How do you define success?

A new survey reveals that many of us are on a quest to find and define success. Nearly one-third (33%) of those surveyed have changed careers at least once to find a better work-life balance and more than a quarter (27%) have taken time off to travel the world. Finding a sense of accomplishment is seen as a top priority for 2013 among respondents, with 83% trying to learn new things this year. "It's clear that people are beginning to define success based on their passions and dreams, rather than simply their professional status," said the vice president of communications of a big global firm. "Rather than traveling around the world or taking a hobby to the next level, we should all be tempted to follow our dreams and realize our full potential. » The majority (63%) say being open to new stimuli and discoveries outside the workplace is just as important, if not more important, than discoveries inside the workplace. Nearly a quarter (23%) learned a new language to broaden their horizons, 22% learned a new skill or developed talent, and 15% returned to university as a mature student.

Pursuing your dream

The act of pursuing a dream can entail financial and professional risks, but the survey shows that this is not a concern for most respondents. Nearly nine in 10 people (87%) think you should prioritize the pursuit of your dreams over other commitments, such as work and career. The research also indicates a willingness to redefine dreams that comes with age and experience. Nearly one-quarter of respondents (22%) say that as a child they equated success with getting a great job, but they have now found fulfillment and meaning in other areas of life. And it appears that the majority believe that hard work and determination help them achieve their dreams. Nearly seven in ten (69%) disagree that life is all about luck and they are masters of their own destiny.