Meaning of success in one word

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Success is the state or condition of meeting a defined range of expectations. It may be viewed as the opposite of failure. The criteria for success depend on context, and may be relative to a particular observer or belief system. One person might consider a success what another person considers a failure, particularly in cases of direct competition or a zero-sum game. Similarly, the degree of success or failure in a situation may be differently viewed by distinct observers or participants, such that a situation that one considers to be a success, another might consider to be a failure, a qualified success or a neutral situation. For example, a film that is a commercial failure or even a box-office bomb can go on to receive a cult following, with the initial lack of commercial success even lending a cachet of subcultural coolness.^[1][2]

It may also be difficult or impossible to ascertain whether a situation meets criteria for success or failure due to ambiguous or ill-defined definition of those criteria. Finding useful and effective criteria, or heuristics, to judge the failure or success of a situation may itself be a significant task.

In American culture[edit]

DeVitis and Rich link the success to the notion of the American Dream. They observe that «[t]he ideal of success is found in the American Dream which is probably the most potent ideology in American life»^[3] and suggest that «Americans generally believe in achievement, success, and materialism.»^[4] Weiss, in his study of success in the American psyche, compares the American view of success with Max Weber’s concept of the Protestant work ethic.^[5]

In biology[edit]

Natural selection is the variation in successful survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in phenotype. It is a key mechanism of evolution, the change in the heritable traits characteristic of a population over generations. Charles Darwin popularized the term «natural selection», contrasting it with artificial selection, which in his view is intentional, whereas natural selection is not. As Darwin phrased it in 1859, natural selection is the «principle by which each slight variation [of a trait], if useful, is preserved».^[6] The concept was simple but powerful: individuals best adapted to their environments are more likely to survive and reproduce. As long as there is some variation between them and that variation is heritable, there will be an inevitable selection of individuals with the most advantageous variations. If the variations are heritable, then differential reproductive success leads to a progressive evolution of particular populations of a species, and populations that evolve to be sufficiently different eventually become different species.^[7][8]

In education[edit]

A student’s success within an educational system is often expressed by way of grading. Grades may be given as numbers, letters or other symbols. By the year 1884, Mount Holyoke College was evaluating students’ performance on a 100-point or percentage scale and then summarizing those numerical grades by assigning letter grades to numerical ranges. Mount Holyoke assigned letter grades A through E, with E indicating lower than 75% performance. The A–E system spread to Harvard University by 1890. In 1898, Mount Holyoke adjusted the grading system, adding an F grade for failing (and adjusting the ranges corresponding to the other letters). The practice of letter grades spread more broadly in the first decades of the 20th century. By the 1930s, the letter E was dropped from the system, for unclear reasons.^[9]

Educational systems themselves can be evaluated on how successfully they impart knowledge and skills. For example, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) is a worldwide study by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) intended to evaluate educational systems by measuring 15-year-old school pupils’ scholastic performance on mathematics, science, and reading.^[10] It was first performed in 2000 and then repeated every three years.

Carol Dweck, a Stanford University psychologist, primarily researches motivation, personality, and development as related to implicit theories of intelligence, her key contribution to education the 2006 book Mindset: The New Psychology of Success. Dweck’s work presents mindset as on a continuum between fixed mindset (intelligence is static) and growth mindset (intelligence can be developed). Growth mindset is a learning focus that embraces challenge and supports persistence in the face of setbacks. As a result of growth mindset, individuals have a greater sense of free will and are more likely to continue working toward their idea of success despite setbacks.

In business and leadership[edit]

Malcolm Gladwell’s 2008 book Outliers: The Story of Success suggests that the notion of the self-made man is a myth. Gladwell argues that the success of entrepreneurs such as Bill Gates is due to their circumstances, as opposed to their inborn talent.^[11][12]

Andrew Likierman, former Dean of London Business School,^[13] argues that success is a relative rather than an absolute term: success needs to be measured against stated objectives and against the achievements of relevant peers: he suggests Jeff Bezos (Amazon) and Jack Ma (Alibaba) have been successful in business «because at the time they started there were many companies aspiring to the dominance these two have achieved».^[14] Likierman puts forward four propositions regarding company success and its measurement

1. There is no single definition of «a successful company» and no single measure of «company success»
2. Profit and share value cannot be taken directly as measures of company success and require careful interpretation
3. Judgement is required when interpreting past and present performance
4. «Company success» reflects an interpretation of key factors: it is not a «fact».^[15]

In philosophy of science[edit]

Scientific theories are often deemed successful when they make predictions that are confirmed by experiment. For example, calculations regarding the Big Bang predicted the cosmic microwave background and the relative abundances of chemical elements in deep space (see Big Bang nucleosynthesis), and observations have borne out these predictions. Scientific theories can also achieve success more indirectly, by suggesting other ideas that turn out correct. For example, Johannes Kepler conceived a model of the Solar System based on the Platonic solids. Although this idea was itself incorrect, it motivated him to pursue the work that led to the discoveries now known as Kepler’s laws, which were pivotal in the development of astronomy and physics.^[17]

In probability[edit]

The fields of probability and statistics often study situations where events are labeled as «successes» or «failures». For example, a Bernoulli trial is a random experiment with exactly two possible outcomes, «success» and «failure», in which the probability of success is the same every time the experiment is conducted.^[18] The concept is named after Jacob Bernoulli, a 17th-century Swiss mathematician, who analyzed them in his Ars Conjectandi (1713).^[19] The term «success» in this sense consists in the result meeting specified conditions, not in any moral judgement. For example, the experiment could be the act of rolling a single die, with the result of rolling a six being declared a «success» and all other outcomes grouped together under the designation «failure». Assuming a fair die, the probability of success would then be .

See also[edit]

• Critical success factor
• Customer success
• Great books
• List of films considered the best
• Probability of success
• Propaganda of success
• Success trap
• Survivorship bias
• Victory

References[edit]

Sources[edit]

• Darwin, Charles (1859). On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection, or the Preservation of Favoured Races in the Struggle for Life (1st ed.). London: John Murray. LCCN 06017473. OCLC 741260650.
• DeVitis, Joseph L; Rich, John Martin (1996). The Success Ethic, Education, and the American Dream. Albany, New York: State University of New York Press. ISBN 978-0-585-06057-6. OCLC 42855408.
• Weiss, Richard (1969). The American Myth of Success: From Horatio Alger to Norman Vincent Peale. University of Illinois Press. ISBN 978-0-252-06043-4.

Further reading[edit]

• Brueggemann, John (2010). Rich, Free, and Miserable: The Failure of Success in America. Rowman & Littlefield. ISBN 978-1-4422-0095-1. OCLC 659730070.

What is the definition of success?

How would you define success?

This word means many things. It manifests in various forms and in various situations.

Everyone desires success in one form or another. Some just daydream about it, while others do something to achieve it.

What is Success for you? What does success mean to you?

Actually, it has many definitions.

There is no just one success definition, since this term covers many topics.

It has different meanings to different people.

Let’s define success:

1. It is the favorable outcome of an action.
2. It is growth, development, improvement and getting better.
3. This word means the achievement of what you have set out to do.
4. It means getting good grades at school.
5. Success means passing your driving test and getting a driving license.
6. Success means getting the job you wanted.
7. The result of promotion at work.
8. It means getting accepted to college.
9. It is having lots of money and being rich.
10. You feel it when someone you love tells you that he/she loves you too.
11. It is the pleasant and powerful feeling of achievement.
12. You experience it when you win or earn a large sum of money.
13. You experience it when you see your garden and plants blooming.
14. It is the good feeling and happiness you experience after meditation.
15. The achievement of inner peace and getting rid of stress.
16. It is the feeling of triumph you experience when you fix a broken instrument with your own hands.
17. Success means shedding a few surplus pounds from your weight.
18. It is something you experience and enjoy when you see your business prospering.
19. If you wish to become famous, and do it, it means success.
20. You accomplish success when you achieve your dreams and goals.
21. It is the result of getting or achieving wealth, respect or fame.

It is all these things and many more.

Did I miss something in this list? This is possible, since this word can mean different things to different people.

Everyone Aspires to Achieve Success

You can enjoy success in the small daily tasks, and you can also find it in great achievements.

There are people, who seek success in money and material possessions, while others seek it in inner peace and self improvement.

Almost everyone want to be successful people in their area of life. Some, seek great success and are willing to work hard for it, while others, have smaller ambitions.

What does success mean to you? Do you expect it? Do you believe you can attain it, and what do you plan to do in order to enjoy it?

These are questions you need to answer. Dreams are great, but they remain as dream, if you make no plans to achieve them.

Remember, success is not only achieving something spectacular. It also manifests in the small affairs of daily life.

You can enjoy it many times, every day, in various situations.

You can wish to gain a large sum of money, become the owner of successful firm, become a successful and famous actor, singer or writer, a great inventor, senator, president or a prime minister. This is possible.

Your goal might be the gaining of success in mental or spiritual matters, such as meditation, psychic powers or mind power. You also, might wish to gain peace of mind and spiritual awakening.

Some people just desire a carefree life, health, love and happiness. Others want a good job with a good pay, to enable them to live comfortably.

Whatever your goal is, there are a few inner qualities and powers, which you need for achieving goals, winning and prospering, and here they are:

• The ability to state exactly what you want to achieve
• A strong desire
• Visualization
• Concentration
• Will power
• Self discipline
• Persistence

Focus your mind on your goal, add the above mentioned ingredients, and voila! You manifested your desire!

Do you want to achieve your goals and attain success?
Read Manifest and Achieve Whatever You Want, a guide that will teach you how to achieve success with the help of your mind power and visualization.

What is success?

Is it wealth? Is it happiness? Is it fame?

The late Zig Ziglar was one of the most respected modern day experts on success, motivation, and leading a balanced life. In his book Born to Win!, he argues that success cannot be defined in one sentence, but instead it is comprised of many things. One could argue that the definition depends on the individual and that one size does not fit all^[1].

Here are 19 different definitions of success. Not all of these will resonate with you, but chances are at least a few of them will. Use these or find inspiration here to create your own definition of success that can be applied to your unique life.

1. Success is always doing your best.

Success can be achieved when you try your best in all aspects of everything you do, even if that doesn’t lead to big results. If you’ve done your best, you should feel proud of your efforts.

2. Success is setting concrete goals.

Be realistic and concrete when setting goals. Success does not come from setting abstract goals. If you know where you’re heading, that is a success in itself, even if you don’t ultimately arrive to the planned destination.

If you aren’t sure how to set an effective goal, grab the free guide – The Dreamers’ Guide To Taking Action And Reaching Goals here. You will learn how to set and reach your goals with this step-by-step guide.

3. Success is having a place to call home.

Home is where your heart soars. You are always successful when you can call a place home. Home doesn’t have to be a specific structure. It can be a country, a city, or even a person. If you have a place you feel comfortable and safe, you’re already achieving something great.

4. Success is understanding the difference between need and want.

If you can meet your monthly obligations and fulfill your basic needs, you are successful. Being able to identify when you absolutely need something and when you can do without it often leads to financial stability and is a great way to succeed.

5. Success is believing you can.

If you believe you can, you will succeed. Self-belief doesn’t come naturally to everyone, so if you’re able to tell yourself that you can achieve the goals in your plans, you’re doing great.

When people don’t believe in you, you still need to work on your own confidence! Here’s how:

6. Success is remembering to balance work with passion.

Work without passion creates undue stress and empty achievements. Focus on what excites you. If you’re happy at your job, that’s great. However, even if you aren’t, you can balance your formal job with hobbies or volunteer work you’re passionate about.

7. Success is taking care of your needs.

Remember to put on your own oxygen mask before assisting others. Self-care is essential if you want to have any meaningful impact on the world around you.

8. Success is learning that you sometimes have to say no.

Success only comes with a balanced life. Part of balance is learning to say no. Saying no doesn’t mean you are selfish; it simply means you have priorities and know what you need to give your attention to at any given time.

9. Success is knowing your life is filled with abundance.

Love, health, friends, family…life is filled with abundance. Recognizing this is an important step to feeling grateful for all life has given you. If you can feel this, you are already experiencing success.

10. Success is understanding you cannot keep what you don’t give away.

You will only succeed if you help others succeed. Learning to give instead of always take is part of creating a world we all want to live in. When you help others, you will also create an environment where others want to help you.

11. Success is overcoming fear.

Conquering a fear makes you feel invincible. Even if it’s confronting just one small fear each week, that is certainly something to feel proud of. The bigger fears will take more time, but any work you do to overcome fear will lead to success.

12. Success is learning something new each day.

Successful people understand that learning never stops. Take time each day to converse with someone with opposing views, read an interesting article on a topic you know little about, or watch a TED talk on new research. It doesn’t take long to learn, so get started now.

13. Success is learning that losing a few battles can help you win a war.

Successful people choose their battles wisely. When you know which battles will ultimately help you achieve your goals, you will be successful.

14. Success is loving and being loved back.

Opening your heart to others is difficult and can produce fear. Having the courage to love and accept love from others is a step toward a fulfilling life and great success.

15. Success is standing your ground when you believe in something.

Successful people never give up on things they believe with all their heart. You may hold views that many people disagree with, but if you’ve done your research and know that it’s the right belief for you, you shouldn’t let it go without a fight.

16. Success is not giving up.

Perseverance creates grit, and grit achieves success. Even if it takes years to achieve a goal, persisting is key if you want success.

When you feel like giving up, remind yourself what you’re fighting for. As long as you have a strong “why” you will be able to persist. Don’t know if your “why” is strong enough? Join the free Fast-Track Class Activate Your Motivation. In this focused session, you will learn how to dive deep into your inner drive and build yourself a sustainable motivation engine. Join now for free!

17. Success is celebrating small victories.

Anytime a goal is reached or an obstacle is overcome, take time to celebrate, even if it’s something small. All goals require smaller objectives to be achieved first, so each time you complete one, take time to appreciate the work you put into it.

18. Success is never letting a disability hold you back.

Disabilities do not define a person’s success. The body and mind will compensate. Just because you can’t do absolutely everything doesn’t mean you can’t do something. Do what your body and mind allow and always push yourself. That is true success.

19. Success is understanding that you control your destiny.

Your destiny is controlled by you and you alone. Take responsibility for your actions and their consequences and you’ll find that you naturally become more successful.

The Bottom Line

Success can be defined in many ways. If you are experiencing happiness, love, or adventure in this moment, you’ve already found success. Keep it up.

More Tips on Success

• 15 Inspiring Ideas to Boost Your Motivation for Success
• How To Be Successful In Life? 13 Tips From The Most Successful People
• 3 Keys to Success in Life (That Will Change You This Year)

Featured photo credit: Dino Reichmuth via unsplash.com

What do we mean by success?

The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted. noun

The gaining of fame or prosperity. noun

The extent of such gain. noun

One that is successful. noun

A result or an outcome. noun

Succession; order of sequence. noun

The termination of any affair, whether happy or (now rarely) unhappy; issue; result; consequence. noun

A favorable or prosperous termination of anything attempted; a termination which answers the purpose intended; prosperous issue; often, specifically, the gaining of money, position, or other advantage. noun

A successful undertaking or attempt; what is done with a favorable result: as, political or military successes. noun

One who or that which succeeds, especially in a way that is public or notorious: as, the speech was a success; he is a social success. noun

Act of succeeding; succession. noun

That which comes after; hence, consequence, issue, or result, of an endeavor or undertaking, whether good or bad; the outcome of effort. noun

The favorable or prosperous termination of anything attempted; the attainment of a proposed object; prosperous issue. noun

That which meets with, or one who accomplishes, favorable results, as a play or a player. noun

Financial profitability. noun

One who, or that which, achieves assumed goals. noun

A person with a record of successes noun

A state of prosperity or fame noun

An attainment that is successful noun

The achievement of one’s aim or goal.

Financial profitability.

One who, or that which, achieves assumed goals.

The fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect or fame.

Something which happens as a consequence; the outcome or result.

When you get right down to the root of the meaning of the word * succeed * ,
you find it simple means to follow through.. Urban Dictionary

When you have no less than two mediocre stories involving soccer balls from numerous summers spent working at a summer camp. Urban Dictionary

Is defined by an individuals salary plus how many attractive women they sleep with per annum. Urban Dictionary

«success is obedience to a structured way of life» (operation ivy) Urban Dictionary

Used directly when a male finishes masterbating,usually yelled out loud so others can hear in another room or over the phone ect. Urban Dictionary

The transcendental state of being sublimely happy, conjoined inexorably with the sense of primal self-satisfaction, on a persistently self-renewing and effortless basis.
This state broadcasts itself loudly and clearly, without the need ever to speak a word…
It is the pure essence of loving self-acceptance and self-appreciation which makes the possessor IRRESISTIBLY, COMPELLINGLY ATTRACTIVE to others simply because just being around someone who is THAT comfortable and positive feels so good, IT IS ADDICTIVE! Urban Dictionary

Successible is a play on three words, «Success,» «Accessible,» and «Simple.» Used together, they mean something that is entirely successful in its meaning, possibly award winning, and/or can be easily understood really by anyone. It also has the option of containing matching elements that can be simply related to one’s own life. Urban Dictionary

Not sucking Urban Dictionary

Success is when you don’t have to post your achievements on social media, because everyone will know them anyway. Urban Dictionary

The product of constantly striving for self improvement. Urban Dictionary