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How do you define personal success? 12 Charlotteans answer

By Katie Toussaint

Dear Charlotteans,

Stop squirming out of the success spotlight. Yesterday, I set out to find a variety of perspectives on the concept of personal success. I asked for one or two sentences to answer my one question: “What is your definition of personal success?”

I didn’t limit it to age or occupation. A few observations:

(1) Several people preferred to answer by email rather than by phone or in person, when given that option. One preferred to not respond at all.

(2) Several people preferred to remain visually anonymous — they didn’t allow a photograph of them to be published.

(3) Most people needed at least several minutes to answer — I got a lot of feedback about this being a tough question.

Should it be so tough? Or should we all already know, inherently, easily, how we define our own sense of success? Aren’t we all allowed to be successful in our own way, and to acknowledge that when asked? Take a look at these responses and decide.

What is your definition of personal success?

“Having a beautiful, healthy family and the respect from the Charlotte community.” –Hilda H. Gurdián, publisher of La Noticia

“Personal success is more about the ability to set a goal and reach that goal … or work towards that goal.” -Jeff Stafford, store manager at Food Lion 

“I will use the words of yoga teacher David Williams, ‘success is getting up in the morning and being able to do whatever you want to do.'” –Shanna Small, yoga teacher at Y2 Yoga

Some people have an angel over their shoulder. I have a skeleton! Had to get a pic with my new @ashtangadispatch shirt! Thanks @pegmulqueen!!!!

A post shared by shanna (@wellness_yogini) on Oct 30, 2015 at 5:26pm PDT

“Success to me means having a healthy work-life balance wherein I can find gratification at work while also being a good friend, daughter and sister.”-Katie Peralta, retail reporter at The Charlotte Observer

 
“Because I’ve dedicated so much time to my career I feel like my idea of personal and professional success are closely linked. Waking up every day excited about what I do and feeling as if my career isn’t just a job but my avocation through which I can truly help others; that’s my idea of success.” –Alex Zeitany, medical student 
“Happy family, stress-free, ease of mind.” –Andrew Curry, manager at Tyber Creek Pub

“When you set a goal for yourself and you meet it and you’re happy with the result. And you make yourself happy.” –Daniela Verde, student at South Mecklenburg High School

“Currently, my personal success is defined in my ability to make music with/for people in the capacity I feel I was born to. This criteria could change.” -James K. Parker III, music educator

“Means getting a home, accomplishing my goal of having a home for me and my kids.” –Kim W., resident at Supportive Housing Communities

“As a physician, success is when patients also send their family members to you. That’s the ultimate display of trust.” –Dr. Ryan Shelton, internal medicine physician at Carolinas HealthCare System

 “There are different levels and types. Customer satisfaction … We see the same people every week. If you’re good to them, they’re good to you. -Laura Goans, manager at Mr. K’s, and George Dizes, owner at Mr. K’s. 

Then Dizes branched out on his own and added: “Being the best person you can possibly be. My motto is ‘live and let live.'”

Now, your turn. How do you define personal success?

Photos: La Noticia, Charlotte Observer, Alex Zeitany, Tyber Creek Pub, E&R Photography, CarolinasHealthCare System, Katie Toussaint

This story was originally published November 2, 2015 at 11:00 PM with the headline "How do you define personal success? 12 Charlotteans answer."

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