suc·cess
/səkˈses/
noun
the accomplishment of an aim or purpose.
"the president had some success in restoring confidence"
synonyms:favorable outcome, successfulness, successful result, triumph;
the attainment of popularity or profit.
"the success of his play"
synonyms:prosperity, affluence, wealth, riches, opulence
"the trappings of success"
a person or thing that achieves desired aims or attains prosperity.
"I must make a success of my business"
Here's a thought: Success looks different to different people. Everyone defines success in their own way. If you're like me, you never really thought about this concept in depth. It seems like a DUH moment when you say it out loud but it's really interesting. Think about it. Some folks see success as not having to clock into a day job. Some see it as making their own daily schedules. There are so many levels to this success thing. There's small wins and there's larger ones. Personally, I say count it all joy. Success doesn't always mean tons of money and new cars. It looks different on everyone.
Personally I think it's important to acknowledge all of your successes, no matter how large or small. I think it allows us to have a sense of progress. Keeping track of small wins helps us keep things in perspective. With that being said, it's important that we try not to compare our successes with others. We're all on different stages and phases of this thing called life. Everyone's goals are different and so are their paths to get there.
According to Coach John Wooden, "Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming." Success is an attitude that can be applied to anyone's lifestyle. Some of us don't want the social status that is attached to the popular belief of what success is. If success is a direct result of self-satisfaction, then I think that means we should commit to doing what makes us happy. Count success on your own scale. And don't feel bad if your vision of success is completely different than your neighbors. Such is life. And this life is yours to create!