Success Is Your Definition Not Theirs

Success Is Your Definition Not Theirs

Merriam Webster:

A: the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame

B; the correct or desired result of an attempt

C: someone or something that is successful: a person or thing that succeeds

Do you consider yourself successful? If you do - why? If you don't - why?  Do others think of you as a successful person? Do others think of you as an unsuccessful person? Do you care if others see you as successful or unsuccessful? Do you really give a shit what others think about you?

Lots of questions, but it all boils down to your definition of success. Let's start with Webster's definition "A" If obtaining wealth or fame is your definition of success you might consider yourself successful, but, will that mean you'll be a happy person? If not obtaining wealth or fame means to you that you're not successful, then you might never be a happy person.

On the other hand, respect is in your control. Gaining respect of yourself and the respect of others is something you have to earn. Once earned, you'll be a happy person. I don't know of any person who respects his or her self that isn't happy. However, I know people who have the respect of others, but, for some reason, don't have respect for themselves. Most of those people are not happy people.

You can gain respect in many ways. Always being truthful is mandatory. Always trying your best to do the right thing is critical. Asking for what you want, but not demanding it goes a long way. Loving unconditionally even if you don’t get what you want or even deserve will greatly enhance the respect you have for yourself.

Therefore, in my opinion, I believe Webster's definition "A" should read: "The fact of getting or achieving respect."

Webster's definition "B" is the one I agree with the most. You work hard to accomplish something. If that hard work pays off because you achieved the result you wanted, then I call that success. It doesn't guarantee long term happiness, but most of us would be very happy at the time of that success. On the other hand you're not a failure if you don't get the desired result. You should love and respect yourself just for making the attempt (assuming you truly put in your best effort). If you busted your ass and you just came up short, be happy because many others wouldn't have even tried.

Webster's definition "C" is totally about your definition. If you see yourself as successful, than you are successful. If you see yourself as unsuccessful then you probably will create a self-fulfilling prophecy. Never give a shit about how the outside world views you. They don't determine if you're a success or not. 

Success Is Your Definition Not Theirs