Question

In your own words, give me your definition of success. Name someone close to you that you admire who is successful. What makes them a success in your eyes?

a) Success is achieving one's goals and finding fulfillment in what you do. I admire my friend Sarah, who is successful because she pursued her passion for teaching and positively impacted the lives of many students.
b) Success means accumulating wealth and power. I admire my boss, Mr. Johnson, who is successful because he's a millionaire.
c) Success is all about luck and opportunities. I admire my neighbor, Jake, who is successful because he won the lottery.
d) Success is having a fancy job title and a big house. I admire my cousin, Alex, who is successful because he's a CEO.

Answer 1

Success can be defined in various ways, but to me, it involves achieving one's goals, growing personally and professionally, and making a positive impact. I admire a friend who's a social worker, reflecting values like dedication and the ability to help others, which form part of my definition of a successful career, alongside opportunity, advantage, and personal fulfillment.

Step-by-step explanation:

Success is a multifaceted concept that can encompass a variety of achievements depending on individual values and societal standards. To me, success encompasses achieving one’s goals, continual personal and professional growth, and making a positive impact. A person close to me who epitomizes success is a friend who works as a social worker. Despite not being wealthy, they have a successful career because they have effected significant change in their community, helping countless individuals lead better lives. Their career demonstrates dedication, empathy, a strong work ethic, and the ability to help others, which are all aspects that I would include in my own definition of career success.

In addition, a successful career isn't solely about the outcome but also about the journey. It includes having the opportunity and advantage to explore one’s interests, continuously learning, and adapting to challenges. Society, culture, and personal experiences shape this view, valuing not just the traditional American Dream based on wealth and social mobility but also the satisfaction gained from fulfilling work and the achievement of personal excellence.

Ultimately, while some may equate success with financial gain or status symbols, others, like myself, may see it as closely related to personal fulfillment, ethical practice, and alignment with natural and societal harmony. Each individual may have different ingredients that they would include in their personal definition of career success, heavily influenced by their upbringing, community, and the values they hold dear. Recognizing and challenging one's limiting beliefs about career success is crucial for personal and professional development.