Create Your Personal Success Equation
Kent Jacobson, a.k.a. "Mr. Success"

Do you have any idea how to measure your success? I really had not thought much about how to measure my success until I was asked the same question. Some of my initial responses were; money, power, paying off debts, raising children and so on. All of these are factors in what I refer to as a success equation. Ok, what is a success equation going to do for me?   My answer, to help keep you focused on the big success picture. To help you answer and save you a little time, I need you to think about your success factors (words, phrases or number's) that will ultimately contribute to equation.  Begin to formulate these factors into a basic equation. Document your success equation so you can refine it and refer to it frequently. I like to carry mine around with me, because sometimes I need to refer back to some of my factors and what they truly really mean to me. Everyone's success equation will be different and your ultimate success is dependent upon your personal or professional situation and how well you assimilate your critical factors. 

For this discussion, I will share with you my personal success equation and how I developed it. By the time you finish reading this article, I want you to create you own success equation, believe in the factors you document and implement actions to be successful.

My success equation (Success=F+F+F+O+P) involves five equal factors. 
Faith*Believe in a higher presence
Family*There is no greater priority
Failure*Do not be afraid of failure, learn and grow from it
Optimism*Maintain a positive outlook
Perseverance*Relentlessly pursue your dreams and goals and recognize opportunities

The first step in developing your equation is listing key factors (words and phrases) that are important to you.  Initially, put down all your thoughts, then review and eliminate the less critical ones until you have five to seven factors. Too many or too few may lead to conflicting decisions or priorities. This is why I recommend you initially omit money from your equation, your choice.

The second step is to review your factors during the next few weeks as you interact with family, friends, business associates etc. Document and carry with you your success equations during this time fame. As you progress through your normal routine, allow yourself time to reflect on the factors you have identified.  Ask yourself, are my decisions and actions are consistent with these factors? Do I need to change my behavior or maybe a factor?  Keep notes; do not be quick to change anything until at least a week has passed.  This is your development and learning period; there is no need to rush this step. 

Third and final step is to critically review your success equation. Look back through the notes and experiences from the second step.  Refine your success equation, document the final result and carry it with you.  That's it your on the way!

I close this article with one my favorite quotes from Pope John Paul II, he said, "The future starts today, not tomorrow."