My definition of success: When those closest to me love & respect me the most. – John Maxwell

My perspective has changed.

I used to think that my parents’ opinions of me weren’t very valuable.
I used to think that my siblings’ perceptions of me weren’t very important.
I used to think that my close friends’ feelings about me weren’t very critical.

But I think differently now.

After taking my one month “writing sabbatical,” here’s what I now understand.

When the opinions of the people in your “cyber world” mean more to you than the opinions of the people in your “real world,” you have a problem.

A rude awakening is necessary.

Respect from your siblings is more important than “re-tweets” on Twitter.
Love from your spouse is more important than “likes” on a Facebook status update.
Conversations with your loved ones are more important than comments on your blog.

The bottom line is:

Your family should be more important to you than your fans.

After all, they will be the ones who will still be around when everyone in your “cyber world” decides to follow someone else.