What is success? How is it measured? Can we really determine or judge who has achieved success and who has not? Are awards for outstanding individuals and organization objective or subjective? And so on…

I had these thoughts because an acquaintance recently received an award from an entity. I happen to know several of that person’s batch mates, who, I think are also doing well in their respective career and life choices. Are they not deemed by society and schools as outstanding too? This question is asked with nary a hint of jealousy but more of curiosity.

I recall that I had a phase in which I devoured books on Ramon Magsaysay awardees. Based on its website, the Ramon Magsaysay Award is “Asia’s premier prize and highest honor, celebrates greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia.” I found these books in some random booksale and considered them as my great treasures. I was amazed at the stories of ordinary individuals doing extraordinary things that uplift their fellow human beings and make the world a much better place. The projects delved on various things – environment, health, peace-building, and so on. They are indeed worthy to be recognized.

A previous blog entry entitled “Persistence” expressed my admiration for “professional athletes and musicians, researchers and scientists, leaders of advocacy groups, etc.” These are people who endeavored to achieve their goals, whom I assume to have maintained their enthusiasm and passion in their fields. Many of them, who received recognition by the society are considered successful. What about those who toil day by day, doing their own little yet significant roles in their respective companies or spheres but did not get public acclaim? Do we consider them successful? Do we look up to them?

Success is tangible but it is not always like that. It is measurable but it may not be in certain cases. It reflects the person’s achievements, his/her priorities and his/her self-worth. But this is why there is no one definition of success. It may differ depending on the circumstance, your field, your goals, your life. One interpretation is that success is the result of hardwork and discipline. Another approach is looking at success to living the life you want, free of stress and worries. Still another definition is achieving fame and acclaim, and amassing a huge fortune. And so on…

Thus, going back to my questions: “What is success? How is it measured? Can we really determine or judge who has achieved success and who has not? Are awards for outstanding individuals and organization objective or subjective?” Success is hard to define but it is a state of being in which you feel at peace with your life and contented and happy with your choices. In business ventures, success means high sales, quality products, increasing number of clients. In research, it is finding something (concept, discovery, invention) that uplifts people’s lives or contribute to their learning. Those who measure success (give awards or commendations) view it from a certain lens or a set of criteria; thus, in a way, it is accurate. We have our own paths to walk on. We decide how to tread on this path. We can assess whether we are all right with the current situation or not. We need not base self-worth from extrinsic factors. External validation is good but internal affirmation is more rewarding.