Sounds remedial, I know. But why don’t you take a moment to write down what success really is. No, seriously. I’ll wait. Not all that easy, is it?

When I coach individuals, particularly women, writers and women writers, they seem to define success in others’ terms. They’re looking outward for someone else to draw the parameters that define success.

Here’s how I believe a writer should define success. It’s not what you think.

You are a success if…

You are pursuing your dream. So you want to be a writer. Great. Are you working toward that goal? I’m not referring to the dozens of already published novels by Susie May Warren or Rachel Hauck. I’m asking if you are making strides toward your goal? If so, you’re a success.

You abandon things that don’t matter. Honestly, Maynard’s grandmother Eva won’t really care if you don’t come to the family Sunday afternoon social. After all, you’re not part of their family.

You’re getting coaching on the nuts and bolts. A mentor will stretch you. Make you bigger than you are. They will bring out the best in you and move you up a rung or two.

You measure success daily. My heart hurts when I hear people saying, “if only I could ______, then I’d be successful… someday.” Someday is great to dream about, but what about today?

You don’t let others define your success. Success is like your DNA. It is unique to you. Look in any direction and you’ll find hundreds of people who are ready to define it for you and tell you if you measure up. Don’t give them that power over you.

Success isn’t money. It’s not prestige. It’s not the number of by lines you have or how many of your best-selling novel you autograph for adoring fans.

Success is living each day to its fullest. It’s grabbing all the goodie out of it and making the greatest contribution you can make… today.

Some days that won’t be as much. You might be tired from those intense days at Deep Thinkers Retreat when Susie and Rachel crammed your brain full of great information. On that day, you won’t be able to boil water but that doesn’t mean you’re not successful.

Success is… whatever you define it to be. So why not do that today? Go ahead. Define your success. Life it. Celebrate it!

How do you define success? Want to share it?

Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.