Success: What Do We Mean?

As I began this essay, my first reaction to the word success was to relate it to someone who has prospered financially and has achieved a high level of social status. Someone who has proved him or herself to society. I tend to believe that my first reaction stems from society's most common understanding of the word. When I gave myself a little more time to think about my idea of success, I found that it meant something much more than economic security and social status.

I think that we can easily lose sight of the many other significant meanings of the word success. Some that come to mind are the accomplishment of one's personal goal, being a useful member of society in some way, making progress in any area of one's life, and achieving a sense of peace and happiness.

I, for years, tried to gain financial and social status through material means. I believed it to be the only way to prove myself to society and the people in my life. As time passed and I acquired some life experience, I found that the pursuit of that level of success was not all there was to life. Happiness seemed to be taking a back seat to my career and quest for money. I have since redirected my goals and I am now hoping to achieve a level of personal success that I can be happy with.

Many of us may look at a school custodian with a feeling that he is not very successful. That custodian may not make a lot of money, but he may very much enjoys working in an atmosphere of children and learning. Each and every day he helps to keep the school a healthy and safe learning environment. This could be his way of giving to others and contributing to the education of our children. Throughout his day he might receive a "thank you," a "hello," and a great sense of fulfillment through observing the students in the learning process. At the end of each day he likely leaves with a feeling of worth and contentment. As far as this man is concerned, everyday could be a success.

On the other hand, a person may possess a lot of money and be considered a success by the people around him or her. People might say, "look at him, he's got it all." One never knows, but the person who seems to have it all could very well feel a sense of loneliness and discontent. Sometimes the simplest things in life can bring happiness and a feeling of success.

When there is progress made in any area of one's life, there is success. What if, for example, a young woman who is physically handicapped has finally reached her goal. After many years of struggles and joys, she is ready and able to live on her own and hold a job in the community. This young woman has accomplished what she set out to do and has become a great success.

The first meaning in the dictionary for the word success is, "a favorable result that one has tried or hoped for." So, success can have a different meaning to each and every one of us. The definition of success seems most meaningfully to come from within ourselves. Are we happy and content with what we are accomplishing in life, whatever that might be? Do we need to measure our own success by what others perceive success to be? When we view the word success in this manner, it stands to reason that we are all capable of being a success in one way or another.