The Measure of Success

How do you measure your success? Management consultant Peter Drucker once said, “You can’t manage what you can’t measure.”

Some aspects of success are easy to manage and measure. Wealth, a good job and social status are a few that quickly come to mind. Business owners seek to stay in the black and not in the red. Repeat customers and long lines indicate that something is working right.

So, how are you measuring your success in losing weight and getting healthier? Like the business owner, are you in the black or the red? You must find the right measuring stick to monitor your progress. What drives you to want to lose weight? Is it to be honored or feel honored? There is a difference, and both are equally important.

Once the bright lights are turned off after your accomplishment is recognized, what’s next? You can’t keep on running to the spotlight, but if you feel honored, the bright light shining on the inside will be there to show the way to success. The feeling of self-worth is better than any tangible item given to you.

I remember when that internal switch was turned on for me. From that moment, I felt I could accomplish anything and everything I wanted. I realized that compliments and recognition, although well meant, just cause a temporary feeling of euphoria. If I spent time chasing that recognition, I was missing the big picture.

Personal success isn’t measured by how many “likes” you get on social media. If you have done your best and are happy with your progress, it’s automatically marked in the success column. Your best ally is yourself.

Non-tangible items, such as levels of happiness and health, are hard to measure. However, you know deep inside how you feel. You know if you are healthier now than when you started on your journey. Just realize that this is measured over a longer period.

I will acknowledge when someone tells me I’ve lost weight or I’m looking good. However, I really pay attention to the folks who say they had their doubts I would still be walking this earth in 2023. While that sounds morbid, they are acknowledging the non-tangible items that I had set to measure my success.

All but one of my medications have been canceled, I have normal blood pressure and I have a reasonable cholesterol count. I’m not diabetic like some of my family members. I can bend over and tie my own shoes. I no longer have sleep apnea and am told that my snoring has greatly diminished. It’s easier to shop for clothes, and I no longer need to find the “big man” rack.

These and other accomplishments didn’t happen overnight. Nevertheless, each one was a milestone on the path to a better life. The year I was officially “honored” has faded into history, but the inner feeling of self-worth continues to glow. My ledger sheet is in the black.

Only you can set, control, monitor and obtain your successes.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it.” — Peter Drucker