Definition of Success

This week’s journal entry:

What is your definition of success?

By Laura Black

According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, success is a “degree or measure of succeeding…favorable or desired outcome…one that succeeds.” My definition of success is finding peace and happiness within your “self” and your “life.” Success is reaching your goals in life whether you had to fall down and get back up, or you breezed through seamlessly.

            Each person will measure their success differently because each person experiences something different. In the end, everyone can connect by knowing we’re all human, and we all strive to be successful in one way or another. How we get to that success is unique with the obstacles we have and how we either overcome them or allow them to hold us back.

            In order to achieve success in life, we must have goals in mind with a determination that doesn’t stop. By keeping your goals in mind, you can stay focused on your overall success. If you veer away from your goals or allow them to slip away, you may not reach your true success potential.

            Our true success potential can be achieved by first realizing our true “self.” Our true self is who we are and what we believe in. “Self” goes as deep as our self-image and how we feel about our overall selves. We must have confidence in ourselves and what we believe in, then we can figure out what we truly want out of life and who we want in our lives.

            Once we figure out our true “self”, then we can work toward our goals to achieve our true “life” of peace and happiness. Part of that comes from being peaceful with ourselves and being happy and content with who we are. Without these key elements, we might be merely spinning in an endless circle of life never achieving our true success potential.

            The important part is keeping our goals in mind and being determined to achieve them. Obstacles will block us or completely stop us, but if we’re determined and want to reach our goals, we will find a way to either leap over or knock down those obstacles in our way. We must also keep in mind that not all decisions will be right, and we will make mistakes. We will have to use trial and error throughout this process, and learn from our mistakes along the way.

            If we fall down, we must pick ourselves back up and trudge forward. If we don’t, then our goals may never be met, and success may never be achieved. No matter what your goals for reaching success are, remember to figure out your true “self” and “life” to work toward your peace and happiness.