What Success Really Is
Start writing a post
Student Life

Success Is Not Defined By One Factor

Success cannot be defined by only one thing; people have different definitions of success

688
Success Is Not Defined By One Factor
Pexels

What is success? According to Dictionary.com, the main definition of success is "the favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors; the accomplishment of one's goals." Dictionary.com also defines success as "the attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like.

"Wealth, position, or honors." These are the key things that most people think are needed to be successful, and they are so integrated with the idea of success that they appear in many textbook definitions of "success." Many people strive for fame or fortune in pursuit of what tends to be deemed as "success." People will look at those who are rich or in a position of power and go, "Wow, they are really successful." If someone gets a high paying job a few years after college, they are successful. If someone gets promoted, they are successful. If someone gets a 4.0 and graduates with honors, they are successful. While these things are all measures of success, they aren't all the word "success" encompasses.

Success means different things to different people. Everyone has different goals and things they strive for in life. While some may go for high achievement, money, or power, others may strive towards other things they'd define as a successful life. Success can be following one's passions and working their dream job, regardless of how much their salary is. Success may be found in relationships, family, travel, or just about anything. Success does not have to be found in stereotypical ways; if you aren't rich or famous, it doesn't mean you aren't successful.

Define success on your own terms. Don't let a standard definition drive what you think you need to do to achieve success. Success cannot be defined by only one thing; everyone has different definitions of success. Don't be afraid to create your own definition, even if it breaks the mold.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

53932
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

34720
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

957119
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

181782
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments