What Does Success Really Mean?
Success—it’s a word we hear everywhere. But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What does success actually mean to me?
For many, success is defined by society’s standards:
✔ A high-paying job
✔ A prestigious MBA from Harvard, Stanford, or INSEAD
✔ A fancy title at McKinsey, Google, or Goldman Sachs
✔ A luxurious lifestyle that looks impressive on Instagram
But here’s the problem: External success doesn’t always lead to personal fulfillment.
I’ve worked with MBA aspirants, top executives, and high achievers, and I’ve noticed something strange. Even after they achieve what they once dreamed of—whether it’s a top-tier MBA admit or a six-figure salary—they often don’t feel truly successful.
My Own Journey With Success
Let me share a personal story.
I started my career as an engineer in a manufacturing job, earning a salary that barely covered my expenses. I wanted more. I thought success meant crossing hemispheres, earning a full MBA scholarship to a top U.S. business school, and landing a high-paying job in a global corporation.
And I did it. I studied at a top business school, built a global network, worked in an elite corporate role, and had everything I once dreamed of. But was I happy?
Surprisingly, no. I had to remind myself to feel successful—because my mind was already chasing the next big thing.
That’s when I realized: Success isn’t just about milestones. It’s about finding joy in the journey while striving for more.
The Success Paradox: Why Achievements Don’t Always Feel Like Success
Most people assume that success will automatically bring happiness. But here’s the paradox:
✔ The more you achieve, the higher your expectations rise.
✔ Each milestone quickly feels “normal,” and you start chasing the next.
✔ Instead of feeling successful, you feel behind because there’s always someone doing better.
This is why so many high-achievers, from CEOs to MBA graduates, feel unfulfilled despite their success.
Why Do We Delay Feeling Successful?
We tend to postpone success, thinking:
🔹 “I’ll feel successful once I get into Harvard Business School.”
🔹 “I’ll be happy when I hit a ₹1 crore salary.”
🔹 “I’ll celebrate after I land my dream job at BCG.”
But when we finally reach those milestones, our brain moves the goalpost and creates a new “requirement” for success.
If you don’t redefine success, you’ll always feel like you haven’t done enough.
How to Redefine Success for Personal Fulfillment
If success feels like a never-ending chase, it’s time to change your definition of success. Here’s how:
1. Acknowledge Your Growth
Instead of focusing on what’s next, take a moment to appreciate how far you’ve come. Ask yourself:
- Where was I 3-5 years ago?
- What challenges have I overcome?
- How have I grown personally and professionally?
Success isn’t just about where you’re going—it’s also about recognizing the progress you’ve made.
2. Define Success on Your Own Terms
Instead of blindly following society’s definition of success, ask yourself:
❓ What truly matters to me?
❓ What kind of life do I want to build?
❓ What makes me feel excited and fulfilled?
For some, success means financial independence. For others, it’s about making an impact, personal freedom, or continuous learning. There’s no one-size-fits-all definition.
3. Balance Ambition With Contentment
You don’t have to choose between ambition and happiness. You can strive for growth while enjoying the present moment.
Here’s how:
✔ Celebrate small wins instead of waiting for major milestones.
✔ Be grateful for what you have while working toward more.
✔ Detach your self-worth from external achievements.
A healthy success mindset means you’re excited for the future but content with where you are.
Real-Life Examples of Redefining Success
1. Rahul’s Journey: From MBA Rejections to McKinsey
Rahul, an MBA aspirant, faced multiple rejections. His previous consultant told him to settle for Tier 2 schools. But he wasn’t ready to give up.
After rebuilding his application strategy, he secured admits from Yale and Tuck. Post-MBA, he landed a role at McKinsey—a dream career move.
The real shift? Rahul stopped obsessing over MBA rankings and focused on growth and networking—which ultimately made all the difference.
2. Entrepreneurs Who Define Success Differently
Not everyone defines success by an MBA or a corporate job.
Take Nitin, a tech entrepreneur. After working in investment banking, he quit his high-paying job to launch his own startup. Many thought he was crazy, but he defined success as freedom, innovation, and impact—not just money.
Today, his startup is thriving, and he feels more successful than he ever did in banking.
Practical Steps to Feel More Successful Today
If you want to stop chasing success endlessly, start with these:
✅ Daily Reflection: Write down 3 things you’re grateful for each day.
✅ Reframe Failures: See setbacks as part of growth, not as roadblocks.
✅ Celebrate Wins: Don’t wait for huge achievements—acknowledge progress.
✅ Detach from External Validation: Success is about your fulfillment, not what looks impressive to others.
Success isn’t about one final destination—it’s about learning, growing, and feeling proud of yourself along the way.
Final Thoughts: Success Is Personal, Not Universal
If you’ve ever felt like you’re never “successful enough,” take a step back and redefine what success truly means for you.
🚀 Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you become along the way.
So, let me ask you again: Do you feel successful today?
If yes, celebrate it. If not, start redefining success on your own terms—because you are already on an incredible journey.
