To many, the idea of measuring success is different. Surely we don’t always see success the same way, because just like the idea that “beauty is in the eye of the beholder”, so is success. It’s all about perspective!

Some see success as the amount of possessions you own, such as how many sports cars you have. Some see success when you avoid peer pressure and despite all odds never give in. Others see success as the American Dream, the house with the white picket fence. You and your spouse sip tea on the front porch, keeping an eye out on your wonderful children, little Rodger and Sally playing on the swings on the green front lawn. While Skip the dog is playing with his new chew toy.

Success could be learning to do something (like working a nail gun) you never knew how to do before.

But success could also be saying hi to that guy or girl sitting in the front row you have been crushing on since your freshman year and asking them how their summer was.

Success isn’t necessarily your possessions, or so much as just the American Dream. It is so much more than that! I have witnessed this in my life already.

I take my parents, for example, middle class hard working people all their life. So selfless enough to send their own two children to Europe without ever experiencing it for themselves. They raised two children and are successful people all on their own. They have been married for 31 years now. I believe that good things come to those who wait and I am so happy they are finally able to get what they have deserved. If they aren't an example of success, I do not know what is.

As I start my sophomore year of college, I reflect on the previous year as one does. There were lots of successes and drawbacks to the year, but as they say, I survived my freshman year! I am now reflecting on success. I am sure success will come when I finally declare my major, when I graduate, and when I find a job. But success will come in the small doses as well. Making new friends this year, getting more involved on campus, doing well in my classes, and applying for a small new job and then getting it. All these little things will be small personal successes, but it’s not like they won’t be successes nonetheless!

The secret is simple, only you can measure your own success! If it means so much to you and you are happy with the end result, then it’s a success no matter how small! I love the quote “The secret to having it all is knowing you already do.” This is a great statement because it further touches on the point that the small successes are successes nonetheless.

Even taking this position as a content creator for Odyssey has me questioning my success. I think in a lot of ways we hope you share our articles, especially when we feel so passionate about what we write. But I can’t see my own success based on the amount of shares my article has. if you feel so passionate about something you wrote then it is a success no matter how many shares!

So do take a minute to reflect on your life so far, and celebrate the successes no matter how small!