How do you define success?

Success is unique. It is situational. It is changing, growing, developing. Success is learning.

In my (ideal) world, success is not defined by wins, awards or a transcript with perfect grades. It is not defined by position titles, paychecks or accolades. 

Success looks different for every individual and every 'team.' A continuous effort to meet established goals and perform to the best of your ability contributes to success. As progress is being made to meet goals, every individual and/or team must be constantly learning throughout the process. Whether or not the goal is met, success is achieved in the learning process. Essential to this belief, is that 'failure' to meet a goal, win a game, be promoted, or earn accolades can be the most instrumental contribution to achieving success. What many define is 'failure' is in fact the greatest tool in learning and therefore achieving ultimate success. We learn from our mistakes and failures on an ongoing basis.

Since each individual and 'team' has different goals and abilities and functions within a unique environment, everyone's success looks different. As we continue to learn throughout our daily experiences, our definition of and ability to achieve success is evolving. As we progress through a series of steps and mini-goals to meet an ultimate goal, our process and even goals may change to adapt to ever-changing situations. By allowing goals to further develop throughout changes, you have the ability to implement improvements so success will be found.

Can you say without a doubt that you put forth your full effort? Did you change and adapt to improve your efforts? Did you learn from your achievements, from your mistakes, from your 'failures'?

If you can answer 'yes' to each of these questions, you've done it! You've achieved success.

“The price of success is hard work, dedication to the job at hand, and the determination that whether we win or lose, we have applied the best of ourselves to the task at hand.” ~Vince Lombardi 

Realize and strive to achieve your potential; but, in doing so, be honest with yourself about your abilities and happiness. Also, acknowledge that "failure" may be the best thing to happen to you; what many term "failure" is often times the best tool in learning and achieving success.