"The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines success as, 'the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame'." If it feels like you've heard this sentence before, that is probably because you have. High school valedictorians are not a very imaginative bunch, and I feel confident saying that nine out of ten of their speeches start with that same cliched sentence or some variation that includes the dictionary definition of some abstract concept.

Not only is it overused, but it is also incorrect. Success is a lot like a sandwich; experiencing it is always good, but it is an individualized experience that means different things to different people. How can we have one single metric for success that encompasses every aspect of human achievement?

For example: I read at around a third-grade level. One of my best friends literally works for NASA. If we look at these two facts through the same lens, it becomes clear which is more successful. HINT: It isn't the one that is still trying to finish "The Hardy Boys."

Humans are wired to compare themselves to others; I can't help but feel a bit inferior compared to the kid that sends things to outer space. I have cried myself to sleep more than once because I don't have Carrie Underwood's legs. These are the things that happen when we force a singular metric of success onto ourselves.

This was when, after a long period of shower-deliberation, I had an epiphany: I don't care about sending sh*t to the moon. I don't care what my kidneys do. I have literally zero interest in how to keep bridges from collapsing. So why am I comparing myself to scientists and doctors and engineers? The reason these people seem so smart is because they happen to be passionate about things that are very mentally intensive.

I'm not trying to take away from the accomplishments of these people. Relative to their goals, they are absolutely successful, and you, most likely, are not. But what about YOUR goals? What if you aspire to write a book, hike the Appalachian Trail, or make the next Flappy Bird? What if being the general manager of a Marco's Pizza joint fulfills you more than physics equations?

"But Jon, scientists and doctors and engineers make more money," you might say. And according to my boys Merriam and Webster, your point is valid. But consider this: Johnny Manziel signed an $8 million contract with the Cleveland Browns in 2014. He certainly achieved wealth, right? But very few people would argue that he is successful, unless his goal was to go down as the biggest douchebag to ever take a snap in the NFL.

So while it may seem like you are surrounded by geniuses, sometimes, all you have to do is switch your focus. We can't all be doctors. Without people like Vince Gilligan, we wouldn't have "Breaking Bad." Without people like Guy Fieri, we would have no way of getting to Flavortown. Without people like you, the world would be lacking whatever it is you bring to the table, no matter how petty it may seem. So don't compare yourself to the guy that works at NASA, or Google, or Microsoft. Compare yourself to the person you were yesterday, see how much better and smarter and sexier you are and go on being successful in your own way.