Webster doesn’t know everything. Some words can’t be defined by a dictionary. Rather they are defined by our values, ethos, and principles. We asked hidden gems from the community about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Selvedina Velic | Founder & Executive Director

Success can look different and have a different meaning for everyone; it’s often attributed to money or status, but I personally define success by correlating it to happiness. When I reach a point after doing something that makes me feel truly happy with the results and impact, that’s how I know I was successful. For a long time growing up, that wasn’t my thought process around it. I used to think that if I got a high paying job or earned a prestigious title, then I’d be successful and this instilled a lot of fear and anxiety in me about not living up to my own expectations for myself. I recently turned 26 and now my relationship with success looks more like waking up everyday and finding fulfillment in how I’m spending my time, what kind of effect I’m having on others, and how I’m feeling inside. I think it’s important to constantly self-reflect and figure out what kinds of things bring you genuine happiness and make you feel content with where you’re at in life – that’s how you know you’re succeeding. Read more>>

Eric Johnson | Author & Security Professional

Each of us have different views of success but my definition is focused on lifestyle and intangible things. Success in my book, is being able to live the lifestyle you want with autonomy and pride. The man that loves what they do for work, is able to not miss his kids’ sports games or that family party, can vacation whenever he wants, and can have his hobbies, is what I believe success looks like. Don’t get me wrong a mansion, a couple super cars, and millions in the bank are great things… but if that person can’t live the lifestyle they want, then that is not success. I believe success is more about the intangible things in life. Life is short and can change rapidly. Tomorrow is never guaranteed. You shouldn’t be waiting to live the lifestyle you want. Read more>>

Sofia Ramirez Hernandez | Endurance Arthlete

I believe success is maintaining a level of self-worth and empathy where no matter what happens, I still believe that I am worthy of safety, rest, joy, and love, as is everyone else. I have had numerous challenges along the way as a student, employee, athlete, and artist and many times those challenges got me to give in in defeat, and start to believe lies like, “I can’t,” or “I don’t deserve to.” I’ve had to learn self-grace in order to see my perceived failures and challenges as practice, and that has felt like a major key in my success thus far. Read more>>