In this episode, I am joined by Sam Thomas to explore the evolving concept of success. Sam, an entrepreneur and podcast host, shares personal stories about how his view of success shifted from a purely financial goal to one centred around relationships, fulfilment, and well-being. We discuss how societal pressures, especially on men, shape our success definitions and how these pressures can lead to feelings of failure and self-worth issues.

We share our experience on the importance of aligning success with values like love, relationships, and personal integrity, rather than just financial milestones. Sam also reflects on a pivotal moment when he faced deep emotional struggles, which eventually transformed his perspective on success, teaching him to appreciate the love and relationships surrounding him.

Key Learnings:

1. Redefining Success: Success is not just about financial achievements but also about relationships, fulfillment, and personal growth.
2. Societal Pressures: There is a strong societal focus on financial success, especially for men, which can lead to feelings of inadequacy and failure.
3. The Journey Matters: The process and experiences along the way are more important than reaching specific financial or status milestones.
4. Emotional Health: Success should not come at the cost of personal relationships or emotional well-being.
5. Living in the Present: Finding joy and fulfilment in everyday moments and aligning actions with personal values lead to a deeper sense of success.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction – How do we define success? Meet Sam Thomas and his journey.
• [00:02] Early Views of Success – Sam’s early ambitions for wealth, cars, and status.
• [00:04] The Pressures of Success – How society pushes financial success and the toll it takes.
• [00:06] External Validation Trap – The dangers of seeking approval from others and how to find inner fulfillment.
• [00:09] Sam’s Turning Point – A personal story of emotional struggle and a shift in perspective.
• [00:18] Success and Relationships – How love and relationships redefined Sam’s idea of success.
• [00:23] Breaking Free from Comparison – How comparing yourself to others leads to feelings of failure.
• [00:33] The Power of Present-Moment Awareness – Learn how to find happiness now, not in the future.
• [00:42] Stories of True Success – Real examples of people finding fulfilment beyond financial success.
• [00:52] Final Thoughts – Aligning your life with your values for long-lasting fulfilment.

Get in touch with Sam

If this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more about Sam at County Business Clubs, please contact him here.

Get in touch with Sal

If this episode has caught your attention and you wish to learn more, then please contact me.