3 ways i’m successful :: guest post by megan auman

When Tara asked me to write about success, I was surprised. I mean; I don’t consider myself successful. I don’t have a lot of money. My house is always messy. I haven’t written a book or run a marathon. What could I possibly have to say about success?

But Tara’s email also got me thinking a little differently. Someone considers me successful. And when you start to think about the ways other people see you as successful, you start to see yourself in a really positive light.

Perhaps, like me, you don’t take time to think of yourself as successful. I’m always too busy focusing on the next thing, and the next goal, and all the things I haven’t achieved yet. But while its good to have lofty goals (it gives your something to drive towards), it can also mean that you never take time to celebrate your accomplishments. And never feeling like you’ve achieved anything can lead to burnout, frustration, and maybe even quitting the thing you love.

So, here’s a little exercise for you: First, put yourself in the right mindset by reminding yourself that someone, somewhere considers you successful. Now, make a list of three ways you are successful, right now. Not ways you might be successful in the future, but successes you are enjoying at this moment.

To help you out, here are my three ways I am successful:

1. I’ve never had a 9 to 5 job. While this might not be some peoples’ definition of success, I’m pretty proud of the fact that I’ve always had the courage to go after the lifestyle I want. Not that it’s easy, but it is pretty cool to say that I’ve never worked a 9 to 5. I never had to escape from cubicle nation, because I never entered it. And I’m pretty proud of that.
2. I found a niche market. I think one of the reasons Tara asked me to write about success was that I recently launched a new blog, Crafting an MBA, and so far, things are going well. I’m amazed at the initial positive response. People are looking, and reading, and commenting, and connecting. Its clear that I’m fulfilling a need, and I love that by sharing what I’m learning about building a business, I can help so many other indie makers in the process.
3. I use the web to cultivate relationships. Every time someone shares a link or posts a comment on Crafting an MBA, I wonder why I didn’t start this blog a year and a half ago. But I don’t think Crafting an MBA would have had these initial successes if I had started it back then. I’ve spent a lot of time building my own blog over the last three years, and it’s enabled me to create a positive, supportive community. (Which is really important for anyone who works at home, alone all day.) And when I joined Twitter, I found an even greater community. While I’m not saying that I have a meaningful relationship with every person I follow on Twitter, I have used it to make some fantastic connections. (Like Tara!) And that has helped me become successful in so many ways!

Now it’s your turn: think about three ways you are successful. It might just give you the self-esteem boost to reach towards those loftier, yet to be achieved goals.

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about megan auman: megan resides in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, where she maintains a studio making sculpture and jewelry. Her work explores the floral patterns found in textiles and decorative ironwork. megan employs a torch welding technique to create her steel jewelry and sculpture. megan has an mfa from kent state university and currently teaches at towson university. visit her shop, her artist’s blog, and her biz blog.