Define Success

Success is a broad term because of how variable it can be on a person-to-person basis. Not everyone is going to be the best bodybuilder, a movie star, or become an elected official. Not everyone is going to become a billionaire, a star athlete, or a Nobel Prize Laureate. Not everyone is going to start a business generating millions of dollars in revenue, a best-selling author, or an astronaut. The definition of success cannot be fixed because of how different success looks to everyone. With a fixed definition of success, almost everyone will fail to reach the standards of this definition. Opening the definition of success to be a working definition means that the definition will mold and change based on the circumstances a person is dealing with— circumstances that define success in their own lives.

The majority of people fall into the population of people working hard to support their families and lead lives they are proud of. Success isn’t always about chasing crazy goals. Success means you try to do well at everything your life is touching. Success means you are aiming to have a positive impact on those around you while making sure the work you do is up to your standard.

Success can be as simple as being the best teacher or electrician you can be. It can be defined as being the best neighbor and friend you can be. Success can be living a life where your family knows you are there for them. Success means you are going all out in whatever “it” is in your life. Any goal, any calling, any passion— anything. Success is working to live a life that fulfills you.

Success is not defined by any paycheck or a job title. If it were, the rich, famous, and accomplished people would never be unhappy. Accomplishments in life are important but they aren’t the defining factor for what “success” is. The defining factor for success is molding the definition to fit your life’s goals and passions. If you want to be a great parent, don’t settle for being slightly above average, try to be the best parent you can be.

This definition of success applies to anything in life. Success is a sliding scale depending on what your goals and desires are but the underlying message of success is the continued pursuit of being better than you were before. By constantly pushing to improve, giving more effort, and being more present, you will live a successful life—whatever your definition of success is.