Redefining Success Beyond Money and Power

A key focus of your book is reconsidering 
how one defines success. How do you 
define success in your own life, and what 
advice do you offer wealth creators who are 
trying to find fulfillment in other ways?

---

Christianson: 
I believe we all have a desire to live 
fully. That means both pursuing financial success 
and flourishing in other important areas of life. I 
believe everyone has the responsibility to define 
success for themselves. I feel successful as I 
deepen relationships with family and friends; by 
being healthy and active; by expressing my spiritual 
side through generosity, influence and sharing my 
expertise; and as I bring my unique contribution to 
the world through my work as a wealth and life 
coach. 
Many people don’t take time to define success for 
themselves, largely because it requires courage to 
do this inner work. I’ve developed a tool called “My 
Life Portfolio” to help wealth creators examine the 
elements of a successful life (including money, work, 
relationships, health, purpose, mind and play) and 
build a “portfolio” with the proper diversification, risk 
and return to help achieve their definition of 
fulfillment. 
What are some common personality traits 
you’ve found among the highly successful 
wealth creators you’ve worked with, both 
good and bad?
Christianson: 
In my experience, many highly 
successful wealth creators are the first generation in 

---

their families to have achieved wealth. They worked 
hard to get what they wanted in life and from a 
young age they had the drive to make something of 
themselves. They are usually highly educated and 
passionate about engaging in stimulating work with 
others like themselves. They value relationships of 
trust; they can also be demanding and have high 
expectations of others. Most recognize the 
responsibility that comes with their financial gifts, 
and they work with incredible focus, grit and 
persistence towards achieving meaningful 
outcomes. At the same time, they can be insecure 
about feeling, acting and being thought of as 
“normal.” Successful wealth creators have many of 
the same worries and fears as anyone else.