The search for success worries women entrepreneurs and students. Many will believe they have reached it, others will think they are on the right track and some will still try to find it. However, what is success? There is much talk about it: “being a successful person”, “achieving success” … These are expressions that we hear on a daily basis and that, in general, we tend to relate to professional life. It is not uncommon that when someone says that he has had “success in something” we think that he is referring to a promotion, a reward … or a milestone in the workplace. In some cases, it is also considered synonymous with money and power.

But what is success really? Mona Maine de Biran, the American entrepreneur and Countess by marriage who founded the breakthrough beauty brand KIERIN NYC and the popular New York City lifestyle blog Manhattan Minds is a woman many would consider to be quite successful. She says success isn’t what many people think it is, however. “Success is often considered synonymous with money and power. But I know a lot of people who made the right choices in their career and finances but who are utter failures in their personal lives and feel unfulfilled. On the whole, these are not successful people.” Mona believes success is a subjective issue, depending on the goals and priorities that each person sets for himself; but one that also includes factors such as well-being, family life or personal fulfillment to the definition. “Jobs and economic security will always be important, but when we fall into the trap of pursuing only successes that are based on money, fame and power … we lose our happiness,” says the famous enterprising woman Arianna Huffington, founder of the medium that bears her last name, who also believes in the need to thoughtfully define this term.

Enterprising women, like men, carry a great weight on their shoulders: make your business idea and your work the same. That is success. And many, to achieve this, abandon themselves to work and spend less time, without realizing it, with their family or in enjoying their hobbies. According to a study, 90% of entrepreneurs suffer more stress than the average person. But there is a path to true success, which has room to include professional goals, that gives way to happiness and satisfaction without stress. The formula is to find a balance. Here are a few helpful tips for women entrepreneurs who want to be truly successful, both personally and professionally.

Stop seeking approval

Your life, your business. And success in both will be whatever you decide it to be; not the others. Set goals, make decisions, set priorities and take the reins at your own discretion. The enterprising women you admire never stopped at anything or anyone.

Create your own plan

Think about what makes you happy and what you want for your life (family, personal, work …). Design your own plan and set your own goals. Here, without realizing it, you will be defining what your next successes will be (because, sure, you will achieve them).

Celebrate the little triumphs

Have you managed to maintain your training routine for several months? Have you finally got that meeting you were looking forward to? A positive reinforcement will give you enough energy to move forward; so, every little success, whatever the type, deserves a celebration in style.

Take time

You are the most important. Invest time in yourself, to enjoy your hobbies, family … or simply to lie down one afternoon on the couch. You will not manage any business if stress, fatigue or despair invades you. The enterprising women, and men also, you admire needed to rest.

Don’t be afraid of failure

Allowing fear to take over you will only keep you from getting what you want. Sometimes things can go wrong, professionally and personally, but that should not prevent us from pursuing our goals. In addition, in failures we sometimes find great lessons that will help us move forward and improve.

Stay positive and believe in yourself

Although in the life of an entrepreneur, and of any person, there are always ups and downs … keep a positive spirit and think that you are able to achieve everything you set your mind to. It will give you strength and help you get through the bad times.

Let them help you    

Walking the path of success is much easier, and enjoyable, if you go with it. Ask for help or advice when you need it, surround yourself with people who love you and, if you can, start delegating.

The rule of 8-8-8 applies

Eight hours of work, eight of leisure and eight of rest. Remember that the key is in the balance and this rule to organize your time will help you find it and be happier.