One Apple A Day #138
What is “success”? What is your definition of success? What does it mean to be successful?
Interesting topic, isn’t it?
Ok, too many questions so far. It’s time to dig deep a bit.
According to the dictionary, success is the accomplishment of an aim or purpose. I like this definition because it states a few things very clearly. Success is not something that happens. It’s something you accomplish. In simple terms, you have to do the work. By the way, doing your best work may not be enough, but it surely is needed. What about the famous people who seem to have success without a drop of sweat? My suggestion is to avoid confusing fame with success. They are not always the same thing. Doing the work is not enough, you also need a purpose. You must have something to aim for to give to your effort meaning. Without a purpose, you have no direction. You may arrive somewhere, but you won’t feel successful. I think this is the key; outside factors do not define your success. Success is something that you feel when you accomplish your purpose. If your purpose is being famous than once you reach fame, you will feel successful. If not, you may become famous but miss that feeling that comes only from the accomplishment of your purpose.
A funny little note. The Italian word for success is “successo” that is also the past participle of “succedere”. The verb “succedere” means to “come after, take the place of” but also to “happen”. So, to cut it short, in Italian we use the same word for “success” and for “happened”. This clash of meanings reminds me that success is something that, once accomplished, is already history. Never become too attached to success, you’ll be stuck in the past while the world moves forward.