What is Success in its true meaning?

According to the Oxford Dictionary: "Success is the accomplishment of an aim or a purpose".

The aim or purpose, here, could be wealth, social status, or fame.

Many people have different perceptions of success. Success can be anything from material goods to concepts. One's definition of success can be best suitable for that particular person, but not for others. While professional accomplishments can be one piece of the puzzle, it leaves out many other important areas of life. Family, healthy relationships, academics and athletics are just a few areas where people may strive for success.

Your individual definition of success may vary, but many might define it as a life that is fulfilled, happy, safe, healthy and loved.

We are surrounded by a materialistic culture and get to experience first hand the kind of 'happiness' it brings when we obtain a specific title or object, like buying a new iPhone or basking in the scent of a fresh new car. It is necessarily not?bad to have these things. But many times, the reasons why we crave for these things are a bit misconstrued. The truth, however, is that success is ephemeral in all areas of life. The smell of the new car will fade away, the new iPhone will be replaced- sooner, rather than later- by a more advanced, sleeker, lighter and better one. Someone younger, stronger or smarter will eventually come and beat your record.

Television and mass media has exemplified the meaning of success in their own ways- the new car, the job title, a certain kind of body etc- and people believe in it. This has elicited a lot of frustration, resentment and jealousy as it always feel like we are trying to merely catch up. It is certainly fruitless. If we would continue to chase these false objects of happiness and success, we would only be running around in circles. In my opinion, success in life is about moving forward, not ending up where you started.

Success is to be able to enjoy and to have a profound interest in what you are doing, doesn't matter whether it brings wealth, name, fame or recognition to you or not. Doing things just for the sake of money isn't the way to go. Work is likely to occupy most part of your adult life. Luxury, comfort or anything you make from money, though important, would fill a comparatively smaller portion of your life.

You don't have to be rich and famous to make your loved ones proud of you. Just be there with them. Understand the little things that make a difference in their lives, and make doing them your priority. Be kind to others. Rather than looking for happiness in what you do, just be happy and do your work. Happiness is a choice that you can make and not a condition. True success lies in choosing to be happy , not in wishing for happiness.

In order to lead the life that you desire, you must set your own goals and ideas of success according to what you want, not what television or your parents want. This is all about you, your life and your idea of success. The purpose of defining your own success is to start living a life based on your own expectations and terms. The fruitless emotions of anger, jealousy and resentment should play no part in the attainment of your endeavors, as those are just distractions.

Don't wait to start living like this. You can start today. As a matter of fact, you should start TODAY, because continuously living everyday with expectations that aren't of your own is a day that is not truly yours.