Have you ever chased something (or someone) only to discover afterward that it wasn't all it was cracked up to be? I suspect most of us have experienced this at some point in our lives.

What's up with us? Are we destined to be perpetually unsatisfied? Is it human nature to continually reach for something new? Does the cycle of wanting, achieving, and then just wanting more continue our entire lives?

Probably. But its also worth checking out whether youre trying to fulfill someone elses definition of success.

Years ago my marriage, career, and even my car reflected someone elses idea of success. After spending too much time with an unlucky husband, a puzzled employer, and a sports car that didnt fit my three-dog lifestyle, I realized this wasnt my gig.

I eventually had another go at it, this time without giving a rip what others thought. As a result, I painted a much different picture than before; one more fulfilling than I dreamed possible. You may be surprised to realize where your "feel goods" come from, but its crucial to get in touch with or youll perpetually achieve one goal after another only to feel internal emptiness quickly returning.

Take the King of Bhutan, for example, who declared his countrys measure of prosperity to be GNH (Gross National Happiness) rather than the traditional GDP. He uses well-being instead of consumption as the measure for success. How cool is that?! Or my client who gave up her career as a record label executive to build shelters in a third world country, reporting shes never been so satisfied. Or my neighbor who quit his six figure job to stay home with kids after his wife finished school.

Check in on your current intentions and goals. Are they genuinely yours? Or are they someone elses idea of what yours should be? Make sure if youre going to the trouble of achieving something that its in alignment with who you really are and what you really want.

As a wise person once said: "Theres only one definition of success that matters. Yours."