According to IPOS an independent research company who interviewed 2,000 Australians during 2016, success is all about the personal and not the external, about experience rather than materialism and relationships rather than the individual.
This challenges the established societal markers of success, supported by the ‘official’ definition – money, power, assets and ‘stuff’ – simply don’t matter when it comes to the personal perceptions of a successful life in Australia today at an individual level. When asked how people think society defines success, the position was more traditional.
When it comes to our goals for the future, improving health and fitness is number one. Money is important as a means to achieving a sense of security and giving us access to acquiring meaningful and enriching life experiences that bring happiness rather than the accumulation of wealth simply for status.
Australians want to feel in control of their money, so they can enjoy life beyond it.
Australians feel success is in their own hands and that it’s up to them to make it happen, rather than it simply being a matter of luck or as a result of social advantage.
We hope this helps you reflect on 2016 and refining your plans for the future so we can make sure your strategy is best suited to achieve your definition of success. If you are interested in reading the full whitepaper, please Google ‘NAB Rethink Success.’