what does being successful means to you essay

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Success and What It Means to Me

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Published: Mar 18, 2021

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How Do You Define Success?

Meeting personal goals must determine the success of one's life..

Posted July 7, 2021 | Reviewed by Vanessa Lancaster

• While ideals are subjective, a chosen and fulfilling lifestyle with which others may disagree can be considered a success.
• Our particular criteria for success will closely relate to our social, political, educational, and religious values—in a word, our ideology.
• Most writers employ a business model in talking about success—a model that focuses as much on monetary worth as much as anything else.

Can you call yourself a success if the one thing you feel you’ve accomplished in life is marrying and having children? Or if, despite many failures, at least you avoided ending up on the streets? Or even if you did end up living on the street?

In the homeless instance, it’s unlikely you’d regard yourself as successful, particularly if you were reduced to begging others for loose change to purchase a burger—or beer. Still, it’s crucial to ask yourself who reserves final authority to judge the success of your existence?

And when you ponder this question, you’ll probably grasp that we all have our perspective on what makes a person successful. Further, our criteria will closely relate to our social, political, economic, educational, and religious values—or ideology. And inevitably, such ideals are subjective. Moreover, since people’s assessments of success are tied to their ideals, then it’s the unique experience of the person being evaluated whose “verdict” should be given the most weight.

That said, it must be admitted that the bulk of the popular literature on this subject—I’ve yet to find a single scholarly piece dealing with it—focuses almost exclusively on success criteria as derived from a business model. And this model has mostly to do with the number of one’s earnings or one’s accumulated wealth generally.

Seen more in a family context, success has routinely been estimated along the lines of how good a provider the individual has been for their spouse and children. Still, other writers talk about fame (or admiration) as much as fortune, while comparatively few talk about happiness . And if they do, it’s mostly about how material prosperity eventuates in happiness—a position undoubtedly open to debate.

This post, essentially existential in approach, will make the case that meeting one’s personal goals—whether others approve or not—must determine the (subjective) success of one’s life. At least theoretically, even a person who lives on the street, if consciously their overriding motive was to repudiate the conventions of various societal institutions, would have to be regarded as successful if their chosen lifestyle was somehow fulfilling to them.

Questioning Attempts to Clarify a Topic That Resists Definitive Categorizing

Merriam-Webster’s definition of success is relatively typical of how dictionaries characterize it. It’s indicative of just how subjective the concept is, and I’ll use it as an example of the term’s rich—but unresolvable—complexity.

For many, success means reaching a goal, accomplishing a task, or otherwise accomplishing what they set out to do–Essentially, something is a success when the outcome turns out well, is desirable, or is favorable. Beyond that, the definition of success is personal.

Note Merriam-Webster's hedging through twice employing the word “or.” By stating that “many” people see it in 1 of 3 ways, it extends its definition by talking about its possibly “turning out” in 1 of 3 ways. And then (suggesting it can’t really define it any more specifically) ends its description with the caveat above.

Note, too, that although most writers consider the ethical dimensions of success, Merriam-Webster avoids alluding to this facet, no doubt, because defining what’s meant here by “ethical” is also subjective and personal.

One’s moral system, that is, may not accord with others because they hold themselves to different guidelines and principles. And dictionaries lack the prerogative to make moral pronouncements independent of widespread usage.

Questioning Various Assumptions That Try to “Depersonalize” the Concept

One author , for example, asserts that success is achievable “when you try your best in all aspects of everything you do.” And that’s actually a position several writers take. But logically, why should anyone put maximum effort into doing something not exciting or important to them, or that they don’t care about and in no way are required to?

Perfectionism is hardly a coveted trait—it’s mostly a burden—and, too, it lacks any inherent relationship to people’s experiencing themselves as successful.

Writers generally have advanced their own biases about success, revealing a lot more about their values than making the abstraction tangible. Here’s but one example in a piece entitled “19 Definitions of Success You Should Never Ignore” (2021) . I won’t list all the 19 examples offered. Just a few will suffice for what I want to illustrate:

• Success is always doing your best [ the most frequent criterion];
• Success is having a place to call home;
• Success is understanding the difference between need and want;
• Success is believing you can (and this presumably will ensure your success—but I’d add that this position ignores the fact that, realistically, no one can do or be everything they wish);
• Success is learning that you sometimes have to say no; and
• Success is knowing your life is filled with abundance (the author’s idealism again, but try convincing someone living in poverty with seriously addicted, abusive parents).

Those who’ve written about success don’t discuss degrees of success. They see it as either present or absent (as they do failure). That orientation also oversimplifies—or overlooks—all involved in how a particular person feels about their achievements or what they believe constitutes those achievements.

Coming Up With Your Definition of Success

It’s vital to emphasize that their genetics and culture heavily influence a person’s notion of success. Consequently, their self-evaluation may not be truly authentic because it may not have resulted from thoughtful self-reflection or soul-searching.

Here’s an excellent example of a writer’s confessing that what she believed defined success was imbibed from messages implicit in our society:

For most of my life, I had a narrow definition of what success meant. It involved people knowing your name, and having enough money—i.e., lots of money—to buy an endless stream of designer handbags and big cars. It wasn’t a definition I had opted-in to, but [was] fed to me from childhood through films, magazines about celebrities, and our education system. And I swallowed it whole.

But to be true to yourself, vs. simply conforming to societal norms, what’s necessary is to discover what—given your inborn predilections, passions, and gifts—you want your life to center on. And then, evaluating how well you’ve accomplished your priorities will verify how successful you’ve been.

To put this somewhat differently, you could view yourself as successful but, in the eyes of the world, be seen as a dismal failure. And this discrepancy could just as quickly go in the opposite direction. Consider, for example, the many instances of distinguished celebrities’ taking their own life.

Yet as one Quora writer encapsulates it: “Living life on your terms and conditions is the most challenging task in the modern world [since] most people spend their entire life living on the terms and conditions of [others]. In his own (admittedly, somewhat exaggerated) words:

In their childhood, they live as their parents decide. In their schools, they live as their teachers decide. In their home, they live as their spouse decides. In their office, they live as their bosses decide. In their old age, they live as their children decide.

To conclude, despite the “terms and conditions” you may have internalized from your environment. Finally, you alone get to decide how successful you’ve been. And if you feel you haven’t lived up to your specified ideals, you also have the freedom (with or without professional help) to make new lifestyle choices that can transform how you see yourself.

© 2021 Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. All Rights Reserved.

Leon F. Seltzer, Ph.D. , is the author of Paradoxical Strategies in Psychotherapy and The Vision of Melville and Conrad . He holds doctorates in English and Psychology. His posts have received over 53 million views.

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What Does Success Really Mean to You?

We all want success. We want to be successful and feel successful. In fact, we chase money, fame, power, education, relationships and a thousand other things without ever stopping to ask one essential question: “What does success mean to you?”

Few people pause to consider what it truly means to achieve success in their own lives. As Jim Rohn said, “If you don’t design your own life plan, chances are you’ll fall into someone else’s plan. And guess what they have planned for you? Not much.”

If we don’t answer this question, we can end up climbing the wrong ladder and pursuing someone else’s version of success. We get to the top only to discover we climbed the wrong mountain. We achieve our goals only to realize they were the wrong ones. It’s a disaster few people are able to recover from.

In Office Space , Peter Gibbons (Ron Livingston) says to his doctor, “So I was sitting in my cubicle today, and I realized, ever since I started working, every single day of my life has been worse than the day before it. So that means that every single day that you see me, that’s on the worst day of my life.”

How do we avoid a similar fate?

Those who have achieved the greatest amounts of actual success are those who are crystal clear on what it means to reach the top, for them. If we want to follow in their footsteps, we must achieve equal clarity .

What success is not

Before we can pursue success, we need to understand what success isn’t. If you spend just a few minutes on social media, you’ll realize how many people hold a very narrow definition of success. They think it’s about building wealth, having the perfect relationship, launching a billion-dollar business or amassing a large social media following. 

None of these things or people are wrong, but being like them doesn’t necessarily make you successful. Many people have fought and struggled to the top only to feel miserable and burned out once they get there. They’re unhappy because they pursued the wrong definition of success —one that didn’t match their values .

Throughout childhood and early adulthood, we learn various ideas of success from our parents, teachers and friends. Everyone has their own agenda and idea of who and what we should be. Although it’s OK to value the opinions and hopes of others, we shouldn’t necessarily adopt them as our own. No one can impose their version of success upon us. No one can tell us what it means to live a good life.

It’s easy to assume that success means obtaining a specific object, such as a job or social status, and to believe that if we get that thing, we’ll be successful. But some of the greatest successes can result from the worst failures, if you make the effort to learn from them. 

For example, before becoming a U.S. president , Abraham Lincoln …

• …was defeated for the state legislature.
• …lost in his bid for speaker of the house.
• …was defeated in the nomination for Congress.
• …lost in a campaign for the U.S. Senate (twice).

If we rest our definition of success on one or two achievements, there’s a good chance we’ll be disappointed.

What does success mean to you?

We must set our goals , objectives and trajectories based on what we desire, not what someone else wants for us.

Some people find that helping people brings them the most joy, and therefore success looks like a life given to others. Others realize that building a business or product brings them happiness. Some prefer isolation, while others prefer constant activity.

The simple yet profound truth is that what makes me happy doesn’t make someone else happy, and vice versa. My vision of success probably looks nothing like yours, and that’s how it should be.

If we fail to define success for ourselves and try to pursue someone else’s path, we’ll end up frustrated, unhappy and ultimately feeling deeply unsuccessful. Bruce Lee said, “Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.”

The path to success begins by asking yourself, “What makes me happy?”

Figure out how you’re already successful

It’s also essential to understand that in many ways, we already are successful. If we assume that we are failures until we reach a specific goal, we will never be happy. We have to recognize all we have already accomplished.

Ask yourself:

• “Where have I already seen success in my life?”
• “How can I continue building on that success?”
• “What lessons have I learned from those successes?”
• “What have I learned about myself from those successes?”

Success is both a goal and a journey. Reaching certain milestones is an element of success, but we don’t stop there. We push higher and harder, striving for more and to be better.

Determine what it means for you to be successful

Tony Robbins said, “The path to success is to take massive, determined action.” But how do we find our path? What steps do we take to achieve true success?

We must be able to clearly answer several laser-specific questions:

• “What truly matters to me?”
• “What are the things that set me on fire with passion?”
• “What do I want to make of my life?”
• “What lifestyle do I want to achieve?”
• “Who do I want to be?”
• “What do I want people to say about me after I die?”

The answers to these questions must be ultra-specific. It’s not enough to say, “What really matters to me is happiness.” If you can’t see clearly, you won’t really know what that means, what you’re doing or where you’re going. The same is true of your vision of success.

But before you can begin moving forward, you must assess where you’re at now. This is a time for honest evaluation, not rose-colored glasses. Where are you currently successful? Where do you need to grow? What are your weaknesses and strengths? Try bringing in a friend or colleague to act as a real and unbiased sounding board.

Set specific goals and achieve them

After that, it’s time to set some specific goals . These goals should be achievable and concrete, but still challenging. Your goals should also be measurable. Say you want to read more to be successful; set a goal of 50 books per year, not just “read more.”

If you don’t define success, someone else will define it for you. What mountain are you climbing? Is it the right one? Or are you going to reach the summit and see your mountain off in the distance?

Start on the right path today.

This article was published in February 2017 and has been updated. Photo by Ground Picture/Shutterstock

Alex Jasin is the CEO of Metapress , a fast-growing publication to learn new skills, gain inspiration and discover more about what interests you. Alex is also the founder and CEO of X3 Digital , a Google Certified digital marketing and design agency. Alex serves as a consultant for Ai Media Group, a prominent digital marketing agency in New York, working with Fortune 500 clients such as Intel, Allstate and Wells Fargo. Alex has previously been featured on Business Journal , Fox, Sun Sentinel and Miami Herald . Connect with Alex Jasin on Twitter , Google+ and LinkedIn .

• Alex Jasin https://www.success.com/author/alex-jasin/ How to Rise Up After Life Knocks You Down
• Alex Jasin https://www.success.com/author/alex-jasin/ 5 Winning Habits for Success

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What does success mean to you?

It's OK to measure success differently to other people. And it's OK to change your mind about what success means. Like most things, this can change throughout life. When did you last take time out to think all this through?

It’s OK to measure success differently to other people. And it’s OK to change your mind about what success means. Like most things, this can change throughout life. When did you last take time out to think all this through?

The Confidence/Success equation

Confidence is a mercurial quality – it ebbs and flows throughout our lives. It’s with us one minute, and then it’s gone, only to come back again in a different form. We all need to find our own brand of confidence – areas in our lives where we feel good and perform well. The places we can shine and be our personal best. Those are the areas within which our future success lies.

Understanding your purpose

The many people I meet who are successful on their own terms have a strong grasp of their purpose. They know what they are on the planet to do. This strong sense of purpose feeds their confidence. Conversely the many people that I meet that are a bit lost or lacking in confidence have often not yet defined the ‘why’ that drives their actions.

It’s an interesting question. Why? Because your definition of success should help you define your behaviour – both at work and in life in general.

If you measure your success by the size of your income, then you’d better find something to do that meets a real demand. Something that people want, and what’s more, something that people will keep coming back for. You need to stop wishing that one day you’ll be discovered, or there will be a sudden surge in interest in your work, or that a wealthy patron will drop large and regular cheques through your letterbox. Yep, it happens now and again, but not to most common mortals. It’s what Alan Sugar calls ‘smell and sell’ – find the thing that you can do that people really want. Green & Blacks use a similar process – ‘discovery marketing’ – letting people taste the product and then only putting time and money into developing the products that people like the taste of.

If you measure your success by celebrity, public profile, or notoriety, then you’d better not be a shrinking violet. I meet people who don’t seem to be terribly interested in getting rich, but who crave recognition. The thing that surprises me about this is how many folk who would really love to be recognised completely fail to push themselves forward. They do brilliant work, and show it to far too few people. I often end up thinking that if I was in their shoes and I had done something that good – I’d want the world to know. If you have a real contribution to make, the world will be pleased to hear about it…so don’t hide your light under a bushel.

If success to you is having a peaceful life, simplify things. Live with a light touch, conserve energy, respect others.

If success to you comes from the knowledge that you are making a contribution, helping change the world, creating pleasure, alleviating pain, creating a sense of wonder – any or all of these things – you’ll probably find your rewards, whatever they are, flow back to you in proportion to the effort you put in to the contribution you make.

Finding the right platform

People are stressed out by the demands of the virtual world. We are pushed towards creating visibility for ourselves, and joining and using every single platform – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linked In, Periscope, Pinterest. There are all the others too. We’re encouraged to live a multi-channel life.  I regularly meet people who suffer from social media anxiety – either pushing themselves to keep up a busy schedule of posting, or feeling guilty and inadequate if they don’t. It’s wrong. We should pick just one or two – the ones that suit our values and learning style – the places we feel most at ease – and concentrate on those.  Then we need to do the same with the way we show up in the real world. If you hate networking, don’t do it. If you are not a great public speaker, there are other ways to show up meaningfully in people’s lives.

Showing up and connecting

Knowing how and where to show up in the world connects your confidence and sense of purpose to others – your natural audience or customer base. This takes time and serious experimentation. It’s a voyage of discovery. Once you can settle on the how and the where, life becomes much easier. You will begin to perform with confidence and ease. The real you will shine through. People will connect with you much more readily. In getting to know, like and trust you they will buy into your story – and the things you make or do.

I also explore these themes in more depth in my  TEDx talk – Cheeky Letters and Dream Lists , and in my signature talk for quiet entrepreneurs –  The Art of Shouting Quietly . The book of The Art of Shouting Quietly is available on  Amazon

You can find out more about my upcoming courses by clicking here

If you have found this post helpful, and would like to explore the issues raised in more depth. please don’t hesitate to  check my profile  or get in touch. We can arrange an exploratory call at your convenience.

Coach/Speaker/Writer

I work with quiet, thoughtful and purpose-driven individuals to help build confidence in both life and work, for example by supporting them to find a voice, speak up, pitch or talk in public without feeling intimidated by louder voices. As a reflective person myself, I'm drawn towards working with others who find the cut and thrust of everyday life to be a challenge. I also help business owners work out how to promote themselves and build an audience for their work. I'm a graduate of the acclaimed Barefoot Postgraduate Certificate in Business & Personal Coaching, and I now teach for Barefoot. My book - The Art of Shouting Quietly - a guide to self-promotion for introverts and other quiet souls – has sold in 25 countries around the world. I'm very experienced - I have 15 years of track record as a mentor in the Creative Industries prior to training as a coach in 2008. Please don't hesitate to get in touch - I'm always happy to talk with you about coaching/mentoring on the phone - with no obligation.

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What Does Success Mean to You?

Share this article

• What’s On Your List?

Frequently Asked Questions about Defining Success

• Being happy
• Doing what I love everyday
• Helping others do what they love
• Staying true to my values
• Being a good mom
• Having respectful relationships with those around me
• Being able to contribute financially to my household
• Reaching financial security
• Being recognized as knowledgeable by peers
• Having time to enjoy the little things in life
• Not feeling stressed and overwhelmed on a regular basis
• Being in control of my own future
• Following my dreams
• Setting and reaching meaningful goals
• Making genuine connections with others

What’s On Your List?

How can i define success for myself.

Defining success is a personal journey. It starts with self-reflection and understanding what truly matters to you. This could be achieving a certain career goal, attaining financial stability, or finding happiness in personal relationships. It’s important to remember that success is subjective and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s about setting your own goals and working towards them at your own pace.

Does success always mean wealth and fame?

No, success does not always equate to wealth and fame. While these are often associated with success, they are not the only indicators. Success can also be about personal growth, achieving a work-life balance, or making a positive impact on others. It’s about what makes you feel fulfilled and content.

How can I measure my success?

Measuring success can be done in various ways depending on your personal definition of success. It could be through tangible results like promotions or salary increments, or intangible ones like personal satisfaction or happiness. It’s important to set clear, achievable goals and track your progress towards them.

Can success be achieved overnight?

Success is rarely achieved overnight. It often requires hard work, perseverance, and patience. It’s about setting realistic goals and consistently working towards them. Remember, every small step you take towards your goal is a success in itself.

How can I stay motivated on my path to success?

Staying motivated can be challenging, especially when faced with obstacles. It’s important to keep your end goal in mind and remind yourself of why you started. Celebrate small victories along the way and don’t be too hard on yourself if things don’t go as planned. Surround yourself with positive influences and seek support when needed.

Is failure a part of success?

Yes, failure is often a part of the journey to success. It provides valuable lessons and opportunities for growth. It’s important to view failure as a stepping stone rather than a setback. Remember, every successful person has faced failures at some point in their journey.

Can success bring happiness?

While success can bring a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction, it does not guarantee happiness. Happiness is a state of mind that comes from within and is often independent of external achievements. It’s important to find joy in the journey and not just the destination.

How can I balance success and personal life?

Balancing success and personal life can be challenging but it’s crucial for overall well-being. It’s about setting boundaries, prioritizing, and making time for what truly matters. Remember, success is not just about professional achievements but also about personal fulfillment and happiness.

Can success change a person?

Success can bring about changes in a person’s life, both positive and negative. It can boost confidence, open up new opportunities, and bring about personal growth. However, it’s important to stay grounded and not let success change your core values and principles.

Is success the same for everyone?

No, success is not the same for everyone. It’s a personal definition that varies from person to person. What may be considered successful for one person may not hold the same value for another. It’s about finding what success means to you and working towards it.

Alyssa Gregory is a digital and content marketer, small business consultant, and the founder of the Small Business Bonfire — a social, educational and collaborative community for entrepreneurs.

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Be True. Be Strong. Be Focused.

What Does Success Mean?

July 24, 2019

If you’re struggling to define what a successful life means, I have two pieces of good news for you:

• It’s never too late to start over.
• You get to write your own definition of success.

Many of us chase career titles, money, or social status — and yet we don’t feel successful when we get those things.

That’s because you can only measure success in your life when you define what drives your happiness and helps you find purpose. 

What is success to you?

Success is something that you have to define for yourself, and no one can do it for you. Success could mean a sense of giving back to the world and making a difference. It could mean a sense of accomplishment and career progression.

It could mean being able to do the things you love. It could mean being able to provide the best possible upbringing for your children.

It’s entirely up to you.

A one-size-fits-all approach is impossible. 

Let’s talk about the habits of successful people , and how successful people achieve great things by defining their own terms for success.

It’s never too late to write your success story

Many people think that they’re already too old to succeed.

Let’s consider some facts:

• At age 23, Oprah had just been fired from her first broadcasting job.
• At age 30, Jonah Peretti was teaching middle schoolers before founding his billion-dollar media companies, Buzzfeed and The Huffington Post.
• At age 40, Stan Lee finally achieved success with Fantastic Four, Spider-Man and X-Men comics.
• At age 50, Julia Child wrote her first cookbook .
• At age 62, Kernel Sanders’ fried chicken business KFC finally succeeded.
• At age 77, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s president after spending 27 years in jail.

If we can learn anything from these people who succeed later in life, it’s this:

Success has no deadline.

In fact, according to the Forbes Top 100 list , on average, the people who found the world’s biggest companies don’t start until age 35. Out of 539 founders, the average age of starting their company was 40. Many of the world’s most successful people don’t even start pursuing their dreams until their 50s or 60s.

Success doesn’t mean by a certain age, at a certain time, or by a certain deadline. It isn’t about any other person’s measures or metrics except your own. 

You can decide when is the prime of your life .

I’ve always wanted to write a book. And at age 40, I did.

But the book I published didn’t feel like “ My Book .” And in fact, I almost felt like an imposter .

By age 50, I thought I was ready, but the timing wasn’t right.

Not until I turned 60 did I feel ready and able to write the book I truly wanted to write. Now more than ever, I feel ready to let “ My Book ” spill out of me and onto the page.

Success must match the rhythm of your soul.

Writing “ My Book ” came naturally only after some major life lessons and transformations. I used those experiences to answer the big questions in my soul. But it could only happen at the right moment.

What does success mean to me?

I used one of the most cathartic and depressing points of my life as the catalyst to define my take on success. It came when I stepped out of the closet — only to lose family and friends, status and regard.

In the midst of this heartbreak and hope, I was vulnerable. I realized what I needed most at this point in my life: open minds and soft hearts.

My mind had opened wide enough to burst out of silence and hiding. I wanted soft hearts and compassion because my heart had softened, too. An open mind and soft heart finally became the seedbed for the most courageous act of my life to that point. 

Moving forward, I sought these values in myself and others, above all. I defined for myself that, at the end of my life, the most important markers of success would be how I answer these two questions:

• How open is my mind? 
• How soft has my heart remained? 

These questions define what success looks like for me.

When my mind is closed to new ideas and resisting change, I’m not achieving my definition of success. When my heart is hard, holding onto anger and hate, I’m failing.

I measure personal success based on the people who had my back at my most vulnerable point. I carry these questions with me, to guide me through transitions and transformations rocking the foundations of my life.

Today, these questions lead me through successful ventures in all areas of my life.

Including the ability to finally write the book I’ve always wanted to write.

What does success mean to you?

Understanding success in your terms doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, and many acts of courage, to uncover the deeper questions at the heart of your success journey.

You have to learn how to believe in yourself .

So the question becomes:

How can you discover the seeds waiting to blossom into ideas that drive the process of finding your purpose and meaning in your life?

I’m going to walk you through a short exercise to help get to the root of what success means to you. But first, let’s talk about what success doesn’t mean.

Success doesn’t mean copying what someone else is doing as a metric of your worth. If you use a comparison of achievements as a regular practice, you’re using an unhealthy and toxic practice. STOP that SHIT!

When you think about the strengths of others and then compare them to your weaknesses, how do you measure up? Does it feel good?

As funny as it sounds, we’ve all done just that — compare our flaws to the strengths in other people.

Maybe you see someone online sharing news about a promotion, an engagement, a new car, or a lavish vacation.

We all know what happens next. We immediately look at ourselves to see how we size up. “Megan just bought a new house. Why don’t I have that at my age? What’s wrong with me?”

That’s not to say that comparison has no benefit. Mentors and role models can serve as great sources of inspiration. They demonstrate leadership qualities , and show the steps toward achieving big long term goals and proving that it can be done, at any age.

More often though, comparing yourself to others will leave you feeling dissatisfied and inadequate.

It causes you to lose sight of your strengths and accomplishments. Comparison gives a skewed version of reality that highlights your insecurities while exaggerating the success of other people.

Stop comparing your blooper reel to everyone else’s highlight reels.

When you see someone who seems to have it all, you don’t see the full picture. People project their best achievements and rarely expose their painful failures. In other words, you see the highlights — a glamorous montage of achievements, distinctions, and talents.

At the same time, you can only see yourself from behind the scenes. Day-to-day life is not always exciting, for anyone. It’s filled with awkward moments, messy emotions, and yes — mistakes.

Comparison sets you up for failure from the start. It traps you in an ongoing cycle of insecurity in which you’ll never quite measure up.

The wrong kind of comparison puts attention on the assets of other people, rather than focusing on your strengths and goals . Getting caught up in other peoples’ achievements causes you to lose sight of your values. 

You wind up chasing someone else’s dreams rather than pursuing your version of success.

What does success look like?

Since we know that comparison and status symbols are the worst way to define success, let’s talk about creating a better definition — tailored to your unique purpose in life.

The path to prosperity begins by finding out: what it means to you?

Take a moment. Close your eyes. Imagine your life the way you would like it to turn out.

Picture what it looks like when:

• You are performing at your best.
• You embody the characteristics you admire.
• You have accomplished everything you wanted.

Now, take a piece of paper. Spend 10 minutes writing down what you see. Don’t worry about grammar or punctuation. 

Simply list all the milestones you want to achieve in different areas of your life. List the principles, habits, career path, relationships, and possessions that define this version of you.

When you’re finished writing, ask yourself these questions:

• Do the goals and attributes in your list align with your values?
• Are these your goals, or are they based on the expectations of someone else?
• Do some of the things on your list matter more than others?
• Have you already accomplished some of the things on your list?
• If not, what are you doing now to work toward these goals?

This process of assessing what you imagine against what you truly desire is powerful. It enables you to highlight goals that mean the most to you — and stop chasing the ones that don’t matter.

You will notice that some items on your list stand out more than others. Think of these as your main dreams and aspirations. Success means moving towards these goals.

At the same time, other items will feel less important. When you examine why you want those things, you may realize… you don’t. Superficial goals and chasing someone else’s dream will lead you further away from success.

If this exercise makes you feel far behind where you think you should be, don’t think of it as a revelation of your failures. Instead, look at it as a new roadmap towards success, and an opportunity to start changing your life .

This way of approaching success provides a starting point that falls in line with your core values .

The next step is taking this clarified vision of success, and creating actionable, short-term goals that will create long-term success. 

Discovering your success journey is best done in baby steps. 

Looking at big goals can feel daunting. Building a profitable business, writing a book, becoming badass in your field — these things don’t happen overnight.

Through research and experience, I’ve learned that tackling big achievements happens by taking small steps consistently, towards a goal that you enjoy pursuing.

Chicago Booth researchers discovered that to achieve long-term success, you also have to consider short-term rewards. The study surveyed a group of 80 gym members asking:

• Did they enjoy the day’s workout? (a short-term reward) 
• Did it feel useful to stay in shape? (long-term reward)
• How many minutes did you spend on the cardio machine?

The researchers found that those who enjoyed their workout spent more time on the cardio machines. In other words, enjoying the process increases your ability to succeed long-term.

While long-term goals are important, studies like this show that finding joy in what you do leads to better success overall.

Maximizing the presence of immediate rewards when pursuing long-term goals, rather than relying on the importance of the goal to carry through, should increase goal persistence.

When you are deciding what success looks like for you, think about the daily steps you will have to take to achieve it.

Of course, it will be hard work. Every big achievement takes hard work. But the work itself has to feel rewarding. Picture what it will feel like working towards the goals you have in mind, and ask yourself:

• Does it use your strengths, or demand skills you’re not suited for?
• Do you enjoy doing it, or do you dread the daily effort?
• Does it make you feel strong and competent, or ineffective and weak?
• Can you see yourself doing the work long enough to get results?

When you paint a picture of success that demands work you hate doing, chances are you will give up long before you reach your goal.

So take your time, and conduct plenty of experiments before you commit to significant changes. Start small and see what if feels like.

How do you define success?

To me, money, status, and possessions are poor indicators of success. There are much more powerful measures to look at:

• Truth : Do you speak and act from your soul?
• Strength : How strong and resilient are you?
• Focus : Are you pursuing what truly matters in your life?

Success develops from your willingness to try repeatedly for a breakthrough — to sweat all the way down until the salt of your soul spills out on the floor.

The lessons and experiences at every stage of life must take place before those big “a-ha” moments that can change your life can happen.

And when you’re ready to reach for it, I can help you find the focus you need to achieve your definition of success .

About Lyn Christian

Hi there, I'm Lyn . My purpose is to support you to earn a living and live your life by doing what inspires you. To accomplish this, I work as a coach, consultant, TEDx speaker, author and founder of SoulSalt Inc.

Introduction

Defining success.

Action is the foundational key to all success. —Pablo Picasso, artist

Learning Objectives

By the end of this section, you will be able to:

• Identify specific strategies to achieve college success
• Explain how grades play a role in shaping success
• Describe the value of success, particularly in the first year of college
• Develop a personal definition of success, in college and other areas of life

Personal Responsibility for Success

A college education is aligned with greater success in many areas of life. While enrolled in college, most students are closely focused on making it through the next class or passing the next test. It can be easy to lose sight of the overall role that education plays in life. But sometimes it helps to recall what a truly great step forward you are taking!

It’s also important to recognize, though, that some students do not succeed in college and drop out within the first year. Sometimes this is due to financial problems or a personal or family crisis. But most of the time students drop out because they’re having trouble passing their courses.

In this section, we examine the elements of college success. Are there patterns of success you strive for but aren’t yet reaching? Where might you shore up your support? What strategies can you use to achieve success in your college endeavors?

Defining Success in College

How do you define college success? The definition really depends on you. You might think that “success” is earning an associate’s degree or attending classes in a four-year college. Maybe success is a bachelor’s or master’s degree or a PhD. Maybe success means receiving a certificate of completion or finishing skill-based training.

You might be thinking of other measures of college success, too—like grades. For instance, you might be unhappy with anything less than an A in a course, although maybe this depends on the difficulty of the subject. As long as you pass with a C, you might be perfectly content. But no matter how you define success personally, you probably wouldn’t think it means earning a D or lower grade in a class.

So, if most students believe that passing a class is the minimum requirement for “success,” and if most students want to be successful in their courses, why aren’t more college students consistently successful in the classroom?

Perhaps some common misconceptions are at play. For example, we often hear students say, “I just can’t do it!” or “I’m not good at math,” or “I guess college isn’t for me . . . ,” or “I’m not smart enough.” But these explanations for success or failure aren’t necessarily accurate. Considerable research into college success reveals that having difficulty in or failing in college courses usually has nothing to do with intellect. More often success depends on how fully a student embraces and masters the following seven strategies:

• Learn how to take effective notes in class.
• Review the text and your reading notes prior to class.
• Participate in class discussion and maybe even join a study group.
• Go to office hours and ask your instructor questions.
• Give yourself enough time to research, write, and edit your essays in manageable stages.
• Take advantage of online or on-campus academic support resources.
• Spend sufficient time studying.

So if you feel you are not smart enough for college, ask yourself if you can implement some of these skills. Can you make more time for learning? One approach is to create a regular study schedule and make sure you allot ample time. Most college success experts agree that students should study two hours outside of class for every hour in class. Only break away from your committed schedule if an extreme situation prevents you from sticking to it.

Another strategy to consider implementing is group study. For example, rather than relying just on your own knowledge, notes, and skills, try studying with other students in your difficult classes. Studying in a group gives every group member a chance to ask questions and talk about concepts.

You can also add a tutor to your study group. You will really be able to notice a positive difference. Tutoring is generally free in college, and the strategies and knowledge you gain will be invaluable. Usually tutors have taken the class you are currently enrolled in, and they are trained to get the best out of you.

Overall, students struggle in college not because of natural intellect or smarts, but because of time management, organization, and lack of quality study time. The good news is that there are ways to combat this, specifically by doing things like creating a regular study schedule, studying in groups, and taking advantage of your school’s academic resources, like a tutoring center, instructor office hours, and any available online help.

How Grades Play a Role in Shaping Success

In a recent online discussion at a student-support Web site, a college freshman posted the following concern about how serious he should be about getting good grades:

As a first semester freshman, I really have taken my education seriously. I’ve studied and done my homework nightly and have read all of the assignments. So far, I have all A’s in my classes, including calculus and programming. Now, with a month left to go in the semester, I feel myself slipping a bit on my studies. I blow off readings and homework more to go out at night during the week and I’ve even skipped a few classes to attend major sporting events. I also travel most weekends with a sports team that I joined. Still, I’ve gotten A’s on the exams even with these less extensive study habits, although not as high as before. So, my question really is this. Should I just be content with low A’s and B’s and enjoy myself during college, or should I strive to achieve all A’s?

How would you answer this student’s question, given what what you know and sense about college life? Grades do matter to your success, right? Or . . . do they? The answer depends on who you ask and what your college and career goals are.

To help you answer, take this quick self-assessment about your college goals and beyond. Put a checkmark in the Yes or No column next to items in the “I Want to Be Able to . . .” column.

You may be surprised to learn that each reason on this list directly relates to your grades—even changing your major. For example, colleges typically have a minimum GPA requirement to switch majors. Consider these additional factors:

• Undergraduate grades have been shown to have a positive impact on getting full-time employment in your career in a position appropriate to your degree.
• Grades also have been shown to have a positive net impact on your occupational status and earnings.
• Getting good grades, particularly in the first year of college, is important to your academic success throughout your college years.
• Grades are probably the best predictors of your persistence, your ability to graduate, and your prospects for enrolling in graduate school.

You stand to gain immeasurably when you get good grades.

Your Grade-Point Average (GPA)

Grades may not be the be-all and end-all in college life. But to the degree that you believe they can help you achieve your greatest goals, you will pay close attention to them and to your GPA.

Your GPA is a calculated average of the letter grades you earn correlated on a 0 to 4.0 or 5.0 scale. Each semester you receive a GPA based on the grades you earned in all of your classes during that semester. You also maintain a cumulative GPA—an ongoing average of all your semester grades beginning with freshman year.

Many institutions provide students with an online GPA calculator . Use the calculator to keep track of where you stand. Your college may also publish data on the average GPA of your fellow students. Sometimes it’s nice to know where you stand relative to your peers.

Words of Wisdom

It is important to know that college success is a responsibility shared with your institution. Above all, your college must provide you with stimulating classroom experiences that encourage you to devote more time and effort to your learning. Additional institutional factors in your success include the following:

• High standards and expectations for your performance
• Assessment and timely feedback
• Peer support
• Encouragement and support for you to explore human differences
• Emphasis on your first college year
• Respect for diverse ways of knowing
• Integrating prior learning and experience
• Academic support programs tailored to your needs
• Ongoing application of learned skills
• Active learning
• Out-of-class contact with faculty [1]

Ideally, you and your college collaborate to create success in every way possible. The cooperative nature of college life is echoed in the following practical advice from a college graduate, recounted in Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom :

Professors do care about how you are doing in their class; they genuinely want you to succeed, but they will give you the grade you earn. There are people and resources on campus for you to utilize so you can earn the grade you want. Your professors are one of those resources, and are perhaps the most important. Go see them during office hours, ask them questions about the material and get extra help if you need it . . . Another resource to utilize can be found in the campus learning center . . . The first time I took a paper there, I recall standing outside the door for about ten minutes thinking of an excuse not to go in. Thankfully I saw a classmate walk in and I followed suit . . . Thanks to that first visit, I received an A- on the paper!

Ensuring Success in Your First Year

Why is the first year of college so important? So much happens that year! Shouldn’t there be a grace period for the newest students to get acclimated to college before the pressure sets in?

The fact is that the first year of college is the most crucial time in your college life. So much is happening, but it serves to establish your trajectory to success. Consider the following typical first-year experiences, all of which strategically support students during this critical make-or-break period.

Orientation

Most first-year students attend an orientation program, which typically leads to the following results:

• Students participate in more educationally enriching activities
• Students perceive the campus environment to be more supportive
• Students have greater developmental gains during their first year of college
• Students are more satisfied with their overall college experience

First-Year Seminars

First-year seminars may be of the “orientation to college” variety; others may be based on your curriculum. Students who participate in these seminars tend to

• Be more challenged academically
• Be more active and collaborative in learning activities
• Interact more frequently with faculty
• Think of the campus environment as being more supportive
• Gain more from their first year of college
• Make greater use of campus services

The quality of academic advising is the single most powerful predictor of your satisfaction with the campus environment. First-year students who rate their advising as good or excellent

• Are more likely to interact with faculty in various ways
• Perceive the institution’s environment to be more supportive
• Are more satisfied with their overall college experience
• Gain more from college in most areas

Early Warning Systems

Early warning systems are especially important for students who start college with risk factors or who may be struggling academically. Midterm progress reports, course tests and other assessments, and early alert systems are most effective at helping students cope with difficulties in the first year.

Learning Communities

Learning communities are programs that enroll groups of students in a common set of courses. The effects of learning communities are greatest for first-year students. Students report gains in personal and social development, competence, and satisfaction with the undergraduate college experience.

Student Success Initiatives

Student success courses typically address issues like how to use campus support resources, manage time, study well, develop careers and skills, set goals, take tests, and take notes. The College Success course you are in right now is such an initiative.

Remediation

About one-third of first-year students take developmental courses to bring their academic skills up to a level that will enable them to perform well in college. Developmental courses can make the difference in a student’s decision to stay in college or drop out.

Grades and Your First-Year Success

• Your freshman year accounts for a significant portion of grades that can be used in getting an internship.
• Your freshman year can account for a significant portion of grades that matter to starting your career.
• Top companies can have early recruitment programs that begin identifying prospective students and looking at grades as early as your sophomore year.
• Many top clubs and major-specific honoraries on campus look at your grades in the screening process.
• When you get good grades as a freshman, you tend to keep getting good grades as a sophomore, junior, and senior.
• Instructors tend to give the benefit of the doubt to students who get good grades.

The best advice is to commit to making your freshman year count. Make it the absolute best. The earlier you can establish good habits during this time, the easier your future years will be—not just in college, but in your work environment, at home, and beyond.

Tips for First-Year Students Embarking on Academic Success

The following is a list of tips from a college educator for college students embarking on their journey to academic success:

• Early is on time, on time is late, and late is unacceptable!
• Get the book(s) and read the book(s).
• Take notes in class and when reading for class.
• Know your professors (email, office location, office hours, etc.) and be familiar with what is in the course syllabus.
• Put away your phone during class.
• Emails need a salutation, a body, and a close.
• Don’t write the way you might text—using abbreviations and clipped sentences.
• Never academically advise yourself!
• Apply for scholarships—all of them!
• Speak it into existence and keep your eyes on the prize.
• Enjoy the ride! Cheers!

Activity: Develop Your Personal Definition of Success

For this activity, create your own definition of success. Dictionary.com defines success as “the favorable outcome of something attempted.” For many students in college, success means passing a class, earning an A, or learning something new. Beyond college, some people define success in terms of financial wealth; others measure it by the quality of their relationships with family and friends.

Here is an example of a brief, philosophical definition of success:

To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty, to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded. –Ralph Waldo Emerson

Ultimately, before we can know if we are successful, we must first define what success means for ourselves.

• Develop a 750-word essay defining what success means to you in college and beyond. To help you develop this essay, you might want to consider the following:
• Find a quote (or make one up) that best summarizes your definition of success (be sure to cite the author and the source, such as the URL).
• Why does this quote best represent your personal definition success?
• What people do you consider to be successful and why?
• What is your definition of success?
• What will you do to achieve success?
• What is the biggest change you need to make in order to be successful in college?
• How will you know you’ve achieved success?

Success and Pride

Almost every successful person begins with two beliefs: the future can be better than the present, and I have the power to make it so. –David Brooks, columnist and political commentator

If the prospect of committing to the path of higher education still feels daunting, you might find inspiration in thinking about the many potential gains you can experience. Talk with friends, family members, and others who have been to college and to people who have succeeded—in whatever ways they define success. Listen for clues about what they feel worked and what didn’t and what they would change. Do you hear threads of topics broached so far in this course?

College success is an attainable goal, so be encouraged that you are on a path of great potential. Below is the success story of a college graduate. Might your story be similar to this one someday?

Something Was Different

I have earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree and I have nearly twenty years of teaching experience. Would you ever guess that I contemplated not going to college at all? I originally thought about going to beauty school and becoming a cosmetologist. It was to me, honestly the easy way out since I was sick of all the drama after high school. The thought of college seemed overwhelming. Why did I really need to have a college degree when all I ever wanted was to get married and be a stay-at-home mom? My friends weren’t going to college either, so I often wondered if going would complicate our friendship.

I decided to go anyway, and it did separate us a bit. While I was writing a ten-page paper for my summer class in Genetics and Heredity, my friends were swimming in my pool. They also had the chance to buy new cars and new clothes and to go on vacations. I just went to school, driving my used Nissan Sentra, without much more than gas money and a few extra bucks. Again, why was I doing this? It would have been easier to just do what my friends were doing.

Little by little, semesters went by and I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in Education. I started substitute teaching immediately and within six months I was offered a full-time job. Just like that, I had more money and all kinds of new opportunities and I could now consider a new car or going on vacation just like my friends. At that point, I decided to continue my education and get my master’s degree. Yes, it was a lot of hard work again, and yes, my friends wondered why I wanted to go back again, but I knew then that this was the best choice for me. The challenge wasn’t knowing where I wanted my career to go, but rather overcoming the pull to settle into a lifestyle or career because it was easy, not because it was what I wanted.

By the time I graduated with my master’s degree I realized that something was different. For all the years that I felt behind or unable to keep up with what my friends had, I was suddenly leaps and bounds ahead of them career-wise. I now had two degrees, a full-time teaching job, and a plan to keep my career moving forward. I was able to do all of the things that they had done all those years and more. None of them had careers, just jobs. None of them had long-term plans. None of them were as satisfied with their choices any longer and a few of them even mentioned that they were jealous of my opportunity to attend college.

Don’t be fooled. Being a college student is a lot of work and, like me, most students have questioned what they are doing and why they are doing it. However, the rewards certainly outweigh all of the obstacles. I used to hear, “Attending college will make you a well-rounded person” or “It sets you apart from those that do not attend,” yet it never felt true at the time. Eventually though, you will come to a point where you realize those quotes are true and you will be on your way to earning that degree!”

—Jacqueline Tiermini,  Foundations of Academic Success: Words of Wisdom

• What Matters to Student Success: A Review of the Literature; National Postsecondary Education Cooperative ↵
• College Success. Authored by : Linda Bruce. Provided by : Lumen Learning. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Biofuel lab PSU-100. Provided by : Penn State. Located at : https://www.flickr.com/photos/pennstatelive/8677654327/ . License : CC BY-NC-ND: Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives
• Choices and Personal Responsibilities for Success. Authored by : Ronda Dorsey Neugebauer and Zack Varpness. Provided by : Chadron State College. Located at : https://courses.candelalearning.com/collegesuccess2/chapter/introduction-to-choices-and-personal-responsibility-for-success/ . Project : Kaleidoscope Open Course Initiative. License : CC BY: Attribution
• Instructional Support: Options and Resources. Provided by : California Community Colleges Online Education Initiative. Located at : https://apps.3cmediasolutions.org/oei/11-Instructional-Support/story.html . License : CC BY: Attribution
• Foundations of College Success: Words of Wisdom. Authored by : Thomas C. Priester, editor. Provided by : Open SUNY Textbooks. Located at : http://textbooks.opensuny.org/foundations-of-academic-success/ . License : CC BY-NC-SA: Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike
• How to Start a Movement. Authored by : Derek Sivers. Provided by : TED. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V74AxCqOTvg . Project : TEDTalks. License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Why Good Grades Matter. Provided by : Graduate Accumulate. Located at : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8zjQ_7sgGfE . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License
• Why Good Grades Matter. Authored by : Graduate Accumulate. Located at : https://youtu.be/8zjQ_7sgGfE . License : All Rights Reserved . License Terms : Standard YouTube License

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Finding Success Starts with Finding Your Purpose

• John Coleman

It’s never too early — or too late — to ask the big questions.

Many people work their whole lives to achieve material success only to find their happiness and sense of purpose wanting when that success comes. They often spend their later years looking for purpose in their lives in order to feel a sense of meaning. Searching for meaning late in your life is a missed opportunity. Success without significance — purpose, service, and meaningful relationships — is not really success at all. It’s important to properly reflect on how you can live a life imbued intensely not just with the superficial trappings of “success” but with deep purpose and joy in all we do — starting now. Ask yourself:  What is the core purpose of my work and the ways in which it makes the world better? Who are the key relationships in my life, and how can I deepen them? What more can I do at work, at home, and in my community to serve others? How am I becoming better each day?

In 1995, Bob Buford wrote the bestselling book Halftime , which popularized the concept of “moving from success to significance” in the second half of life. Buford realized that many businesspeople work their whole lives to achieve material success only to find their happiness and sense of purpose wanting when that success comes. And he rightly encouraged those people to seek out meaning and impact in their later years.

• JC John Coleman is the author of the HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose . Subscribe to his free newsletter, On Purpose , follow him on Twitter @johnwcoleman, or contact him at johnwilliamcoleman.com.

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✍️Essay on Success in 100,150 and 200 Words: The Power of Positive Mindset

• Updated on  
• Oct 26, 2023

The concept of success is very simple; if you invest your time wisely and work hard, you will achieve success in no time. But success is not as simple as it sounds; what might sound like success to one might not be the same for another person. It embodies the realization of one’s goals, aspirations, and desires, often accompanied by a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

Success is manifested in different aspects, such as career achievements, personal growth, or even the pursuit of happiness. It is a journey filled with determination, perseverance, and often a willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks. Ultimately, success is a subjective pursuit that reflects the unique path and definition of achievement for each person.

This Blog Includes:

What makes a person successful, essay on success in 100 words, essay on success in 150 words, essay on success in 200 words.

Being successful is very subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, here are some common factors which contribute to the success of a person.

• Hard Work and Persistence: Success requires effort and dedication and one has the ability to face challenges.
• Setting Clear Goals: It is very important for one to have specific and attainable goals which will provide direction and motivation. 
• Networking: The person should have the capability to build relations and at the same time be open to opportunities which strike. 
• Time Management: Managing time effectively and priorities is essential for productivity and progress. 
• Self-Discipline: One should be very focused and maintain self-control which will help them achieve long-term goals. 
• Management of Finances: Having a basic understanding of finances and managing them wisely is also very important for attaining financial success. 

Also Read: Essay on Water Conservation

Success is the culmination of dedication, hard work, and determination. It is not merely the achievement of material wealth, but the fulfilment of one’s goals and aspirations. Success varies from person to person; for some, it’s a thriving career, while for others, it could be having a harmonious family life. 

To attain success, individuals must set clear objectives, persevere through challenges, and learn from failures. Success often involves learning, adapting, and embracing change. It’s the result of resilience and the willingness to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, success is a personal journey, and its definition is unique to each individual.

Everybody wants to be successful in life, but are they willing to put in all their efforts? Success is not solely measured by wealth or fame but by achieving one’s goals and finding fulfilment. True success is often the result of determination, hard work, and resilience. Setting clear, achievable objectives and being persistent through challenges are crucial components.

Education is a common path to success, providing knowledge and skills that open doors to opportunities. Embracing failure as a stepping stone, learning from mistakes, and adapting to change are essential to achieving success. However, it’s important to recognize that success is subjective and can encompass a broader spectrum of achievements beyond material possessions.

Personal growth, happiness, and a sense of purpose are all part of success. Balancing personal and professional life is key to sustaining it. Ultimately, success is a journey, not a destination, and it’s about realizing your full potential and making a meaningful contribution to the world.

Also Read: Essay on Nature: In 100 Words, 200 Words, 300 Words

Success is a multifaceted concept, often defined by achieving one’s goals and aspirations. It is a subjective and deeply personal notion, as what constitutes success varies from person to person. However, a common thread in success is the continuous pursuit of one’s ambitions, combined with determination and hard work.

Success is not solely measured by material wealth, but rather by the fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from reaching one’s objectives. It is the result of setting clear goals, developing a plan, and facing all the challenges. The road to success is rarely smooth; it is often marked by setbacks and failures. These obstacles are crucial for personal growth, teaching valuable lessons that contribute to success in the long run.

Moreover, success is not an endpoint; it is a continuous journey. It requires adaptability and the willingness to learn and evolve. Success can be found in various aspects of life, from career achievements to personal relationships and self-fulfilment. It is the balance and harmony between these different facets that lead to a truly successful and meaningful life.

In conclusion, success is a complex and individualized concept, rooted in determination, hard work, resilience, and personal growth. It is not defined solely by external markers but by the fulfilment and happiness, one derives from their accomplishments and the journey to achieve them.

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Writing an essay on success requires you to describe this multifaceted concept. Success is achieved when one’s goal and objective is attained. Those who are successful, have fulfilled their highest ambitions in life and work, or are actively striving towards doing so. 

Happiness does not follow success. Contrary to popular belief, living a life that makes you happy can help you achieve your goals and be content. 

You gain from success because it gives you the things you want or need. Setting and achieving attainable goals results in a feeling of well-being. 

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Success Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on success.

Success Essay- In today’s world everyone wants to be successful but what is a success. The perspective of success varies from person to person. For the record, the people before us have a different view on success and the person after us will have a different view on success.

Moreover, people compare different people performance to evaluate their success. But success is not something that you can copy from others. You have to make your own path to achieving success. In modern-day, people are obsessed with success because of the glamour and lifestyle of successful people .

What formulates a person successful?

There are many ways in the world to be successful. But most people think of celebrities, artist, politicians, and businessmen whenever they heard the word success.

Moreover, they think doing what they will make you successful but that not the case. They forget the most basic thing that makes a person successful that is their hard work, dedication, and the desire to achieve their dream. More importantly, they what they like to do not what that others told them to do. Successful people do what they like to do also they do what they feel correct for their business.

If you look in the dictionary for the meaning of the word success then you will find that it means the achievement of one’s goal or aim . So, basically, anyone can achieve success by simply achieving their aim or goal.

What is the harm of success?

We all knew that we can’t achieve something without sacrificing something. Success also demands various things from you. But these sacrifices will not go in vain if you achieve your goal.

Certainly, many people achieve professional success but in doing so they fail in achieving mental, social and physical success. The tension of lacking behind in other things pulls them apart.

Also, there are cases where people became so obsessed with success that the people around them start to feel uncomfortable around them. In some cases, they have gone mad. Apart from that, people also get depressed if they can’t achieve success like others. So, we can say that there is much harm to success.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Success and hard work

It may sound unfit to some peoples but success depends a lot of hard work. Without it, you can’t become successful. Hard work does not mean that you do laborious work or the work that make you sweat. Hard work means having a healthy body, strong mind, willpower and positive attitude towards things. And for all those things you need energy. So, be attentive to your body and soul.

Besides, do not just work on your program, push your limit, take charge of other things, improve your skills and most importantly keep learning. Apart from that, be with positive peoples, develop positive habits, and do exercise not only for the body but also for your mind.

To sum it up, we can say that success is like a seed that needs a balanced proportion of all the elements of life. And no one can achieve success in a day they have to go through and face different conditions in life for being successful. Above all, success is the feeling of fulfillment that you feel when you achieve your goal.

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Essay What Success Means to Me Essay

For one to  be successful, you must initially define what you understand  success is. Different people attach different meaning to success. To some, it may mean a huge salary or living the American dream of a fancy home and priceless cars. Others feel successful even in the center of daily  trials and tribulations. Determining  your purpose and then  making  decisions founded upon this purpose is the secret to success. Success  equates to that which makes you feel joy and fulfillment of your purpose in life. 

Many people believe that success is wrapped up in material things, but the truth is that  success is wrapped up on how you perceive  yourself and how you  enjoy your life. For one to have a successful  life you need to have peace of mind which means being free from worry or fear, to have energy and health, to be in a loving relationship, financial freedom and personal fulfillment. To be successful one should show outstanding willpower when it comes to achieving  set goals. 

The setback to success is that we normally do not live our lives based on our own definition of success. Instead we are  influenced by our environment that include friends, family, society and culture. Our decisions are  based  upon what we  perceive is expected of us  other than what we really desire and wish. This creates pressure and inequality as we live in other's expectations rather than in our own desire. We then  move outside of our planned purpose. To have the willpower  is  one of the main factors of success and however you  define it, no success comes  without determination. For that reason there isn’t  success anywhere in this planet which is not accompanied by a good measure of hard work  and one can not  keep on with hard work with out having a solid determination.

It Is that simple ,for success to be achieved you must integrate hard work and determination in all fields. Success  lovers are not afraid of hard work, rather they fear too much leisure time. For one to define his own success  you have to answer the following, What are your  strengths and weaknesses? What things are important to you? Do you spend your life in your own way? It may not be simple to answer all this questions but by answering  these questions you come closer to defining your own measure of success one at a time.

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What does it mean to be a successful working actor? Probably not what you think

Everyone has an image of what it’s like to be an actor.

We see actors everywhere . We see them in our favorite films and TV shows . We see them on talk shows and posters. We see them on red carpets — and on their Instagram posts, showing us how they glammed up for the red carpets. We see them win awards . We read their memoirs .

Unlike the hundreds of other jobs in Hollywood that are often so seamlessly tucked behind the scenes that they’re invisible, the job of an actor is hyper-visible.

It’s the job — professionals say — that everyone thinks they understand. But do we?

Hollywood is made of expert storytellers, and it’s not only the fiction on screen that sells. We're also always consuming the perfectly crafted nonfiction of celebrities, who are usually there to promote their latest project.

As a result, we often conflate the reality of an actor with the fantasy of a celebrity.

“Acting is so misunderstood," said Rodney To, actor and USC assistant professor of theater practice. "It’s a lot of ‘Oh, you’re not famous? So therefore you must suck at what you do. You must not have 'made it' yet.' ”

We don’t often get to read stories about the hundreds of thousands of actors who are not household names. They don’t get interviewed when they get their SAG-AFTRA card ; when that popular commercial they booked gets them a manager ; when they find their community of supportive actors ; when they finally make enough money to quit their day job ; when a fan still recognizes them from their role on "The A Team" in 1983 — or any of the other wins along the way that add up to a successful acting career.

The majority of actors are “what we call ‘working actors,’ ” said Behzad Dabu, whose credits include "How to Get Away With Murder" and "The Good Place." “They can go to the park and grocery store without getting stopped or mobbed. They bought a house. They raised children. They have a car. And they can afford all of that by being an actor.”

So here are eight actors, in various stages of their career, whose stories and definitions of success might change how you think about what it means to be a successful, working actor.

Annie Gonzalez

Grew up in: East Los Angeles

First acting job: Hostage girl in "Without a Trace"

Other jobs along the way: Waiter, bartender, barista, usher, theater and dance teacher for kids

You might know her as: Lidia in "Gentefied," Judy in "Flamin' Hot"

What is success? Chasing joy and staying true to herself

"Success is just a feeling. I don't want someone saying, 'You booked this job' or 'We want you on this talk show,' to be the only thing that gives me that feeling."

Read Annie's story >>

Adam Faison

Grew up in: San Diego

First acting job: A sheep in “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”

Other jobs along the way: NBCUniversal intern, waiter, Uber driver, brand ambassador, sales associate

You might know him as: Alex in "Everything's Gonna Be Okay," Colin in "Hellraiser"

What is success: Being able to explore the world and meet new people

“What I'm doing right now — this has always kind of been the dream: to travel to places I’ve never seen before and meet people I’ve never met.”

Read Adam's story >>

Behzad Dabu

Grew up in: Syracuse, N.Y.

First acting job: Akthar in "The History Boys" at TimeLine Theatre

Other jobs along the way: Columbia College's associate director of international admissions, acting coach

You might know him as: Simon in "How to Get Away With Murder," Amir in "The Chi"

What is success: Earning financial independence by doing what he loves

“When I was able to support myself fully and solely on acting, it was massive. It was life-changing.”

Read Behzad's story >>

Grew up in: Seattle

First acting job: Street vendor in "Partners in Crime" with Loni Anderson and Lynda Carter

Other jobs along the way: Radio and TV host, tour guide, Japanese interpreter for film and commercials

You might know her as: Kumu in "Magnum P.I.," Sue in "Fifty First Dates"

What is success: Having the respect of her peers and being able to show up for the community

Success can look like “the freedom to say no to jobs that are not interesting. But also to say yes to the small community-driven films that don’t pay very much.”

Read Amy's story >>

Sergio Calder ó n

Grew up in: Coatlán del Río, Mexico

First acting job: A role in "Julius Caesar" at the Teatro Tepeyac in Mexico City

Other jobs along the way: English teacher, encyclopedia salesman

You might know him as: Alien Head on Stick in "Men in Black," Eduardo Villanueva in "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End"

What is success: Mastering the craft and connecting with fans

“They tell me in the streets how much they hate me. But to me, that is my success. Because that means I was able to convince people with what I performed.”

Read Sergio's story >>

Ben Whitehair

Grew up in: Littleton and Kiowa, Colo.

First acting job: A regional Toyota commercial

Other jobs along the way: Co-founder of Working.Actor , chief operating officer of the digital marketing company TSMA Consulting Inc .

You might know him as: Officer Dan in "Vengeance," Young Walter in "9-1-1: Lone Star"

What is success: Supporting future generations of storytellers

“Success is really about, ‘Ultimately, am I happy and living my values?’ And for me, personally, my core mission statement is to be a champion for social change through art and business.”

Read Ben's story >>

Carolyn Michelle Smith

Grew up in: Washington, D.C., and Atlanta

First acting job: An off-off-Broadway show in New York

Other jobs along the way: Investor relations, coach, consultant, educator

You might know her as: Deja from "The Chi," Agnes from "Russian Doll"

What is success: Being an entrepreneurial artist

“The world is going to evolve your perceptions of success. What you see as possible, what you see others achieving — that's going to keep evolving, so your own picture of success needs to evolve.”

Read Carolyn's story >>

Grew up in: Chicago

First acting job: A butler in Milwaukee Repertory Theater's "Love's Labour's Lost"

Other jobs along the way: Temp, hotel front desk agent, operations clerk, travel coordinator, USC assistant professor

You might know him as: Typhoon in "Parks and Recreation," Tito Arthur in "Easter Sunday"

What is success to him: Career longevity

Read Rodney's story >>

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times .

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Biden-Harris Administration Builds on the Success of the Affordable Care Act by Streamlining Enrollment in Medicaid and CHIP Coverage

Final rule will make it easier for millions to enroll and keep their health coverage— including children, older adults, and people with disabilities

The Biden-Harris Administration today unveiled a final rule that will protect and improve how millions of eligible people apply for, renew, and maintain health care coverage through Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Basic Health Program (BHP). The Streamlining the Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes rule will remove red tape and barriers to enrollment, update and build on the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) coverage protections and ensure that millions of Americans can get and keep their coverage. With this rule, millions of Americans will benefit from a modernized, less cumbersome enrollment process with reduced red tape, helping more people keep coverage.

“We know that removing red tape and administrative barriers helps people get and keep their health coverage—and gives security and peace of mind to American families. This rule extends insurance reforms included in the Affordable Care Act so that millions of children will not face barriers to enrollment or be at risk of losing the coverage they rely on to stay healthy,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “It removes outdated barriers to health insurance and helps fulfill the promise of the Affordable Care Act, especially for those in vulnerable and underserved communities. President Biden promised to expand access and lower costs – and this is another example of him delivering on that promise.”

“Our North Star is ensuring that everyone who is eligible for coverage can enroll and keep that coverage – so that they can get the health care they need. To that end, our work must start and end by breaking down barriers that prevent eligible people from connecting to coverage,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. “This historic rule will simplify the process for people who are eligible for our nation’s health care programs to maintain their connection to their health care providers. It means less time and money spent on unnecessary processes and more effort dedicated to protecting vital coverage for eligible people.”

The final rule, first proposed in September 2022 , includes a series of provisions to simplify enrollment and renewal processes by standardizing them nationwide, bringing the consumer protections made possible by the ACA to all enrollees in Medicaid and CHIP programs, and making it easier for eligible children and adults to stay covered, including:

• Eliminating annual and lifetime limits on children’s coverage in CHIP;
• Ending the practice of locking children out of CHIP coverage if a family is unable to pay premiums;
• Eliminating waiting periods for CHIP coverage so children can access health care immediately;
• Improving the transfer of children seamlessly from Medicaid to CHIP when a family’s income rises;
• Requiring states to provide all individuals with at least 15 days to provide any additional information when applying for the first time and 30 days to return documentation when renewing coverage; and
• Prohibiting states from conducting renewals more frequently than every 12 months and requiring in-person interviews for older adults and those with disabilities.

Covering more than one in four Americans, Medicaid and CHIP provide robust benefits with little to no out-of-pocket cost for millions, including many from underserved communities. Each state is responsible for operating its own program within federal requirements. This has led to a large amount of variation from state to state. As a result of this rule, federal rules for Medicaid and CHIP enrollment are strengthened nationwide, ensuring people are protected regardless of where they live and helping people to stay covered.

Ensuring people can access the health coverage to which they are entitled is a foundational principle of health equity and a key priority for the Biden-Harris Administration. Today’s rule fulfills President Biden’s January 2021 and April 2022 Executive Orders to strengthen Medicaid and access to affordable, quality coverage.

Today’s rule also builds on CMS’ work during Medicaid “unwinding,” which has highlighted how simplifying and streamlining renewals can dramatically help eligible people stay covered. For example, while families in some states have faced barriers when transitioning a child’s coverage from Medicaid to CHIP during the unwinding process, today’s rule will require all states to make this transition more seamless in the future.

HHS also released a new report today showing that as many as 17 million children and youth will benefit from a provision Congress passed in December 2022 that ensures continuous eligibility and removes barriers to enrolling in and retaining coverage.

Additional anticipated updates to federal regulations by CMS later this year include improving managed care and strengthening access to the critical services Medicaid and CHIP offer. These regulations can continue to pave the way for programs that are equitable, accessible, and person-centered.

For more information on today’s rule, which complements a rule published in September 2023 that finalized changes for individuals dually eligible for Medicaid and Medicare, visit the Federal Register at https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/current .

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