What Does ‘SUCCESS’ Mean To You? Insights from My Social Media Community and Influential Figures

The purpose of this article is to examine the multifaceted nature of success by exploring how it is defined and perceived by everyday individuals and influential figures alike. Drawing on the invaluable insights from my social media community, as well as the wisdom of renowned leaders and thinkers, this article aims to unravel the complexities of success and highlight the key factors that contribute to its achievement.

Success transcends borders, cultures, and eras, yet its definition remains deeply personal and often elusive. At its core, success represents the achievement of goals, the fulfilment of aspirations, and the realisation of potential. However, its interpretation varies significantly, influenced by personal values, cultural norms, and individual experiences.

It is a concept that holds a unique meaning for each person, yet it universally captivates our ambitions and dreams. Success is as diverse as the individuals who pursue it, shaped by an intricate blend of cultural and personal factors. To explore this compelling concept further, I reached out to my social media community, posing a simple yet thought-provoking question: “What Does ‘SUCCESS’ Mean to You?”

The responses were remarkable, with heartfelt stories and practical insights pouring in across my social media platforms. This diversity painted a vivid picture of what success signifies for people from various walks of life. Beyond the voices of my community, I sought to enrich this exploration by examining the perspectives of influential figures, visionaries, entrepreneurs, and leaders who have left an enduring impression on our collective understanding.

“Success can mean different things to everyone. For some people, success is more related to family, health, peace, and happiness. For others, it has more to do with financial status and material achievements in life. Some people feel very optimistic about this word, while others feel that success is an impossible thing to achieve in life. I do not think there is a right or wrong way for people to feel or define success. The only thing that matters is that whatever you think it is, you should aim to achieve it.” – Noemi Barrazueta

Engaging with my social media community played an integral role in this study, providing a platform for diverse voices to share their experiences, thoughts, and aspirations surrounding success. Through polls and open-ended questions, participants reflected on what success means to them personally, fostering conversations that transcended cultural and geographical boundaries.

The collective wisdom and insights gathered from this engagement form the foundation of this article. By thoughtfully combining the perspectives of everyday individuals with those of influential figures, we uncover the many dimensions of success and its continued relevance in today’s ever-changing world. Together, we reflect on the depths of human aspirations, guided by the insights of both those who share their day-to-day realities and those who have achieved extraordinary milestones.

The responses from my social media community presented a rich and diverse range of perspectives on success. Participants shared their personal definitions and aspirations, offering insight into the varying values and priorities that shape individual perceptions. From career milestones to personal fulfilment, financial prosperity to meaningful relationships, these contributions highlighted the many facets of success while underscoring its deeply subjective nature.

Quotes from NOEMI’s Community:

“Success means grabbing interesting and exciting opportunities as they present themselves. Then living each to its fullest.” – Ronald Egge

“You’re right NOEMI,. I do not have to think I am any less successful than Richard Branson, Warren Buffett or Bill Gates if I do not reach their measure of success. I can achieve success in a relationship, as a parent, in a charitable activity, as well as in finance and a career.” – David Gibbons

“Thanks for this important question, NOEMI,. The image reminds me of that saying from years ago: “When you start climbing a ladder to Success, make sure it is leaning on the right wall. There is a lot of pressure in our culture to define success in certain ways – often by material gain, power, prestige. I believe we each have a unique Destiny in life that is priceless by comparison. We are created (and called) to make a difference no one else can make, in the lives of those we are privileged to touch. To know that Destiny, to fulfill it (and to know and love the One who set it all in motion) is Success like none other.” – Diana Furr

“Success is a relative thing, to what you need or wants to achieve in your personal life, which may include business career, or in a health situation or overall relationships with others, achievements are measured by goals that are met and the gains in the rewards or benefits as a by-product of those efforts.” – Chris Alicea

“Richness, value, meaning… these words sum up what success means to me. They lead to real happiness on a daily basis for me and are the reasons I chose my career and still pursue it. Thank you for the nice post and quotes.” – Mary K. Ludlow

“The harmony from people at least around you.” – Miao Sui

“Ultimately we each look at and perceive success through our own unique lens Noemi Barrazueta, MBA – maximizing ones potential is a big part of it by any measure as kevin mentions.” – Chris Guest

“There are many paths to reach the same destination. We all have to experience our personal journeys full of ups and downs. Learn from the falls and keep focusing on our desired destination.” – Noemi Barrazueta, MBA

A striking aspect of the responses was the sheer diversity in how success is perceived. While some participants emphasised tangible achievements such as career advancement or material wealth, others prioritised intangible factors like happiness, personal growth, and emotional well-being. These varied viewpoints reflected the influence of cultural backgrounds, life experiences, and individual values, illustrating the complexity of the human experience and the many paths that lead to success.

Quotes from NOEMI’s Community:

“Often, we feel unsuccessful because we compare ourselves to others, forgetting that our individual goals and happiness are unique. Instead of focusing on others, we should concentrate on what truly brings us joy and fulfillment.” – Noemi Barrazueta

“I agree with your definition Noemi. Success can be achieved in many ways but you are right, what matters is how ever you define it you go after it. Sometimes that get’s lost as people compare to others definitions of success but do not find or define there own. Such a great point Noemi. Thanks for sharing.” – Rodney Smith

“Indeed! I agree with you. I know success is very universal and requires a lot of patience and understanding.” – Francis Ian Rosario

Despite the diversity of individual perspectives, certain recurring themes and insights emerged from the responses. Key concepts such as perseverance, authenticity in pursuing passions, and the importance of balance and well-being resonated widely.

These themes emphasised the holistic nature of success, underscoring not only external achievements but also internal fulfilment and alignment with personal values. As we advance further in this study, these themes serve as guiding principles, offering direction towards a more profound understanding of success.

Quotes from NOEMI’s Community:

Yucel Ulusoy, agrees with Churchil: “Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill

“I love the quote from Oliver Goldsmith, NOEMI, MBA. Success is about getting up many more times than we fall. I define success as equifinality. There are many different ways to reach a goal.” – Russell Ortega

“Success is making positive difference in other people’s lives.” – Oleg Vishnepolsky

“We all want different things in life, so we cannot always measure success in terms of our material possessions.” – Noemi Barrazueta, MBA

The discourse on success has been enriched by the timeless wisdom of influential figures, visionaries, entrepreneurs, authors, and leaders whose reflections have left a lasting impact on society. Through their experiences and insights, these individuals provide invaluable guidance and inspiration, helping us grasp the many dimensions of success and encouraging personal growth and achievement.

A curated selection of reflections from renowned personalities illustrates the diverse perspectives on success. These quotes explore themes ranging from practical strategies, such as innovation and persistence, to philosophical insights on fulfilment, personal growth, and creating a meaningful impact. Together, they offer profound wisdom on the multifaceted nature of success.

“The one person who can make your business succeed is not an investor or even a mentor, it is you.” – Richard Branson.

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” – Winston Churchill

“Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.” – Albert Einstein

“Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.” – Benjamin Franklin

“Success is a lousy teacher. It seduces smart people into thinking they can’t lose.” – Bill Gates

“Failure is success if we learn from it.” – Malcolm Forbes

“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” – Colin Powell

“I know of no single formula for success. But over the years I have observed that some attributes of leadership are universal and are often about finding ways of encouraging people to combine their efforts, their talents, their insights, their enthusiasm and their inspiration to work together.” – Queen Elizabeth II

“Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history. Unfortunately, it might also be the last, unless we learn how to avoid the risks.” – Stephen Hawking

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” ― Winston S. Churchill

“When we got Tesla going at the very beginning, if you asked me what I thought the odds of success were, I would have said less than 50%. I would have said that failure is the most likely outcome.” – Elon Musk

The wisdom shared by influential figures gives us plenty to think about and reflect on, inviting us to consider the deeper meanings and implications of their words. Through careful examination, we can discover valuable lessons and principles that can guide our own pursuit of success.

The insights shared by influential figures deliver valuable lessons and principles that shape our understanding of success. For example:

• Richard Branson highlights the importance of resilience and taking risks.

• Bill Gates advocates for innovation, philanthropy, and lifelong learning.

• Winston Churchill reflects on the significance of perseverance in the face of adversity.

• Elon Musk exemplifies visionary thinking and an unwavering commitment to achieving technological breakthroughs.

Each quote presents a unique lens through which to view success, demonstrating that there is no single formula for achieving it. These reflections encourage us to consider our own paths and values, helping us navigate the complexities of life while striving for authentic and meaningful success.

This section highlights the richness of perspectives shared by my social media community and influential figures, showcasing the diversity of ideas that shape our understanding of success.

Community Perspectives

The quotes shared by my community reflect a deeply thoughtful and personal approach to success. Responses emphasise values like emotional well-being, authenticity, and resilience, showcasing the unique journeys each person undertakes. For example:

• “Success can mean different things to everyone… The only thing that matters is that whatever you think it is, you should aim to achieve it.”

• “Success is making a positive difference in other people’s lives.”

These heartfelt insights reveal how personal values and experiences profoundly influence perceptions of success, painting a beautiful and diverse picture.

Insights from Influential Figures

Influential figures offer equally compelling reflections, sharing timeless wisdom that transcends individual circumstances. For instance:

• Winston Churchill’s “Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm” inspires resilience and optimism.

• Albert Einstein’s “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value” underscores the importance of making a meaningful impact.

Together, my community and influential figures contribute complementary perspectives, enriching the conversation and demonstrating the multifaceted nature of success.

Exploring the connection between community perspectives and the insights of influential figures reveals fascinating points of alignment and divergence. These perspectives illustrate the variety of ways success is perceived, reflecting how social and cultural influences, alongside personal experiences, shape our understanding of what it means to succeed, while celebrating the invaluable contributions of both groups.

Alignment

Recurring themes like perseverance and authenticity bridge the ideas shared by my community and influential figures:

• Community insight: “Success is about getting up many more times than we fall.”

• • Influential figure: Oliver Goldsmith: “Success consists of getting up just one more time than you fall.”

Both groups beautifully highlight resilience as a universal key to success, affirming that setbacks are stepping stones to growth.

Divergence

While my community often views success through a personal lens, such as emotional fulfilment or relationships, influential figures tend to offer broader, societal perspectives. For example:

• Community insight: “Richness, value, meaning… these words sum up what success means to me.”

• Influential figure: Benjamin Franklin: “Without continual growth and progress, such words as improvement, achievement, and success have no meaning.”

This contrast illustrates the dynamic interplay between personal aspirations and broader principles, enriching our understanding of success.

The role of cultural norms and individual values in shaping perceptions of success emerges as a central theme in this examination. Cultural expectations and deeply held beliefs influence both how success is defined and the paths individuals take to achieve it. By recognising these influences, we can foster a more nuanced understanding of success and celebrate the diversity of journeys that contribute to it.

As we explore these perspectives, the importance of embracing inclusivity and diversity becomes evident. Success is not a one-size-fits-all concept; it reflects the unique aspirations, values, and accomplishments of individuals across various contexts. By valuing this diversity, we enhance our collective understanding of success and contribute to building a more compassionate and inclusive society.

Both societal pressures and personal values profoundly influence how success is defined, as reflected in the insights shared by your community and influential figures.

Societal Pressures

My community thoughtfully addresses cultural pressures to conform to narrow definitions of success, such as material gain or prestige:

• “There is a lot of pressure in our culture to define success in certain ways.”

Similarly, influential figures like Stephen Hawking highlight societal stakes in success on a global scale, blending individual ambition with collective progress:

• “Success in creating AI would be the biggest event in human history…”

These reflections encourage us to challenge societal norms and embrace diverse definitions of success.

Personal Values

Authenticity and individuality emerge as central themes across both groups:

• Community insight: “Instead of focusing on others, we should concentrate on what truly brings us joy and fulfilment.”

• Influential figure: Albert Einstein: “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.”

Both perspectives reaffirm the importance of aligning success with personal values, honouring what truly matters to each individual.

Inclusivity and Diversity

My community celebrates the diversity of paths to success, with insights like:

• “Success is very universal and requires a lot of patience and understanding.”

Influential figures echo this sentiment, as seen in Queen Elizabeth II’s advocacy for collaboration and inclusion:

• “Leadership is often about encouraging people to combine their efforts, talents, and inspiration.”

Together, these perspectives call for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of success.

As we draw this analysis to a close, it is important to reflect on the key insights gathered from both my social media community and influential figures. From the heartfelt perspectives shared by everyday individuals to the timeless wisdom of visionaries, this study has revealed the multifaceted nature of success. Themes such as perseverance, authenticity, and balance have emerged as common threads, highlighting how deeply success is connected to our values and aspirations.

This exploration has also shown that success is not a fixed destination but a continuous process of growth, learning, and self-discovery. As we navigate life’s complexities, our understanding of success evolves, shaped by experiences, ambitions, and the ever-changing world around us. By embracing this fluidity and remaining open to possibilities, we can redefine success to align with our unique goals and potential.

Beyond personal reflection, recognising the importance of diverse perspectives is essential. In a world that often celebrates narrow definitions of achievement, valuing the many paths to success enables us to create a more inclusive and compassionate society. By honouring authenticity, diversity, and individuality, we foster a culture that celebrates the unique journeys of all people.

I encourage you, dear readers, to reflect on your own definitions of success and continue this meaningful dialogue with others. Sharing our stories, insights, and aspirations allows us to deepen our collective understanding of success and inspire each other to pursue our goals with courage and conviction. Let us keep the conversation alive, both online and offline, as we work towards building a world where success is defined not by external accomplishments but by the happiness and fulfilment we find in realising our potential.

Your thoughts and feedback are invaluable, so please share your perspectives and contribute to this discussion. Together, we can continue to uncover the enriching and dynamic nature of success, learning from one another as we grow and thrive.

Noemi is the Founder of Online Harbour, Noemi’s Media, and the Founder and CEO at CG Strategies. Noemi has a global entrepreneurial and futuristic mindset. Noemi holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration [MBA]. Noemi has done extensive studies in IT, Computer Sciences, and the Financial Markets.

Noemi has extensive working experience in leadership, management and executive roles in Australian and in International companies. Noemi has been highlighted as one of the top Australians and Global Influencers, and a LinkedIn Top Voice by LinkedIn.

To find out more about Noemi; visit her website and subscribe to her personal newsletter.

The below are some quotes of what some famous people have said about “success”