What is Success?


In the last six years of my career, this one word has meant so many different things. And today, I find myself still asking the same question.

Let us try to define what success is. The dictionary provides us with three definitions:


1. The favorable or prosperous termination of attempts or endeavors.

2. The attainment of wealth, position, honors, or the like

3. The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted


It is my belief that the world has either forgotten or no longer accepts the third definition. Success today seems to be largely measured by your prosperity. The house you live in, the car you drive, the way you dress, and the salary you earn are considered key indicators. But does that really define success? It defines prosperity or wealth, but not success.


I am a staunch supporter of the third definition. It is the achievement of those desires that you planned or attempted. Success for each individual is unique.

When I go down memory lane, I think I have felt most successful with the pace at which I learnt tabla and the passion I developed for it. There was a tremendous sense of achievement and even fulfillment. I felt a certain contentment. I have never felt that strongly about anything else.

The other times when I have felt success full and content, have been when I set out to cook something with the intention of producing a specific taste in my memory, and then was actually able to create it!

I think people often overlook their innate abilities, and try to "succeed" using a path that may not be suited for them. In an age and time, where there are several career opportunities available, the overtly cautious mind set of most parents tends to prod their children to study medicine, law, finance or engineering.

People who get stuck with these "careers" often lack a sense of contentment in their achievements. They start defining success based on other people in that career path, instead of defining their own.

Do you know what success is for you? Spend some time and list:

1. all the things you enjoy most, and
2. the things you do not enjoy
3. the company of people you enjoy most, and why you enjoy it
4. the people whose company brings down your morale

The next step is to:

1. Try to introduce as many items from the first list into your daily routine as you can.
2. Find as many alternatives as you can find for the second list.
3. Plan to spend as much time interacting with the people on the third list as is possible
4. Minimizing your interaction with the people on the fourth list, and when you do interact with them being full of energy and positivity.

You will find that your life will be a lot more satisfying ... and in the long run it may even be success full!!