Google tells me that success is "the accomplishment of an aim or purpose" or "the attainment of popularity or profit." But what exactly does that mean? Is success a one-time goal or is it an on-going journey? And if that's the case, is it really attaining or reaching anything? As a rising sophomore in college, I need to start figuring out my life goals and that includes being successful, so what does that look like?

All the people around me have different goals and pursuits in life but which one is the most successful? Being a doctor seems successful since it's not an easy job and pays a ton. On the other hand being a lawyer also makes a lot of money and is not easy. Does that mean working at a McDonald's is not successful because it's not "hard" or it doesn't "pay enough"? To me, there is no point of dictating what is successful and what is not because everyone has a different definition of success.

"The big secret in life is that there is no big secret. Whatever your goal, you can get there if you're willing to work." — Oprah Winfrey.

Pay attention to the "if you're willing to work" because that is what I feel many lack. People always complain about their boring eight to four jobs or wish they went back to school to get a higher degree and I think that if you're willing / able to, you should take the risk because you deserve to live the life you desire. To me success is achieving one's goals whatever they may be, as long as one is content.

“Well, as I was saying...it costs a lot to be authentic, ma'am. And one can't be stingy with these things...because you are more authentic the more you resemble what you've dreamed of being.” -- La Agrado ("All About My Mother")

I resonate with this quote because I believe that success looks different for each person. Whether it's becoming a stripper, the CEO of Apple or brushing your teeth everyday, everything is a success to someone. Success does not just exist in your career but in your everyday life—wherever you go and whatever you are doing.

I have come to conclusion that I am already successful because I am doing what makes me happy. To me, success is not something you achieve when you're forty years old with a stable job. Success is doing what is best for you and that starts whenever you want. If you aren't happy with your life right now, then just know that you can achieve success as long as you are authentic to yourself.