According to dictionary.com the first definition of success is:

The favourable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavours; the accomplishment of one’s goals

By that definition it’s easy to say that how we determine our own success is through the accomplishment of our goals.

The more goals we complete, the more successful we ought to be.

But I believe that some people, despite accomplishing multiple goals, don’t feel successful. Or at the very least they view success when one becomes rich or well known.

The staggering thing that I realized not long ago is that particular view — living a lavish lifestyle — is one that is pitched regularly through network marketing. It’s a massive industry where the main gimmick being sold is being able to live your dreams.

Now I know not everyone is a network marketer, however we may still have a distorted view of what success actually means to us. For the longest of times I saw success as being a millionaire. But it was only a few weeks ago I asked myself “Do I really need to be a millionaire to live the life I want?”

A performance or achievement that is marked by success, as by the attainment of honours

By all means, the stuff network marketers pitch can become a reality. There are many success stories out there. Not to mention that the vast majority of billionaires and millionaires alike are self-made.

80 to 86% of millionaires are self-made millionaires. 62% of billionaires are self-made billionaires.

And I can imagine those numbers will either stay or continue to crawl up. So it’s not hard to say that people can become what they desire.

But it’s important to realize what exactly do you desire.

Are you pursuing this success because you were once a network marketer who wishes for that lifestyle? Or perhaps have you read of other peoples massive success and got so wrapped up in it you’ve lost yourself?

There is nothing wrong with pursuing for success. Even I’m striving for success.

But what I’m encouraging you all to think about is define your own success. Is your definition of success planted by seeing rich, successful people or that network marketing pitch you heard one time? Or is it your own genuine version of success?

Because there are many network marketers out there, wishing for a lavish and large lifestyle. Some of them will succeed while others may only be making five figures.

That’s not a bad thing. But it’s not what they were expecting.

The attainment of wealth, position, honours, or the like.

I’ve picked up this book called The Pocket Book of Success. It’s got brief passages and quotes on success. It’s like flipping through a kids book, but the brief passages pack value.

Here’s some passages:

There are many different types of success, but every single one of them requires hard work.

If you are truly happy then you need not worry about becoming successful. Anyone who is truly happy is already successful.

Other people may consider you successful or unsuccessful, but it is whether you consider yourself successful that really matters.

What these sections are telling me is that success doesn’t have to be on simply wealth, honours, and positions. These are the initial things that we associate with.

Not only that, but when we describe ourselves as successful it doesn’t have to be that we’ve achieved our ultimate goal.

We can already see ourselves as successful individuals on the basis that we’re doing what we love.

I’ve said before that I got success from the fact I’m starting to earn money as a writer. However now I see myself as successful. I haven’t achieved my ultimate goals and quite frankly only a small number of people know who I am, but I already am successful.

And I’m sure you have some small or even major achievements that make you successful too: from publishing an article or a book, or being paid to do what you love.

Even if it’s not significant or not what your expectations are, it’s still something to say you are successful.

Obsolete

In today’s society, success is rather obsolete because we often associate it with massive change or success.

By all means those are success stories and successful people. But not everything has to be grand and massive in order to make a difference.

Not every person has to be a millionaire before or by 30. Not everyone has to retire or semi-retire by their mid 30s or early 40s.

What’s important now is to define your own success. Maybe it is be a millionaire by 30, but have a plan. Be willing to work really hard for it. And above all, let it be your own concept of success.

To your growth!

Eric S Burdon