17 answers
Ronit
Student
Vadodara, Gujarat, India
1
Question
Updated
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What is real Success?
What do you think about? share your thought!!
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17 answers
Ahmad Almehairi
Academic Coach | Mentor | Student Advisor
20
Answers
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Updated
Ahmad’s Answer
Hi Ronit, In my opinion, real success is not only about money or status. Real success means building a meaningful life where you grow as a person and contribute positively to others. For some people, success means achieving financial stability. For others, it means learning new skills, helping their families, or making a difference in their community. True success often comes from continuous learning, resilience, and staying committed to your goals even when challenges appear. I believe real success is when you feel satisfied with your progress, keep improving yourself, and use your knowledge and abilities to create value for others.
Real Success isn't just money, status or titles. Those are visible markers but they are incomplete. Plenty of people have all three and still feel empty. So what matters is ...
You are working with something that actually matters to you.
you are growing, not just staying comfortable
you have control over your time and decision.
Kelly Matta
Teklemuz Ayenew Tesfay
Software Engineer and Career Mentor
677
Answers
Ethiopia
Updated
Teklemuz Ayenew’s Answer
Real success means becoming a complete and peaceful person, happy with who you are and your life's path. It starts with understanding your true self—your values, strengths, weaknesses, and purpose—and living genuinely. When you manage your emotions and control your inner world, facing outside challenges becomes easier. A calm inner world leads to better relationships, work, and goals.
True happiness comes from knowing you don't need anything outside yourself to feel complete. You stop chasing empty goals and realize that being content comes from accepting yourself. It's about loving yourself, flaws included, and finding peace with your current place in life. When you do this, the pressure to always achieve or compare yourself to others fades, and you enjoy the present moment. Gratitude helps you see abundance instead of lack.
Real success isn't just about having money or things, although they can be part of it. It's about caring for your inner world, because when you feel complete, outside achievements like money and status become more meaningful. Discovering yourself makes life richer and more fulfilling. In the end, real success is about being the person you're meant to be, living truthfully, and working to make the world better and more peaceful, knowing you are enough.
True happiness comes from knowing you don't need anything outside yourself to feel complete. You stop chasing empty goals and realize that being content comes from accepting yourself. It's about loving yourself, flaws included, and finding peace with your current place in life. When you do this, the pressure to always achieve or compare yourself to others fades, and you enjoy the present moment. Gratitude helps you see abundance instead of lack.
Real success isn't just about having money or things, although they can be part of it. It's about caring for your inner world, because when you feel complete, outside achievements like money and status become more meaningful. Discovering yourself makes life richer and more fulfilling. In the end, real success is about being the person you're meant to be, living truthfully, and working to make the world better and more peaceful, knowing you are enough.
Michael Richtberg
Product management & engineering
24
Answers
Norfolk, Virginia
Updated
Michael’s Answer
The expression "beauty is in the eyes of the beholder" comes to mind when I think about how to answer this question. The definition of success is very personal. Your success might be establishing a reliable career to start a family. It might be to create a successful start-up that goes public via an IPO.
For me, it meant making valuable contributions to the computer technology industry by bringing new product innovations to market. It was about leaving a legacy and helping others.
Reflect on what you value. Write these values down and consider a path to actualize those values. Seek out those that can help mentor you through a path to success.
For me, it meant making valuable contributions to the computer technology industry by bringing new product innovations to market. It was about leaving a legacy and helping others.
Reflect on what you value. Write these values down and consider a path to actualize those values. Seek out those that can help mentor you through a path to success.
Swasti Agarwal
Consultant
6
Answers
Neuss, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany
Updated
Swasti’s Answer
That's a great question! In my experience, success is about finding happiness and satisfaction. It can come from achieving big goals like landing your dream job or gaining a new customer. But it can also be found in simple joys, like enjoying the rain, sharing a meal, or spending time with family. Success is personal and means different things to different people.
Sandeep Velaga
Senior software engineering
27
Answers
Princeton, Texas
Updated
Sandeep’s Answer
Real success isn't just about having lots of money, fancy job titles, or getting noticed. It's about creating a life where you grow as a person, learn from tough times, and make a difference for others. Success means setting goals that matter to you, working hard, and enjoying the journey, not just the end result. For some, success might be about doing well at work, while for others, it could be about finding happiness, building strong relationships, or helping the community. In the end, real success is living in a way that matches your values and being proud of how you strive to be your best self.
Lisa Carey
Resource Manager
15
Answers
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Updated
Lisa’s Answer
Hi Ronit: I agree with many of the answers offered. I think at your current stage of life, success should be short term goals that you are able to accomplish. As you explore the world and gain experiences, what success is will change, evolve and likely become multifaceted. I have had 4-5 different careers and been successful in each for different reasons. I have always balanced my careers with personal goals as well. I also was successful in school and in pursuing support for outside organizations (church, childrens’ schools). I would focus on what you can do to be successful in anything you do right now but also not fear disappointment. As you experience different aspects of school, career and relationships, you will find your own definition of what success is at different points. Enjoy the effort and the experience. good luck.
Sebrena Chen
Photographer
16
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Sebrena’s Answer
Real success means something different to everyone, but to me, it’s about living a life that feels meaningful and true to yourself. It’s not just about making a lot of money, getting good grades, or having a fancy job title. Although those things can be part of it for some people. Real success is more about feeling proud of who you are, doing what you love, and making a positive difference in your own life and maybe even in the lives of others.
It’s also about learning from your mistakes, growing as a person, and not giving up when things get hard. When you’re genuinely happy with what you’re doing and you feel like you’re becoming the best version of yourself, that’s real success in my eyes. It’s less about what other people think, and more about how you feel about your journey and your choices.
It’s also about learning from your mistakes, growing as a person, and not giving up when things get hard. When you’re genuinely happy with what you’re doing and you feel like you’re becoming the best version of yourself, that’s real success in my eyes. It’s less about what other people think, and more about how you feel about your journey and your choices.
Jyoti Singh
Digital Transformation Programme Deployment Manager
3
Answers
Guildford, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Jyoti’s Answer
Wonderful question Ronit! There are already many thoughtful and elaborate answers here, so I’ll keep mine simple based on what my experiences have taught me so far.
Many people define success as reaching a certain position, title, or milestone in life. But I see success a little differently. To me, real success is becoming a version of yourself that you are genuinely comfortable with.
Life will place us in both favourable and unfavourable situations. What truly matters is how we navigate them, what we learn from them, and whether we grow into someone we respect and feel at peace with.
If you can look at the person you are becoming and feel aligned with your values and choices, that is real success.
Here’s wishing you the wisdom to define success for yourself and the courage to pursue it.
Best,
Jyoti
Many people define success as reaching a certain position, title, or milestone in life. But I see success a little differently. To me, real success is becoming a version of yourself that you are genuinely comfortable with.
Life will place us in both favourable and unfavourable situations. What truly matters is how we navigate them, what we learn from them, and whether we grow into someone we respect and feel at peace with.
If you can look at the person you are becoming and feel aligned with your values and choices, that is real success.
Here’s wishing you the wisdom to define success for yourself and the courage to pursue it.
Best,
Jyoti
Syed Umar Farooq
Data Analyst
3
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Syed Umar’s Answer
Success means different things to different people, and it's up to you to decide what success means for you. Look at what interests you, set both short-term and long-term goals, and work towards them. At first, you might face setbacks, but these are just feedback, showing you where you are and what needs more effort. See failure as information, not something to get upset about. Your idea of success stays the same; you just need to keep working on how to reach it. Best of luck!
Anton Jones ...
IT Network Architect Engineer
5
Answers
Updated
Anton Jones’s Answer
True success is fundamentally about dedicating oneself to the very best of one's abilities, consistently displaying empathy and consideration towards those around us, and refusing to surrender in the face of life's inevitable difficulties and obstacles.
It transcends the notion of being the absolute best at everything, instead focusing on the ongoing journey of self-improvement, personal development, and the daily aspiration to surpass one's previous accomplishments and become a better version of oneself.
The path to success is uniquely forged through the discovery and unwavering commitment to one's passions and core values, pouring one's heart and soul into activities that truly resonate with our inner selves.
At its heart, true success is the embodiment of resilience and unwavering determination; it's about transforming setbacks and failures into invaluable learning experiences, enabling us to not just recover, but to emerge stronger, wiser, and more resourceful after each and every challenge we encounter along the way.
All the best,
Anton Jones
It transcends the notion of being the absolute best at everything, instead focusing on the ongoing journey of self-improvement, personal development, and the daily aspiration to surpass one's previous accomplishments and become a better version of oneself.
The path to success is uniquely forged through the discovery and unwavering commitment to one's passions and core values, pouring one's heart and soul into activities that truly resonate with our inner selves.
At its heart, true success is the embodiment of resilience and unwavering determination; it's about transforming setbacks and failures into invaluable learning experiences, enabling us to not just recover, but to emerge stronger, wiser, and more resourceful after each and every challenge we encounter along the way.
All the best,
Anton Jones
Rick Kneisley
Retired Investment Broker and Investment Sales Manager
48
Answers
Georgetown, Texas
Updated
Rick’s Answer
Ronit,
The best way I can answer your question about real success is to tell you how I discovered it in my own life. If you embrace what I’m about to share, it may save you a lot of struggle and frustration along the way.
When I was young, I had no idea what career I should pursue. In college I changed my major several times, trying to figure out what fit me. During summers between semesters I also worked many different jobs. Honestly, I disliked most of them.
Then something unexpected happened.
While working a mechanical job for a company, someone asked if I would be interested in helping sell their products. Almost overnight, everything clicked. I realized I had discovered what I was naturally built to do - sales.
People would ask me for help understanding the products, and I was good at explaining things clearly. Customers trusted me because they knew I liked them and respected them and truly liked helping them. The more I did it, the more I realized something important:
This was my natural brilliance.
I use the word “brilliance” carefully. Every person has something they are naturally good at, something that feels almost effortless when they do it. For me, it was understanding people and helping them make decisions. I watched other salespeople struggle, and I realized they weren’t bad people, they were simply working in roles that didn’t match their natural strengths.
So here is the advice I would give you about finding real success:
First: Understand that you already have a natural brilliance within you. That the creative universe does this for everyone and every thing it creates. Success begins when your work aligns with that ability.
Second: You may need some trial and error to find it. Try different classes, jobs, and experiences. Each one teaches you something about what fits, and what doesn’t.
Third: Once you discover your brilliance, stay with it.
Throughout my career I was often the top salesperson in my organizations. Because of that, I was repeatedly promoted to sales manager. While the title sounded impressive, I quickly realized something: I was no longer doing the work I loved. Instead of helping customers, I was dealing with meetings, problems, and the opinions of bosses who often didn’t understand sales as well as they thought they did.
Eventually I returned to what I was naturally good at, working directly with clients. That decision brought me both professional success and personal happiness.
So Ronit, here is my belief:
You were born with a unique brilliance. Your job is to discover it through exploration and experience. And when you find it, hold on to it.
When your work aligns with your natural gifts, success follows, not just financially, but in something even more important: peace of mind, fulfillment, and the joy of doing what you were meant to do.
I wish you great success on that journey.
Rick
The best way I can answer your question about real success is to tell you how I discovered it in my own life. If you embrace what I’m about to share, it may save you a lot of struggle and frustration along the way.
When I was young, I had no idea what career I should pursue. In college I changed my major several times, trying to figure out what fit me. During summers between semesters I also worked many different jobs. Honestly, I disliked most of them.
Then something unexpected happened.
While working a mechanical job for a company, someone asked if I would be interested in helping sell their products. Almost overnight, everything clicked. I realized I had discovered what I was naturally built to do - sales.
People would ask me for help understanding the products, and I was good at explaining things clearly. Customers trusted me because they knew I liked them and respected them and truly liked helping them. The more I did it, the more I realized something important:
This was my natural brilliance.
I use the word “brilliance” carefully. Every person has something they are naturally good at, something that feels almost effortless when they do it. For me, it was understanding people and helping them make decisions. I watched other salespeople struggle, and I realized they weren’t bad people, they were simply working in roles that didn’t match their natural strengths.
So here is the advice I would give you about finding real success:
First: Understand that you already have a natural brilliance within you. That the creative universe does this for everyone and every thing it creates. Success begins when your work aligns with that ability.
Second: You may need some trial and error to find it. Try different classes, jobs, and experiences. Each one teaches you something about what fits, and what doesn’t.
Third: Once you discover your brilliance, stay with it.
Throughout my career I was often the top salesperson in my organizations. Because of that, I was repeatedly promoted to sales manager. While the title sounded impressive, I quickly realized something: I was no longer doing the work I loved. Instead of helping customers, I was dealing with meetings, problems, and the opinions of bosses who often didn’t understand sales as well as they thought they did.
Eventually I returned to what I was naturally good at, working directly with clients. That decision brought me both professional success and personal happiness.
So Ronit, here is my belief:
You were born with a unique brilliance. Your job is to discover it through exploration and experience. And when you find it, hold on to it.
When your work aligns with your natural gifts, success follows, not just financially, but in something even more important: peace of mind, fulfillment, and the joy of doing what you were meant to do.
I wish you great success on that journey.
Rick
Jeff Sloan
Software engineer - firmware Retired
119
Answers
Updated
Jeff’s Answer
Very interesting question, Ronit!
It really depends on what drives you. What's important to you. Your stage in life.
I'm retired now so success looks very different than it did during my career. Short term success was solving a problem, mentoring a new employee or student, making a difference. For me, career growth and management was never a measure of success but many view promotions or stepping into management as success. Many also use salary or financial worth as measures of success. Now that I'm retired, I can volunteer and give back. I have enough money to live my simple life and that is the ultimate success for me!
The short answer is that it's completely personal and it has to be judged based on what's important to you at any specific moment!
I wish you the best of luck and hope you find your success!
It really depends on what drives you. What's important to you. Your stage in life.
I'm retired now so success looks very different than it did during my career. Short term success was solving a problem, mentoring a new employee or student, making a difference. For me, career growth and management was never a measure of success but many view promotions or stepping into management as success. Many also use salary or financial worth as measures of success. Now that I'm retired, I can volunteer and give back. I have enough money to live my simple life and that is the ultimate success for me!
The short answer is that it's completely personal and it has to be judged based on what's important to you at any specific moment!
I wish you the best of luck and hope you find your success!
Srinivas Rao Routhu
Business Consultant
40
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Srinivas Rao’s Answer
Hi Ronit,
Real success isn’t just money, titles, or being “number one”; it’s about feeling aligned, useful, and at peace with the life you’re building.
Real success looks like:
- Living in a way that matches your values (honesty, kindness, growth) and not just chasing others’ opinions.
- Growing as a person—learning, adapting, becoming more patient, thoughtful, and resilient over time.
- Contributing something meaningful, even in small ways, to the people, community, or work around you.
- Having enough time, energy, and mental space left for yourself so you don’t burn out chasing someone else’s idea of “winning.”
Additionally, I would recommend you read this wonderful book to really understand Success:
Check this out on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/006dl0nL
Real success isn’t just money, titles, or being “number one”; it’s about feeling aligned, useful, and at peace with the life you’re building.
Real success looks like:
- Living in a way that matches your values (honesty, kindness, growth) and not just chasing others’ opinions.
- Growing as a person—learning, adapting, becoming more patient, thoughtful, and resilient over time.
- Contributing something meaningful, even in small ways, to the people, community, or work around you.
- Having enough time, energy, and mental space left for yourself so you don’t burn out chasing someone else’s idea of “winning.”
Additionally, I would recommend you read this wonderful book to really understand Success:
Check this out on Amazon - https://amzn.in/d/006dl0nL
Kelly Matta
IT Architect
2
Answers
Bridgewater, New Jersey
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
hat’s a powerful question. And honestly, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Real success isn’t just money, status, or titles. Those are visible markers, but they’re incomplete. Plenty of people have all three and still feel empty. So what actually matters?
At its core, real success is alignment.
It’s when what you do, what you value, and how you live all match up.
Think about it like this:
• You wake up with a sense of direction
• You’re working toward something that actually matters to you
• You’re growing, not just staying comfortable
• You have control over your time and decisions
• And you feel fulfilled, not just impressed by yourself
That doesn’t mean life is easy. In fact, most people who are truly successful struggle a lot. But their struggle has meaning.
There are a few dimensions people usually overlook:
1. Internal success (how you feel about your life)
Peace of mind. Confidence. Discipline.
If you can sit alone and feel good about where you’re headed, that’s huge.
2. External success (what the world sees)
Money, achievements, recognition.
These matter, let’s be real. They give you options and leverage. But they shouldn’t define you.
3. Relational success (who’s with you)
Strong relationships. Trust. People who actually respect you.
What’s the point of winning if you’re alone?
4. Growth success (who you’re becoming)
Are you sharper than you were last year? More capable? More aware?
Real success isn’t just money, status, or titles. Those are visible markers, but they’re incomplete. Plenty of people have all three and still feel empty. So what actually matters?
At its core, real success is alignment.
It’s when what you do, what you value, and how you live all match up.
Think about it like this:
• You wake up with a sense of direction
• You’re working toward something that actually matters to you
• You’re growing, not just staying comfortable
• You have control over your time and decisions
• And you feel fulfilled, not just impressed by yourself
That doesn’t mean life is easy. In fact, most people who are truly successful struggle a lot. But their struggle has meaning.
There are a few dimensions people usually overlook:
1. Internal success (how you feel about your life)
Peace of mind. Confidence. Discipline.
If you can sit alone and feel good about where you’re headed, that’s huge.
2. External success (what the world sees)
Money, achievements, recognition.
These matter, let’s be real. They give you options and leverage. But they shouldn’t define you.
3. Relational success (who’s with you)
Strong relationships. Trust. People who actually respect you.
What’s the point of winning if you’re alone?
4. Growth success (who you’re becoming)
Are you sharper than you were last year? More capable? More aware?
Mary Ann Faue
Communications, Training, and People Development
71
Answers
Hayward, California
Updated
Mary Ann’s Answer
Hello Ronit. I agree with the others who have responded here. Defining success is very personal and means different things to different people. And, over time your definition may change. In addition, your definition of success may be different depending on the situation.
For me, the over riding definition of success is being my authentic self and being proud of how I show up in the world. I ask myself if I'm interacting in the world in a way that is consistent with my values.
At work, my definition of success expands to be showing up as my authentic self as I complete tasks and projects that advance the goals and objectives of my team and company.
To figure out how you define success for yourself, try thinking about some times when you felt you were successful. Write down what you did, what the result was and how you felt about it. If you do this for 3 or 4 times when you felt you were successful, you'll likely notice some patterns that will help you determine what success means for you.
For me, the over riding definition of success is being my authentic self and being proud of how I show up in the world. I ask myself if I'm interacting in the world in a way that is consistent with my values.
At work, my definition of success expands to be showing up as my authentic self as I complete tasks and projects that advance the goals and objectives of my team and company.
To figure out how you define success for yourself, try thinking about some times when you felt you were successful. Write down what you did, what the result was and how you felt about it. If you do this for 3 or 4 times when you felt you were successful, you'll likely notice some patterns that will help you determine what success means for you.
Mario Ramirez
Sr. Leader, Customer Delivery
56
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hi Ronit, thanks for share your question!!!
The meaning of success is one of life's most subjective and deeply personal questions. Because everyone has different values, cultures, and life experiences, there is no single "correct" definition. However, most perspectives on success fall into a few key categories:
1. Alignment with Personal Values
Many people believe that true success is the gap between who you are and who you want to be. If your daily actions align with your core values (such as integrity, kindness, or creativity), you are successful. In this view, success isn't a destination you reach, but a way of living with authenticity.
2. Contribution and Impact
For some, success is measured by the positive influence they have on others. This could be:
• Raising a healthy and happy family.
• Mentoring others in their career.
• Contributing to a community or a cause greater than oneself.
As Maya Angelou famously said: "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
3. Freedom and Time
In modern times, many define success as autonomy-the ability to control your own time. Having the financial and physical freedom to choose how you spend your day, who you spend it with, and what projects you pursue is a high-level form of success for many.
4. Growth and Resilience
Success can also be seen as the ability to navigate failure. It is the "internal" victory of getting back up after a setback, learning a new skill, or overcoming a personal fear. From this perspective, success is a continuous process of self-improvement.
5. Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, many find that success is simply the ability to go to sleep with a peaceful mind. This involves physical well-being, stable relationships, and a lack of regret regarding one's choices.
Hope this helps on your journey!!!
Mario R
The meaning of success is one of life's most subjective and deeply personal questions. Because everyone has different values, cultures, and life experiences, there is no single "correct" definition. However, most perspectives on success fall into a few key categories:
1. Alignment with Personal Values
Many people believe that true success is the gap between who you are and who you want to be. If your daily actions align with your core values (such as integrity, kindness, or creativity), you are successful. In this view, success isn't a destination you reach, but a way of living with authenticity.
2. Contribution and Impact
For some, success is measured by the positive influence they have on others. This could be:
• Raising a healthy and happy family.
• Mentoring others in their career.
• Contributing to a community or a cause greater than oneself.
As Maya Angelou famously said: "Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it."
3. Freedom and Time
In modern times, many define success as autonomy-the ability to control your own time. Having the financial and physical freedom to choose how you spend your day, who you spend it with, and what projects you pursue is a high-level form of success for many.
4. Growth and Resilience
Success can also be seen as the ability to navigate failure. It is the "internal" victory of getting back up after a setback, learning a new skill, or overcoming a personal fear. From this perspective, success is a continuous process of self-improvement.
5. Peace of Mind
At the end of the day, many find that success is simply the ability to go to sleep with a peaceful mind. This involves physical well-being, stable relationships, and a lack of regret regarding one's choices.
Hope this helps on your journey!!!
Mario R
Dima Vizelman
Software Engineer
27
Answers
Tel Aviv-Yafo, Tel Aviv District, Israel
Updated
Dima’s Answer
Hi Ronit, thanks for asking!
I think we've been given the wrong idea about what success means. We're often told it's about having a bigger title, more money, and more recognition. But I've met people who have all that and still feel tired, stuck, or unhappy.
To me, real success means having control over your life—your time, your choices, and where you're headed. It's being able to say "no" to things that don't fit with you, even if they seem impressive. It's having the freedom to live life your way.
It's about doing work that challenges you, learning from your mistakes instead of hiding them, and staying curious even when things are tough.
So maybe success isn't about being better than everyone else. Maybe it's about creating a life that truly feels right for you.
I think we've been given the wrong idea about what success means. We're often told it's about having a bigger title, more money, and more recognition. But I've met people who have all that and still feel tired, stuck, or unhappy.
To me, real success means having control over your life—your time, your choices, and where you're headed. It's being able to say "no" to things that don't fit with you, even if they seem impressive. It's having the freedom to live life your way.
It's about doing work that challenges you, learning from your mistakes instead of hiding them, and staying curious even when things are tough.
So maybe success isn't about being better than everyone else. Maybe it's about creating a life that truly feels right for you.