Hannah Selders

English 101: Written Communication I

Dr. Elizabeth Cuddy

Project #2: Definition Essay

Success is a powerful word. The Oxford English Dictionary defines success as “The

accomplishment of an aim or purpose”. In theory, this is the definition of success but in reality, it

differs according to a person’s specific interests and goals. Many create a definition of success

by comparing themselves to someone else and what they have. Every person needs to define a

personal concept of success rather than following in someone else’s path. Even with the different

beliefs on success, I believe having true success comes with understanding our individual goals

and working to make them a reality.

Making dreams and goals a reality can be extremely tough, but not impossible. To do so,

we must analyze what motivates us and makes us happy. Motivation is the reason or reasons

behind acting or behaving in particular ways. If we follow our passion we will automatically be

motivated to do well and there will be no need for the extra effort. Although having some

motivation can seem easy it can also be a challenge. We must face all challenging situations so

that we can build confidence and face any obstacles. Lastly, we must work in a disciplined

manner so things can fall in place and become easier. When applying ourselves and doing these

things, we create an open door to success.

 Although these are the steps and definitions for today’s success, things were different

years ago. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the “older success” or ("successe, n.")

meant the attainment of wealth or position as quoted by Sir P. Sidney tr. Psalmes David in 1823.

In this initial part of life, money was the prime dynamic force that divided the world into who

was successful and who was not. People believed that once a person had enough money to afford

whatever he or she wants, that person is successful. As time went by the definitions of success

advanced into more than just the amount of money one had. Maintaining a stable economy,

having equal rights, creating technology, the advancement of medication, ending segregation,

and more, were all factors of success in the eyes of different people.

Personally, I believe and agree that success is much more than riches, materialistic

things, fame, or power. Getting into a great college, being accepted into a business program,

graduating with my masters, receiving multiple job opportunities, living a healthy stable life,

growing closer with God, and being happy with who I truly am are examples of what I consider

success. Real success is beyond the physical things that we can see and more about the

satisfaction we get when achieving a goal. It’s the happiness we feel just by reminiscing on what

we just achieved and the process that we followed to get there, no matter how hard or easy it may

have been. So, when sticking with what matters to you and achieving any goal, just remember,

it’s a success.
 Citation Page

a. (= the older good success.) The prosperous achievement of something attempted; the
attainment of an object according to one's desire: now often with particular reference to the
attainment of wealth or position.

a1586 SIR P. SIDNEY tr. Psalmes David (1823) XXX. vii While I my race did runne, Full of successe,

fond I did say, That I should never be undone.

1592 T. KYD Spanish Trag. III. sig. E3v Giue but successe to mine attempting spirit.

1617 F. MORYSON Itinerary II. 49 The Rebels being swolne to the height of pride..by

continual Successe in their actions.

1697 J. DRYDEN tr. Virgil Georgics III, in tr. Virgil Wks. 119 A Drench of Wine has

with success been us'd. View more context for this quotation

1713 J. ADDISON Cato I. ii 'Tis not in mortals to Command success, But we'll do more, Sempronius;

we'll Deserve it.

1765 W. BLACKSTONE Comm. Laws Eng. I. I. iii. 198 A title the most remote and unaccountable that

was ever set up, and which nothing could have given success to.

1827 W. SCOTT Highland Widow in Chron. Canongate 1st Ser. I. ix. 175 His success in fishing and

the chase was able to add something to her subsistence.

1847 W. M. THACKERAY Vanity Fair (1848) xiv. 126 It was George who had interrupted

the success of her first love-passage.

1863 ‘G. ELIOT’ Romola I. xix. 314 That argument of success which is always powerful with men of

the world.

1885 O. W. HOLMES Emerson xi. 260 ‘Success’ in its vulgar sense,—the gaining of money and

position,—is not to be reached by following the rules of an instructor.