What is success?
If you asked that question to a hundred different people, you’d get a hundred unique answers.
Success means something different to different people, so the real question is, how do you define success?
Dictionary Definition of Success
Don’t look to the dictionary for help. Its basic definition of success, “a degree or measure of succeeding,” lacks inspiration.
To really define success in our own lives, we have to ask that crucial follow-up question: At what?
Another slightly more helpful definition calls success “a favorable or desired outcome.” That’s a little more in line with what we’re getting at. A favorable outcome implies that you wanted something (anything!) and got it.
The third definition is the ominous; the one folks tend to think of when they think of success: “the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence.”
Unfortunately, it’s the wealth part that tends to stand out.
In our weird world where money controls every aspect of our lives, the definition of success morphs from getting a favorable outcome to being wealthy.
People associate success not only with financial well-being but also with incredible wealth and riches.
It’s an insane perversion of what success really is.
Is Wealth the Measure of Success?
Success, wealth, riches, and all the things that go with them are what we should strive for, right?
Wrong.
Money is great, but it’s not everything (no matter how much society tries to tell us it is!). Money is just a tool that helps us do what we want. Acquiring tons of money doesn’t necessarily equate to success.
In addition, you can be successful in various aspects of your life without being rich. You can raise a lovely family, enjoy a fulfilling career, and thrive without wealth.
I’d call all those successes, and they aren’t about money or riches.
It’s high time that we redefined what it means to be successful.
How Do You Define Career Success?
It’s easiest to see the disconnect between wealth and success when we try to define career success.
What do you think of when you hear that someone is at the top of their field? It sounds like an impressive achievement, and you probably assume that they make a ton of money.
But that’s not usually true.
A lot of experts don’t even make six figures. The median salary for university researchers is $84,000. Journalists make less than $60,000 per year on average, while social workers make a little above $60,000. The average teacher’s pay is $72,000.
Of course, these are averages, and folks at the “top” of their careers do make a little more. But not enough for wealth and riches, especially as the cost of living continues to explode.
But they don’t define success by their paychecks.
Other Measures of Success
Do you think teachers define success by how much money they bring in or by how many kids they inspire? Are scientists successful when earning hefty salaries or having a breakthrough discovery? Do journalists care more about making money or breaking news?
As these examples prove, career success is far more than money. It’s about following your dream even if it doesn’t pay.
It’s also about helping people, learning, or making a difference.
These successes don’t always lead to riches, but they do lead to a rich life.
Successful Career and Money
That’s not to say no careers lead to wealth and riches. Some professions do define success by the amount of money you earn.
And guess what – if that’s your goal, go for it! There’s nothing wrong with wanting a high-paying career.
Consider jobs in financial services, sales, law, or technology if you want to make a ton of money.
Some folks want to combine financial and career success. Doctors can make huge salaries while also healing the sick. Some artists, like actors and musicians, get lucky and earn millions of dollars pursuing their passions.
If you are lucky enough to be passionate about something society values enough to pay well, you can have the best of both worlds.
But you can’t conflate financial success with the broader definition of success.
How Do You Define Financial Success?
A lot of people define success as financial success alone. I fell into the trap.
I wanted to be a millionaire by the time I turned 30. Why? I don’t know why. I wanted to be a millionaire so I could say I was one because that would somehow prove I was successful.
Now that I’m older, I know that isn’t the case. Financial success doesn’t mean attaining a ton of wealth – it means having enough money to support yourself and enjoy your life.
The amount of money required for financial success differs for everyone, depending on their situation. People with families may want to build generational wealth so that their progeny can thrive, while those who are single and childfree may only need enough to care for themselves in old age.
To me, financial success is about having enough money to do the things I want and to ensure that I’m not destitute at any point in my life.
It doesn’t take millions of dollars, but it does take planning, budgeting, saving, investing, and making good financial choices.
A lot of that can be done on an average salary.
What is the True Meaning of Success?
The true meaning of success is life success.
A successful life is one where you are happy, joyful, and content. Returning to the original definition, it’s when your life has a desired or favorable outcome.
What makes our lives favorable? What is the key to the desired outcome?
In a word – happiness.
Being happy is the key to a successful life, more so than money, financial gain, status, or anything else.
But what does it take to be happy?
It’s different for everyone. Some people may find joy in a fulfilling career they are passionate about. Others may attain happiness via parenthood, raising children and grandchildren to be productive members of society.
Everyone has different goals, dreams, passions, and aspirations, so achieving true happiness is different for everyone.
But I can tell you what doesn’t equate to happiness: money.
Money doesn’t buy happiness, though it seems like it does. Money can buy you options, which can give you the opportunity to pursue happiness for yourself.
Rethink Success For a Happier Life
For a happy life, reconsider your definition of success.
If it only relates to money, take a step back. Why would money make you happy? What does it really buy?
Can you find success and happiness without hoards of money?
When you define success more broadly, you’ll realize it’s not just about money, and discover what you really need for a fulfilling life.