Different people measure success in different ways, and even for the same person, it can change over time.In adolescence, success might mean achieving high grades; in youth, finding a compatible partner; in adulthood, building a stable and respected career; and in later years, maintaining good health.

Yet, not all young people share the same goals, and not all older individuals prioritize health above all else. It depends on one’s needs, values, and passions. A sportsperson may seek trophies, a scientist may desire published research, an actor may look for a hit film, while a taxi driver may define success as having enough passengers each day.

Success has meaning only in context, to the person living it. A research paper holds no value for a taxi driver, just as a crowd of passengers means little to an actor. Each of us has our own race to run, our own finishing line to reach. What matters is the lane you are running in. A fish does not need to run faster on land, and a horse does not need to swim in the river.

So, what defines success for you? What does it mean at this stage of your life, and how has it evolved over the years? Will it remain the same in the future?

Define your success according to your present reality and priorities. Don’t measure your life with someone else’s ruler. If your health needs care, make that your success. If leisure is rare, enjoy it fully. If sport or art brings you joy, embrace it.

Your success is personal. It is not meant to be copied from anyone else’s book.