A few weeks ago I was reading a book and the author wrote:

What does being successful mean to you?

The quote, in a book being on following your inner “clues” to success and fulfillment, stuck with me, and I’ve been thinking about it ever since.

During these few years of being a freelancer and business owner, I’ve had several goals (big and small) that I’ve worked to accomplish. Consistently publishing on my website and social channels, bidding for a certain number of contracts, a book of a certain number of clients, certain earnings in my bank account… the list goes on.

But one thing I never really thought about is what “successful” really means to me. My goal with my business isn’t to make millions or build a nation-wide consulting agency, but I do want to be self-sustainable, work less, and make a comfortable (or more than comfortable) living.

But how do I know when I get there?

So I sat down to write this post and force myself to really think about and define what my success looks like to myself.

And then weeks went by, and I didn’t write anything because I didn’t know the answer.

Now, finally, I’ve figured it out.

First of all, I will say I believe I’ve been successful already. I have several consistent, wonderful clients. I have built an emergency fund and savings that I’m comfortable with. I’ve formed an LLC and am a business owner. I’m respected and have done great things at my full-time jobs. Those all are amazing things that I can’t believe I even get to say.

So when I’m old and retired, what will I have accomplished that will allow me to look back and think “wow, I was successful”?

I think long term, my success doesn’t look like $ in the bank or X clients in my portfolio. In fact, I don’t think it can be quantified by a number. Instead, I think it’s a feeling and a vision of my future. Ultimately, it comes down to lifestyle design.

I want to be able to choose my lifestyle. To wake up every day and decide what I want to do and when. If I want to spend hours writing, I will. If I want to go to the park or read a book on my patio all day, I will. Maybe I’ll sleep in, or maybe I’ll get up early to enjoy a quiet, local coffee shop. No meetings. No boss or corporation to answer to. Just myself and the most important things to me, like loved ones and friends.

I want to be able to choose whether I spend my time in my house in Cincinnati, or on a beach, or in Europe, or at my parents’ house. I want to choose whether I take on a new client and write myself, or send the work out to a freelancer while I earn passive income. I want to love what I do every day, both from a “career” standpoint as well as day-to-day activities.

I want to wake up happy and excited for the day, and go to bed happy and excited for what the next day will bring.

That is my success. That is what being successful means to me.

Surrounded by friends and family, with the freedom to choose what takes up my days and mental space. Being happy and fulfilled by things I choose.

I’ve written it on a sticky note and hung it on the window sill above my desk so I can look at it every day and remember what I’m working toward. What the goal is. And continue pushing for it.

And I’m so excited to see what the future brings.

If you haven’t, I encourage you to sit down and think about what success means to you. Write it down. Start making a plan. Your definition success won’t look the same as mine or someone you know, but I think it’s important to know and embrace what you’re working toward – so you know when you get there, and can feel empowered, proud, happy and successful.