Success is not about money.  There are many wealthy people who do not consider themselves successful.  In fact, success is usually not comprised of just one thing. 

In order to find out what makes an individual successful, we have to look at the whole person and consider whether or not he is fulfilling his goals.  These goals could include getting married to the right person, becoming a parent, or having close friends and a supportive family. 

A hobby could be included within a person’s definition of success.  So could education and a fulfilling, high-paying job.  Many people consider owning a home, having a newer-model car, and going on yearly vacations as earmarks of success.  Maybe a person wants to retire at 50, and doing so makes him feel successful.  Or writing a book, or – over the course of a lifetime – having more than one career. 

I recently heard a remarkable success story about a multimillionaire trial attorney (I’ll call him Jack) who gave away all of his money and possessions to help feed the poor. 

Previously, while visiting the Caribbean, Jack learned about mothers who had to feed their children mud patties in order to fill up their stomachs because there was no food.  All children suffered from malnutrition, and many of them starved to death.  Jack couldn’t think of anything worse than watching your child die of starvation.  That is when he quit his job, sold everything he owned, gave away all of his money, and joined a relief organization.

Soon after beginning his new life, Jack received the calling to become a Catholic priest.  He completed seminary and was ordained a priest seven years ago.  Now Father Jack works full-time in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean feeding the hungry and providing for their housing, educational and spiritual needs. 

When I asked Father Jack if he had enjoyed his prior life as a trial attorney, he told me that he had, in fact, enjoyed it very much – but always felt that there was something missing in his life.  He sensed that there was something else he needed to accomplish. 

Father Jack emphasized that poverty should not be a death sentence, but that for many people in the world, it is.  Now he is helping to eliminate poverty.

How do you define success?  It may be simply living a quiet life as a spouse, parent, and reliable employee.  Or it may be something extraordinary like Father Jack’s mission to the poorest of the poor. 

Success means different things to different people.  Only you know what success means to you.