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by Ori R., 15

The definition of success may vary depending on one’s desires. An entrepreneurial millionaire and an unemployed alcoholic may both die knowing they’ve succeeded, knowing they’ve lived their lives to their fullest potential.

A part of growing up, of maturing, of discovering yourself, is recognizing your definition of success, what you must accomplish in order to die knowing you’ve triumphed. 

I believe one’s intentions and goals should coincide with their definition of success. It’s fair to say many people believe success will make them happy. But a large percent fewer define success by their ability to be happy. 

We are distracted by materialism, by short-winded goals, by the overwhelming desire to have things rather than memories. We are distracted by what ultimately matters less than what we ignore. Why else are we alive if not to simply enjoy ourselves? Why do we fail to strive for serenity and peace-of-mind? Why do we choose to blindly assume that materialistic milestones will reach the same end result? 

New Jersey, USA

Notes from our interns on selecting this piece: The message is conveyed directly in this piece, yet the author does so in such a way as to enthrall the reader wholeheartedly. This concept of what it means to be successful plagues humanity especially in a time when technology allows you to see how well everyone else around you may present themselves to be doing. I think the author did a really good job at talking about such a personal turmoil that I am sure many people have to battle with day to day. If what you are doing makes you happy, then nobody can tell you that you are unsuccessful, and I think the author does a beautiful job at displaying this.