciate beauty;

To find the best in others;

To give of one's self;

To leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;

To have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation;

To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived -

This is to have succeeded.

So how do we go about designing a life that would set us up for success in our lives.

The first step is to realize that our life shouldn't be defined by our jobs or money. Its not to say that you should quit your job but you need to put your life in perspective. I've never met anyone lying in their death beds in hospital wishing that they'd spent more time in the office doing more overtime. We are here on earth to experience, to love, to learn and to grow. So we need to design our lives with this in mind.

On approach to ensure that you are living a balanced life is to divide your life into eight main pillars. The concept behind this is that to succeed all eight areas of your life must be strong. The eight areas are:

1. Business/Career

2. Personal Finances

3. Personal Growth

4. Health

5. Relationships

6. Recreation

7. Contribution

8. Spiritual

Start by defining what success means to you in each one of these pillars of your life and then write out what you need to start doing to make it more successful. You may realize that through your long hours at work you have neglected your family and relationships, so why not start scheduling more quality time for them. By having it all written out you can ensure that you won't be neglecting any area of your life.