Michael and John are siblings who live in New York City. Michael is a successful entrepreneur who develops his retail business; he has recently purchased an apartment in the city’s center and a high-quality new automobile. He is single, however, he derives enjoyment from his freedom. At the same time, John is a manager in a small company and rents a flat on the outskirts of the city. Unlike Michael, John is successfully married and has two adorable children. John loves his family and considers himself as a happy person. However, it is possible to pose a question – who is more successful, Michael or John? Although there are several similar definitions of success in the Cambridge Dictionary, the general meaning of this word may be formulated as “the achieving of the results that were wanted or hoped for.” Consequently, both Michael and John may be regarded as successful as they are completely satisfied with their lives. At the same time, their success may be evaluated by society in completely different ways. In general, the concept of success is not generally accepted, and it may be differently interpreted by people on the basis of their socioeconomic status, culture, and personal values and beliefs.
As a matter of fact, western society traditionally defines success as financial well-being. In other words, people who have money, prestigious job, expensive assets, such as a house and an automobile, are regarded by society as successful. From this perspective, Michael is more successful than his brother. Money and fame of businessmen, politicians, and popular actors and singers are interpreted by ordinary people as the obvious symbols of success. At the same time, this interpretation of success does not consider the person’s individual characteristics and moral quality. Unfortunately, mainstream culture and mass media currently propagate the exceptional significance of money for being a successful person in the public perception, and a substantial number of people unquestioningly adopt this concept.
In turn, wealthy members of the community who are directly associated with success by the general public have another attitude to success. Successful business people see success in their goals’ achievement and satisfaction not only with results but with the working process as well. For instance, Rafael E. Salazar II, MHS, OTR/L, the founder and president of Rehab U Practice Solutions, defines success as “doing meaningful (or fulfilling) work that both meets your personal or professional goals and provides enough income to support your desired lifestyle.” According to this definition, both Michael and John may be regarded as successful people. While Michael successfully conducts his business that allows him to lead an independent lifestyle, John dedicates himself to his wife and children to get their love and care in return in order to feel happy.
As a matter of fact, John’s marital status is interpreted by the part of society as a sign of success as well. Despite the fact that in the United States, married people are currently the minority, a prevalent part of them believe that their families make them successful. Admittedly, married people constantly have exceptional social support, and their partners help them to overcome life challenges. In addition, they frequently have better health in comparison with single individuals as love and care have a highly positive impact on the person’s cardiovascular system and memory.
Freedom may be regarded as a symbol of success by the general public as well. It is not connected exceptionally with the sphere of business and finance but with life in general. When people have an opportunity to choose activities, lifestyles, and social circles they like – they are supposed to be successful. In this case, Michael, as a free person who is not limited by financial burdens and responsibilities in front of a partner, is more successful in comparison with John who inevitably prioritizes his family’s interests rather than his personal desires.
It goes without saying that modern society’s generally accepted definition of success traditionally implies financial independency and expensive assets regardless of other opinions. However, from a personal perspective, success is a concept that should be defined individually by every person. For some people, success is the financial stability for themselves and their families. For others, it may be defined as a constant professional, intellectual, or physical development, acquiring of knowledge, and skill-building. While some individuals see success in the creation of stable relationships and successful marriage with a partner, others understand it as absolute freedom of action and thought. Success may be regarded not only as purchased items or obtained positions but as a process of self-improvement. In addition, people are frequently distinguished as an essential component of long-term success, especially in the sphere of business and finance. Moreover, any person may redefine his or her definition of success during life due to specific circumstances. Nevertheless, despite the substantial diversity of its definitions, there is one common characteristic of success that unites all perceptions – success should bring joy and satisfaction.