What’s Success Got To Do With It? (Part 1)

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a concept with many different meanings, depending on who you ask. The important thing is to figure out what success means to you personally.

Part 1: Diverse Definitions of Success 

What Does Success Really Mean? 

Success. We hear that word all the time, but what does it actually mean? Is it the corner office? A big bank account? A happy family? To wrap my brain around this, I decided to ask five friends. Their answers were all over the map and got me thinking about my own idea of success and how personal it really is. 

Different Perspectives on Success 

My gym buddy says success is all about financial wealth. She’s grinding away for that economic stability. She wakes up at 5 AM every day, hits the gym, and then dives into her work. For her, success is having enough money to never worry about it again. She wants to retire early, travel the world, and live comfortably. It’s hard not to see the appeal in that. 

My neighbor, and fellow mom, (we chat during school drop-offs) believes success is about balancing personal life and work achievements. She’s a master juggler, managing her kids' schedules, her job, and somehow finding time for herself. Her idea of success is having it all – a fulfilling career and a happy family. She’s constantly looking for ways to harmonize these parts of her life, finding happiness in both areas. 

Then there's my mail carrier. She has this refreshing belief that success isn’t just for the extraordinarily talented. She thinks anyone can achieve it with hard work and perseverance. This story is inspiring – she didn’t have the best start in life, but she worked her way up, taking every opportunity that came her way. Her definition of success is grounded in resilience and grit. 

My friend from the office has a different take. He believes no one can truly be successful alone. He's had mentors and a supportive network that have helped him along the way. His success is a team effort, woven with the help of many hands. He’s a firm believer in the idea that it takes a village to raise not just a child, but a successful person. 

And finally, my thoughtful neighbor believes true happiness comes from within. For him, success isn’t about external achievements but about following his inner star and finding joy from within. He’s the guy who meditates every morning, practices gratitude, and is always in tune with his feelings. He measures success by his peace of mind and internal happiness rather than external accolades. 

Reflecting on External Success 

Hearing all these different takes made me realize how varied the concept of success really is. But it also made me question something: who decides what success looks like? Why do we let “them” dictate what it means? 

I’ll never forget being stuck behind a Bronco on Loop 360 for eighty minutes. It had a bumper sticker that read, "Success is a Journey." Typical. It got me thinking about how society pushes this idea that success is an ultimate destination we need to reach. We’re bombarded with images of what a successful life looks like – the big house, the fancy car, the perfect family. But why? Who set these standards, and why do we buy into them? 

When I reflect on my own story, I realize I’ve always viewed success as something external. I chased those big milestones: getting into a top university, landing a prestigious job, buying a house. But lately, I’ve started to see things differently. Those achievements brought temporary joy, okay, but did they bring lasting satisfaction? Not always. 

A New Perspective 

Over time, I’ve come to understand that true joy doesn’t come from these conventional markers of success but from deep, personal satisfaction. It’s about those moments that make you feel genuinely happy and fulfilled, not just the ones that look good on paper. 

Maybe it’s time to rethink what success means. Instead of just chasing external achievements, why not focus on finding real satisfaction in what we do? This shift in perspective can change everything. 

Imagine waking up every day feeling satisfied with where you are in life. Not because you’ve checked off all the boxes on society’s list, but because you’re doing what makes you happy. That’s a frickin’ powerful place to be. 

Personal Reflections on Success 

When I look at my friends and their varied definitions of success, it becomes clear that success is a deeply personal thing—financial security, balance, perseverance, community, inner peace. 

And for me? I’m still figuring that out. But I know it’s not just about the accolades and the milestones. It’s about feeling content with the journey, finding joy in the little things, and staying true to myself. 

Success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s a concept with many different meanings, depending on who you ask. The important thing is to figure out what success means to you personally. Don’t let societal standards dictate your definition. Reflect on what makes you feel genuinely fulfilled and go after that. 

We live in a world where we’re constantly being told what we should want. But at the end of the day, the only person who can define success for you is you. So, what does success mean to you? 

Takeaway: Personal Reflections on Success 

Success is a multifaceted concept with different meanings for different people. It’s important to reflect on what success means personally rather than adhering strictly to societal standards. Take a moment to think about what makes you feel truly fulfilled and chase that. 

Life’s too short to live by someone else’s definition of success. Find your own path and follow it. You might be surprised at where it leads you. 

So, what’s your definition of success? Are you living by your own standards, or someone else’s? Take a step back, reflect, and redefine success on your terms.