As a new (or even experienced) part-time network marketer, one of the more interesting challenges you may face is defining the meaning of the word SUCCESSFUL

Here’s what the dictionary says:

suc·cess·ful adj.
1. Having a favorable outcome: a successful heart transplant.
2. Having obtained something desired or intended: was successful in stopping the leak of oil.
3. Having achieved wealth or eminence: a successful architect.

For some odd reason, most network marketers (and people in general for that matter) tend to focus on definition #3 … show me the money!

Don’t misunderstand me; for most people, the reason they started a network marketing business in the first place is to earn money. So it stands to reason that wealth would be a perfectly adequate (and obvious) definition of success.

However, check out those first two definitions. Having a favorable outcome and/or obtaining something desired or intended. Hmmm, based on those descriptions, do you think it might also be possible for success (as it relates to your business) to sometimes have to do with more than just the money?

• Could spending more quality time with your family possibly qualify you as “successful”?
• What if you learned to be more happy and content with the good things you already have in your life; and more sure about your future … would those be hallmarks of a “successful” person?
• How about if you were exposed to new ideas, met new people, and participated in new activities that you never would have dreamed of in the past … would you consider that a “favorable outcome”?

See where I’m going with this? Success can be accurately defined in many, many (unique and individual) ways.

Now, here’s an interesting idea … do you think it might ever be possible to already be “successful” while you are still working towards whatever it is you ultimately intend or desire?

I’m not going to attempt to answer that question for you … but it’s probably something worth thinking about.

Just remember these two things: success tend to breed more success, And how we view ourselves NOW often has a tremdous impact on, not only how others view us, but how we are likely to be viewed in the future (ie., what we will achieve).

So, the next time someone asks you if you are “successful”, make sure you think long and hard before offering up a quick and easy answer.

Till next time …

Todd