Success: An Expanded Perspective

Society considers only the rich as being successful, but this is far from ideal. If a random poll
asked people to choose the more successful person between Matthew - a young CEO of a
multimillion-dollar company in his mid-30s, rich, unmarried, owns a mansion and several cars,
and can afford anything he wants – and Mark – a middle-aged man who lives in a rental home
with his wife and 2 kids, doesn’t own a car, only has what he needs, but is able to provide his
family’s basic needs - who are the participants more inclined to choose? More often than not, the
answer would be Matthew. This is because society perceives success to mean the attainment of
fame, wealth, or social status, according to Oxford’s online dictionary. So, ordinarily, Matthew, a
young CEO, and millionaire, has attained enough fame, wealth and social status to be considered
a successful man but Mark who’s able to meet his family’s basic needs and give them a good life
isn’t considered successful because he doesn’t drive the latest Benz model or live in a mansion.

The Oxford Dictionary's meaning of success also includes “the accomplishment of an aim or
purpose.” This is a broader definition and is more fitting for societal use. Limiting success to the
attainment of fame, wealth, or social status – which is the definition we’ve commonly adopted -
means ignoring the diversities of aims and purposes that humans can accomplish not related to
wealth, fame, or social status. Success goes beyond what everyone in society can see or perceive.
It encompasses achieving personal goals and growth, navigating challenges commendably and
with resilience, and contributing positively to society. These are some of the intangible markers
that point to success. Hence, success should be redefined to accommodate these intangible and
sometimes invisible markers.

Someone who consistently achieves their personal goals or fulfills their responsibility is a
successful person even if they aren’t wealthy according to societal standards. Traditional notions
of success primarily revolve around tangible outcomes, such as financial prosperity or career
advancement. Individuals are often judged based on their ability to attain these external markers,
leading to a narrow understanding of success. Yet, true success transcends material wealth or
status. It is rooted in the pursuit of personal fulfillment and the realization of one's goal. Hence,
success is inherently subjective and varies greatly from person to person. It is not bound by
external standards or societal expectations but is defined by individual values, aspirations, and
cultural backgrounds. In the aforementioned instance, there’s no doubt that Matthew is
successful. He has achieved his goal, having reached the pinnacle of his career at a young age
and amassed wealth for himself. However, Mark has also been successful. He has been able to
provide food, shelter, education, and a good life for his family. That’s his goal, and he’s achieved
it. He lives up to his responsibility, which is his greatest desire. Judging Mark by the same metric
as Matthew would mean labelling him unsuccessful and this fails to admit that success has a
broader meaning and varies from one person to the other. Both men are successful; albeit in
different ways.

Success also involves navigating challenges and setbacks with resilience and perseverance.
Adversity is an inevitable part of life’s journey, and individuals who demonstrate resilience in
the face of obstacles are often the ones who ultimately triumph. Rather than viewing failure as a
deterrent, successful individuals embrace it as an opportunity for growth and learning. Thus, the
definition of success should not be limited to just accomplishments. Every time a person
overcomes an obstacle, they have been successful.
Furthermore, success also encompasses contributions to society and the well-being of others.
Acts of kindness, compassion, and altruism should be equally indicative of success, as they
reflect a commitment to making a positive impact on the world. For instance, a person who
commits to helping a beggar off the street should be considered successful due to their acts of
kindness and compassion, and commitment to making the world better for other people.
Similarly, NGOs that have impacted lives by providing food, shelter, healthcare, and education
for the needy or have helped the environment by ridding it of plastics and recycling or upcycling
should be considered successful even if they're not famous or capable of attracting the rich and
affluent in the society.

By broadening the definition of success to include empathy and social responsibility, we

acknowledge the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of collective flourishing.

In conclusion, the conventional understanding of success as mere material achievement fails to

capture its true essence. Success should be redefined to encompass personal growth and goals,
resilience, and contributions to the greater good. By embracing a more holistic perspective, we
can cultivate a society where success is measured not only by individual accomplishments but
also by the positive impact we have on others and the world around us. Embracing diversity in
definitions of success allows for a more inclusive understanding that celebrates the unique
journeys and experiences of each individual.

Think about your writing

1. How much time did you spend revising your draft? Which revision strategies did you use,
and which of them worked best for you?
I had numerous revision sessions which took several hours cumulatively. I also took breaks in
between each session to ensure I had a fresh perspective every time I revised it. I used the
organization revision strategy which allowed me to review the arrangement of my sentences and
paragraphs, ensure the essay flows, and there’s a smooth transition between sentences and
paragraphs. I kept my thesis because I still agree with it, and I believe that the evidence in this
essay supports the thesis.

2. How did the revision process improve your essay?

The revision process made my essay more coherent. The points and evidence to support the
thesis were better explained for improved clarity and relevance, and I added more topic
sentences to the essay. I also improved the flow of the essay for better reading. The transition
from sentence to sentence and paragraph to paragraph were improved.

3. What did you learn about your writing process or yourself as a writer?
The biggest takeaway from this process is that I can always get better as a writer. Also, the more
time I spend writing an essay, the better it will turn out.