Everyone wants to be successful. But what exactly does that mean? Success is defined online by Merriam-Webster as, "favorable or desired outcome also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence." However, I am here to tell you three ways in which you should identify your own successes in life that do not have to deal with wealth, favor, or superiority.

One way to define success is by asking yourself did what you just accomplish provide you with any sense of clarity? Does what you are getting done help you with any confusion you may have. For example, does adding a minor to your undergraduate plan help you obtain the skills you need in order to work your dream job? Maybe adding a minor or even another major will help you to figure out what you would like to do in life.

Another question to ask yourself is, "did what I just do feel like a personal choice benefiting me?" Making choices that benefit you is not selfish. Rather, it helps you in living a more content and accomplished life, The choices you make should be ones that you truly make on your own, not ones that others around you have suggested. When these choices provide you with priceless qualities such as happiness and well-being, is another way in which you can have achieved success.

Finally, the most important question to ask yourself when defining success is, "Did what I just do make me feel happy?" You could accomplish what others perceive as great feats, but when those feats do no make you feel happy, you will fail to attain the great feeling of success. You could excel and have high grades in some of the classes known to be quite hard such as chemistry, but if you find more interest in law, then you will never be as happy as you could be while pursuing your true interests.

These three other perspectives on defining success are what really matters, and when you live each day striving to achieve these versus fame and wealth, you are destined to feel more content in life. So whatever you choose to do, make sure to keep these in mind.