Success is sometimes tied to the ultimate happiness or the ultimate life goal. Success is dependable on many factors; it is not a single definition or checklist you can go with.  Some consider it as financially able to make the most amount of money, others go for the top GPA points in their academics. It also can be the amount of praise; awards or medals you have. Some go for social recognition, the number of followers, likes, and retweets. It all boils down to the way success is measured and how you define it.

The definition of success differs, Merriam Webster defines success as “degree or measure of succeeding, favorable or desired outcome , the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence”. Thus, success is tied to achieving a purpose or pursuing a goal.

What is not considered success?

When numbers are the only way to use to define success, it is not considered success. It is not the number of followers on social media, or the millions of dollars in the bank. It is not how it should be measured.

External vs Internal Success

External success is tied to anything that is concrete. It means wealth, as in how rich you are, or how popular you get. Are you on magazine covers? Is your follower list over 100K?  These external success does not provide the satisfaction or ease, like if you had goals to accomplish.

What are the markers of success?

Success is working towards a happy life with a purpose. It means:

• You appreciate what you accomplished.
• Progress is there, you are evolving.
• You have a good network of supportive people who celebrate you.
• You leave an impact.
• You have a purposeful meaningful life.

Written by: Farah Barakat