There is a lot of discussion online about the true meaning of success, while a lot of people consider that success is usually different for everyone. 

While our experiences and values can differ, this article shows how the core experiences associated with true success are, in fact, universal. 

 

The misconception arises when individuals seek success in the wrong places and promote a false image of what it means to be truly successful.

With this article, we explore what the true meaning of success really is—and what it’s not.

 

The False Image of Success 

In today’s society, success is often associated with material wealth, career achievements, and a luxurious lifestyle. The reason is we live in a capitalist society where material possessions and status symbols are (unfortunately) glorified. This system influences us to subconsciously define our personal success with how many things we can achieve, buy, and own, often compared to others. 

 

So what is the point of success? Based on this view, success is something external. It’s about proving something to others, attaining ‘high status’, or overindulging in physical needs.

 

The problem with this view of success is that it’s purely egotistical. By chasing external validation, we fuel our ego even more, which detaches us from what truly matters—our values and genuine emotions. It prioritizes instant gratification versus long-term happiness and forces us to compare to others, which leads to two equally negative outcomes: we compare and think we are worse, or we compare and we think we are better.

 

 

The success we should strive for is not external and is not defined by comparing to others. It is defined by comparing with the person we want to become and the life we wish to live. 

 

“In an article from 2016 on income and happiness, the author finds that happiness does increase as income rises, but gains diminish after a household income of $80,000 a year. These gains reach zero at $200,000 a year.”

 

What is success and why do we want it? 

When we think of success, we often visualize it in terms of achievements. But the real question is: Why do we desire these achievements?

 

On a deeper level, what we truly seek is a feeling—a sense of happiness, accomplishment, pride, fulfilment, or worthiness.

 

Some psychologists claim that the need for success, among other sources, can come from a need to prove worth to oneself and others because the person does not feel worthy deep inside. Achieving external ‘proof’ of success temporarily makes the person feel worthy, but this wound needs a different approach to healing. With this shallow treatment, the wound remains, and so does the need to prove oneself. 

 

 

At it’s core, what we actually seek while striving for success is happiness. As Harvard professor and psychologist Daniel Gilbert says, “happiness is the ultimate goal of virtually all the decisions we make in life.”

 

All the things we do in life, including striving for success, we do in order to bring a positive feeling to our lives. We can give these feelings various names, but they all come down to one: happiness. 

 

Some people may not realize, but their pursuit of possessions, status, or recognition is often an attempt to create a sense of happiness, acceptance, and love. The issue is that this approach doesn’t bring happiness, which is why many wealthy people never seem to have enough. They seek the feeling of success in things that are superficial and disregard the things that carry real value. As Dr. Steve Rose wisely says, 

“Drinking from the seductive cup of material success will only make you thirstier.”

The Science of Success 

Success can be better understood through Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. The highest need that every human has is self-actualization. By definition, self-actualization is ‘the realization or fulfilment of one’s talents and potentialities.’

In other words, it is our need to feel accomplished. Not for the purpose of material gain, status, or lifestyle, but for the use of our natural talents and realization of fulfilment. However, accomplishment is only one part of the pyramid. 

 

 

If the ultimate goal of success is happiness, can we really be happy if we lack satisfaction from the other levels? According to Maslow, we cannot truly move upwards until we are content with the level below. 

 

Achievement being on top of the pyramid speaks to how important self-actualization is. But with all the more meaningful life aspects being below it, it shows that they are a foundation for reaching happiness and satisfaction at the highest level. 

 

Therefore, the true reward of achieving success—happiness in life—doesn’t happen until we have accomplished a satisfying result in all previous levels. 

 

Material success, career status, and wealth mean very little without the things that give life depth and meaning—self-respect, freedom, and meaningful connections.

 

 

Is success different for different people? 

The question is: Is success different for different people? Yes, and no. 

 

Our visualization of success can be very different, but the ultimate thing we seek is lasting fulfilment and happiness. At the root of desire for success is the desire to create a meaningful and positive experience for ourselves, and that can be very different things for different people.

 

Consider someone who lives a simple, quiet life in the countryside, surrounded by family and nature. If they feel content and at peace, are they not successful? Or a barista who loves making coffee, enjoys friendly conversations, and finds joy in their work—aren’t they successful too?

 

Success at what we do is only partial. The impact of our achievements on our inner world is far more important: How do we feel about ourselves? How satisfied are we with our daily lives? How free are we to be who we are and do what we love?

 

This is what shows a true meaning of success in life.

 

 

Different definitions of success

The survey from Fearless brought some interesting definitions of success. Here we can see how success comes down to the different categories of human needs.

 

The question was: How do you define success? 

 

• “Making money, achieving promotions, accomplishing goals, and projects that make a difference. All of those combined make success.” (Self-actualization need)

 

• “Freedom. The freedom to make my choices without major constraint, the freedom to live the life I want rather than the one I’m forced to settle for.” (Esteem needs)

 

• “My family and faith are the underlying meaning of success. If I am successful and a CEO but have no faith or family, I have nothing.” (Love and belonging need)

 

• “Professional success is doing a job I enjoy, working for a company I believe in and for people who treat me with respect.” (Safety needs)

 

• “Being able to meet one’s needs. Being financially secure. Being able to adequately juggle family, community, and work life.” (Physiological needs)

 

How to achieve true success

Seek Meaningful Work: Spend most of your time in a career that aligns with your values and allows you to use your unique talents. Satisfaction comes from loving what you do and knowing your work makes a positive difference.

 

Nurture Genuine Connections: Build meaningful connections that will encourage you to be your authentic self and celebrate your achievements with you.

 

Practice self-love: Learn to love and appreciate yourself, even when you don’t do your best. Don’t set unrealistic expectations (toxic ambition).

 

Utilize resources wisely: Use your material abundance to improve your quality of life and help others. Focus on what truly enriches your life, and try to stay away from things that overfeed the ego. 

 

 

I hope this piece brought you clarity on the true meaning of success in life. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide what needs are more important to you and what type of success you want for yourself. Whatever you do, just follow the desires of your soul, and it will surely lead you to the right choice.