FLOW: A Simple Equation to Define Success

eWomenNetwork Member Featured Author: Trish Tonaj

Published Date: Apr 25, 2018 | Blog Category: eWomenNetwork

Phyllis Smith

A New Definition of Success

We live in an exhilarating time in history. A time, when we have the opportunity to define and create our own unique lifestyle. Celebrate our individualism and support each other in our quest for success.

In 2016, I published a book, Breaking Barriers 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories. The theme is “mentorship”. We share stories and 3 words of advice about our entrepreneurial journey to inspire and encourage the next generation of entrepreneurs. Who knew, that the women’s movement would take center stage with many discussions in boardrooms, kitchen tables and coffee shops on the definition of being a “preneur”.

Since that time, as a speaker, I have been connecting with businesses, service clubs and individuals on the topic of mentorship and the valuable contributions we make to our communities. I have had the pleasure of meeting many creative, talented and committed individuals while discussing the topic. What is interesting is that throughout these conversations we always end up sharing our ideas about “success”.

Go with the Flow

What if… now is the time to create a new definition of success?

Are you familiar with the phrase: “Go with the flow?”

When discussing the challenges and opportunities we face in our current economic times, I have often heard people use this phrase to describe an attitude that puts things into perspective. It would be fair to say that everyone is concerned about the future and looking for a few tools to navigate change.

The word “flow” has been around for many years and it is often used to describe a state of happiness, where your personal and professional life are in sync, enjoying a holistic place in both mind and body.

The theory has been scientifically researched and was coined in 1975 by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi who has a PH.D. in psychology. An article published in Success magazine defines the concept with this quote: “Flow makes life much better.” You don’t feel like you’re working against the current, but with it. Work doesn’t seem like an obligation, and you get better at what you’re doing.”

Sounds perfect, sign me up!

As we take a look at the opportunities for us to live and create flow, the very description will lead us to understand that it is a continuum, fluid and in a constant state of motion. We may each experience flow throughout the day and multiple times within the week, which encourages us to create a pattern of achievement where we find and experience the phenomenon.

What I love about flow is that each definition will vary from person to person. It is truly unique for each individual, depending on your own personal and professional goals and objectives. We all agree and instinctively understand that when we find flow, we are in a certain state of mind that encourages our wealth and wellbeing.

We all agree and instinctively understand that when we find flow, we are in a certain state of mind that encourages our wealth and wellbeing.

The Flow Equation

Who doesn’t want to be and live in flow?

What if… we think outside the box and look at wealth and wellbeing as dependent on each other as we create a new definition for success? I have created this acronym for my online success program:

Functional Learning on Wealth and Wellbeing = FLOW²

What if… in creating a new definition we identify the balance between wealth and wellbeing?

What if…we actually become more successful? Imagine your success. Do you feel the FLOW?

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Photo by Eva Renaldi -License Agreement

Dolly Parton's Flow

I love this quote by Dolly Parton: ”Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.”

Perhaps, now is the time, for a new, emerging definition for success.

Everyone starts a business or career to create wealth - building a foundation for a standard of living that supports our families, one that is unique to us and identifies our own lifestyle brand. This is ultimately how many of us evaluate or keep score on success.

But…what happens when we focus too much attention on wealth?

Like you, I’ve had many conversations with people who share stories about the challenges we face in this hectic, fast paced environment that are often related to our health. Most of us don’t take the time to think about the other side of the equation until we’ve hit a wall or experience a major event that stops us in our tracks. It is at this time that we begin to understand the importance of taking care of our health and review the necessary steps to include “wellbeing” into our life plan.

If we think about it, realistically, you cannot have one without the other!

Most of us don’t take the time to think about the other side of the equation until we’ve hit a wall or experience a major event that stops us in our tracks.

Balance Between Wealth and Wellbeing

For those of us who believe in the concept of FLOW², perhaps now is the time to consider creating a balance between wealth and wellbeing as the foundation for our success.

If life is a continuum and constantly in motion, then we should be able to create our own definition that includes FLOW².

Take a few moments to write down all of the things that are relevant to you for each topic. Create two columns: one with the title, “Wealth” and the other “Wellbeing”. Are they balanced? Have you reconsidered some of the things you felt were important before you created the list? Or, perhaps you’ve started to take a look at each definition and how you may revise the columns to balance the scale?

An interesting exercise that may lead you to create your own new definition.

Now, when I’m speaking on the topic of mentorship, I also include a little something on the concept of FLOW². It provides an opportunity to start a new conversation on the meaning of success and how we may begin to create a new and modern definition.

So…How do you define success?

Here’s a thought:

Success = Wealth +/- Wellbeing (W²)

Enjoy the debate and “ Go with the FLOW² ”

Click here to learn more about The Mechanics of FLOW²

Be the person who starts a ripple that creates a wave of change - Trish Tonaj

Author,Trish Tonaj

Trish Tonaj is an author, coach and speaker sharing stories on mentorship while creating a culture of wealth and well-being. She is the author of Breaking Barriers: 10 Entrepreneurial Women Share Their Stories and A Diary of Change: 12 Personal Tools.

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