Success means different things to different people. To some, success is defined as a good job, lots of money and possessions, and time to enjoy it all.   To others, success is defined as caring relationships, with a comfortable and adequate lifestyle. And still to others, success is as simple as winning a dollar on a scratch ticket, or getting the last bottle of available milk at the store.

In other words, there’s no one definition of success, and the definition, itself, often changes to fit the current circumstances.   There is, however, a generally accepted understanding that, to reach success, no matter how it is defined, takes dedication, focus, and often hard work. Very often, failures of varying magnitude accompany that dedication, focus, and hard work. Even young toddlers figure this out as they perfect their standing and walking abilities.

How a person defines success can often provide some insight into their character. Think about that. Use it as a guideline to set your own definition of success. But don’t be too quick to judge others, if their definition is different from yours. None of us can ever truly know what others have overcome when setting, reaching for, and (hopefully) ultimately achieving their definition of success. Just know that if you hope to succeed, you’ll need to devote yourself to making it happen. And that requires dedication, focus, hard work, and a willingness to experience a few failures along the way. Just ask any toddler!