"Reinventing Success in 2024: A New Year's Reflection for Entrepreneurial Men"
TLDR:
Traditional definitions of ‘success’ are meaning less and a new definition is emerging
Burnout can be directly linked to our definitions of ‘success’
The power of Reflection and why it’s important
10 Things to Consider when redefining success to beat burnout
Step into Authenticity and re-define success for yourself because the old expectations and structures are collapsing
‘Success:’ A New Definition for a New World
In today's fast-paced and ever-evolving world, success has taken on a new meaning for high-performing men, particularly those who are entrepreneurial. The traditional definition of success centered around financial achievements, climbing the corporate ladder, and toxic ‘hustle culture’ no longer suffices.
For men in particular, we have our own unique mental definition as to what success looks like. This old construct has been defined by an “achievement and status at all costs” attitude leading to eventual, consistent burnout. So it makes sense that in order to recover and prevent burnout in 2024 that we must reflect on how the definition of success is massively shifting and how it is changing for the world as well as ourselves.
A Global Event Forces Re-Evaluation of Priorities
A significant wave of resignations and job changes occurred in the United States post the COVID-19 pandemic known as The Great Resignation. A phenomenon where, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in August 2021, 4.3 million people voluntarily left their jobs - the highest number recorded since the data collection began in 2000.
This extended to another and even wider scale phenomenon known as the ‘Pandemic’ or ‘Great’ Migration. The pandemic migration refers to the broader trend of people relocating or changing their living arrangements in response to the pandemic. This includes movements to different geographic locations, such as from urban areas to suburban or rural areas, as well as international migrations prompted by various factors like remote work options, lifestyle changes, or seeking a safer environment.
I personally had made this shift in July of 2019 prior to the pandemic, selling my half of my business after the death of my parents and moving to the Philippines to travel and start a new career.
So what is the latest trend on what high-achieving men are perceiving as a ‘successful’ life now?
How will this idea of “success” guide our decisions and outcomes in 2024?
Today, men around the globe are coming to understand that the old, outdated ways of success cannot hold in the world we are entering in 2024 and beyond. As someone who has international clientele and has personally spent the past 2 years traveling in Central & South America as well as parts of Europe and The United States, I can attest that these trends are not isolated to America. Success is now more holistic, encompassing personal growth, fulfillment, and making a positive impact on the world.
Research has shown that many employees, particularly from younger generations like Millennials and Gen Z, prioritize meaningful work and purpose-driven careers. According to the Deloitte Millennial Survey 2020, 84% of millennials believe that business should focus on societal issues, and 77% believe that businesses' success should be measured by more than just financial performance.
In turn, corporations are having to adopt new values as it is directly affecting the bottomline. Companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of social responsibility and sustainability. Many organizations have integrated corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives into their strategies, such as environmental conservation efforts, philanthropy, and ethical business practices. According to a study by Cone Communications, 87% of consumers are more likely to purchase from a company that advocates for an issue they care about.
The rise of purpose-driven companies and social entrepreneurship is also a growing trend that we’ll most likely see more of in 2024.
There has been an up tick in purpose-driven companies that prioritize both profit and positive impact. B Corps, for example, are businesses certified by the nonprofit B Lab to meet rigorous environmental and social standards. As of 2021, there were over 4,000 certified B Corps globally across various industries.
The concept of social entrepreneurship has gained traction, with entrepreneurs leveraging business principles to address social or environmental challenges. According to a report by Thomson Reuters Foundation, the number of global social enterprises grew by 8% from 2016 to 2019.
Acknowledging these trends for the collective, it important to ask ourselves what does “Success” mean for us, the individual?
In this blog post, we will delve into the concept of reinventing success specifically for high-performing men, focusing on the issue of burnout that often plagues this group.
Reflecting on Progress:
As high-performing men, it is crucial to take a step back and evaluate our progress, especially as a new year begins. Reflection allows us to celebrate our achievements, identify areas for improvement, and set new goals for the future. According to psychologist Art Markman, "Reflection helps you develop a more accurate understanding of your strengths and weaknesses, and it helps you see more clearly how to achieve your goals" (Harvard Business Review, 2017). By reflecting on personal and professional growth, we gain valuable insights that guide us toward reinventing our version of success.
10 Ways to Prevent Burnout & Redefine Success for High-Performing Men
1. Reflect on the negative impact of "hustle culture" and burnout on your well-being and success.
2. Embrace the idea that success should not come at the expense of your well-being.
3. Reassess your priorities and set boundaries to achieve a healthy work-life balance.
4. Take care of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being through self-care practices.
5. Build a support network of like-minded individuals who can uplift and inspire you.
6. Attend workshops and seminars focused on self-management, self-care, and goal setting.
7. Rewrite the narrative of what it means to be a successful man by finding fulfillment in all aspects of your life.
8. Take action steps towards restoring balance and prioritizing what truly matters for your success and well-being.
9. Seek help and invest in yourself. Don't be afraid to ask for support from others.
10. Remember that seeking assistance is a sign of strength, and together we can create a supportive community to navigate burnout and achieve success.
Redefining Success:
With reflection comes the opportunity to redefine what success means for each high-performing man. It is crucial to align our values with our professional aspirations, rejecting societal expectations or external standards. Because as I’ve discussed earlier, those expectations and old standards are either dramatically shifting or being razed to the ground.
Success should be a true expression of our authentic selves. As Tony Robbins stated,
"Success is doing what you want to do, when you want, where you want, with whom you want, as much as you want."
By redefining success based on our terms, we can pursue goals that bring us joy, purpose, and fulfillment, ultimately reducing the likelihood of burnout.
Final Thoughts:
Reinventing success for high-performing men requires a deliberate focus on personal and professional growth, especially when navigating burnout. By taking the time to reflect on progress, redefine success on our terms, overcome obstacles, and maintain motivation, we can create a fulfilling and meaningful entrepreneurial journey.
Let us remember that success is not solely measured by external achievements but by the alignment of our goals and values with our authentic selves. As we embark on this journey of reinvention, it is important to prioritize self-care, seek support when needed, and never lose sight of our true purpose and well-being. So, take a moment to reflect, redefine, and reinvent your vision of success as a high-performing man. And if you interested in learning more I invite you to book a FREE 15 Minute Discovery Call with me today and see how you can create your own definition of ‘success’ in 2024.
