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So what exactly is meant by the term 'success'? Is it universal for everyone, or highly personal?
 
The Merriam-Webster online dictionary provides a starting point: 
2 a: degree or measure of succeeding b: favorable or desired outcome ; also : the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence
3: one that succeeds
 
A degree or measure of succeeding, well that isn't very helpful now, is it. The attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence - that is starting to sound a bit more like what we are looking for. Many people would probably agree with the above definition - "If I only had x dollars, I'd be successful and happy. If I was a movie star, then I'd be a success. Once I get promoted to V.P., then I've truly arrived."
I believe though that this definition isn't exactly correct, because of that word attainment.
 
Is success really a destination, a goal achieved, a position in life attained? I don't think so.
 
Success to me is a journey, not simply an end point to be achieved. Make no mistake though, goals and the attainment of them are a critical component of success. But the goals are not the be-all end-all point of it all. 
 
This is where people often get hung up, focusing on the goals rather than the process of achieving them. Life is lived today, in this moment, not tomorrow - as the saying goes, tomorrow never comes. Success and the associated happiness attached to it comes from enjoying the process of reaching your goals.
 
So my definition of success is something like: Having realistic, motivating goals to be working towards, such that you feel your life is always in a state of growth, always moving towards a slightly better condition from where you are today.
 
Not the most concise definition, but it gets the point across. 
 
So join me in living the best life possible today, while moving towards an even better tomorrow.