Definition of Success - Mission Statement

A while ago I took a wonderful series of classes, the Excellence Series from Context International based out of Bellevue Washington. I recommend them. You learn about interacting effectively in the world with different personality styles. Creating a long term vision or goal for yourself and action steps and look at what is holding you back from the things you want. That's like the nitty gritty sum up... but there is so much more than that. One of the things we look at in the courses is our "Definition of Success". 

Mine is : To me, success is: continuous, creative, graceful artistry. Built, with intimacy, and appreciative attention to and from my peers. Containing daily adventure, and discovery in this thing called life. 

Ok. So what the heck does that mean? 

I need to constantly be creating, whether it's cooking, writing, taking photos, or my favorite ... acting.  

Graceful Artistry means I like things to flow and have an elegance to them. I've always believed if I'm going to do a thing I should do it well. I also tie this in with being gracious and grateful for my opportunities, for the people I work with, etc. 

 Intimacy is not about sex. it's about really getting to know and build lasting friendships with understanding and affection. 

Appreciative attention is acknowledging that I do best when there is a certain level of praise and positive affirmation about the things I'm doing. I in turn also love to give praise and affirmation and truly believe in lifting people up. I am not generally a competitive person. 

Daily adventure and discovery: I love this world, I love the people, the places, the stories, the information, the food, the music, all that is good and wonderful. I love to explore and learn. I try to experience something new daily, even if it's something small like a new type of tea. 

If I'm having these things in my life, I figure I'm doing alright.