Many of us are prisoners of our own success. Maybe we started our careers with a goal of climbing corporate ladder or earning $X per year or ________________ (fill in blank).

We then achieve success, are “respected” by our peers, have a nice big house full of great stuff, take nice vacations….. And yet, we often think, “Is this all that there is?” We have a sense of emptiness inside.

I think many of us experience this “mid-life crisis” because we have borrowed society’s definition of success instead of crafting our own definition of personal success.

Take a moment and write down Definition of Success that has guided your decisions and actions up until now. You don’t have to agree with it, but put down on paper what has been lurking in your mind.

My Current Definition of Success:

Where did you get your current definition of success? From your parents or teachers or spouse? Are you trapped by a definition of success that you don’t even agree to?

It’s time to create your very own personalized definition of success.

Here are some alternative definitions of success for you to consider and reflect upon:

“Too often, people focus only on results. But getting results without learning something or without having fun are incomplete. So is having fun without getting results, or having fun without learning something new to help and empower you in future. Accomplishment is all three: result, personal growth, and having fun.” -Peter L. Hirsch

“There are many aspects to success; material wealth is only one component….But success also include good health, energy and enthusiasm for life, fulfilling relationships, creative freedom, emotional and psychological stability, a sense of well-being, and peace of mind.” - Deepak Chopra

But, without those trusty rungs to show way, how do you figure out next step in your career? How do you determine if you need to go to business school or graduate school? How do you identify your next job?

You could employ dartboard method, or a Magic 8 Ball. Or, instead of struggling to find next rung on that mythical ladder, you could identify your long-term career goals, and then focus on closing gap between today and your future goals. By focusing on long-term, and skills and experiences you need to gain, you will increase your options and give yourself flexibility to operate in today's chaotic working world.

To determine your career plan, first write down your long-term goal. Then, do a Career Gap Analysis, by following these four steps:

Step One Divide a blank sheet of paper into three columns. At top of left column, write: "Current Skills and Experiences." At top of middle column, write: "The Gap." Finally, at top of column on right, write "Future Needs."

Step Two In right column, Future Needs, list skills, education, abilities, and experiences you will need to be successful in future you envisioned when determining your long-term goals. For example, if your future goal is to start your own business, you will need following: knowledge of how to write a business plan, basic accounting or financial analysis skills, ability to manage a group of people, experience in writing new business proposals, and marketing skills.