21 Iconic Leaders Define Success

Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Prince, Beyoncé, Adele, Will, Denzel Washington, Taylor Swift, and the list goes on. Without a doubt few will argue that these individuals experienced success. Come to think of it, Michael Jackson even produced an album 5 years after his death! Now to many…that’s success! But… is it really?

Determined to find out Why Some Individuals Succeed While Others Don’t, I decided to research the topic of success. I conducted a phenomenological study, interviewed outstanding leaders in business, and other industries. I even wrote a book on Success, and published a peer reviewed article in the JAABC Business Journal about it.

So what does Success really mean to those who try so hard to get it, yet it moves further and further away as they draw near. Trying the short route some play the lotto… anticipating overnight success. Some marry rich. Some scheme, connive, and conspire just to taste the mouthwatering trappings of success.

Personally, I sought to educate myself not necessarily with the focus of being successful since I already was …as I defined it. I went to college earned several degrees including two Masters, and a Doctorate, combined with many years in International Business. Now some would admit that I am successful as society envisions it, but bearing the delectable scars of student loans, how many would agree? (Couldn’t resist that ..smile).

“Success is definitively defined as the attainment of wealth, honors and the like”

So I have pulled together definitions from 21 of Society’s Iconic leaders. Take a look. Reflect. Adopt one, or share your own definition.  Remember it has always been said that only you can define what success really means to you.

John Wooden

Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best you are capable of becoming.

Success is not about how much money you make but about the difference you make in people’s lives.

Winston Churchill

Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm.

Thomas Edison

Success is 1% inspiration, 99% perspiration.

Steven Covey

If you carefully consider what you want to be said of you in the funeral experience you will find your definition of success.

Success is the result of perfection, hard work, learning from failure, loyalty and persistence.

Nelson Mandela

Everyone can rise above their circumstances and achieve success if they are dedicated to and passionate about what they do. Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.

Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value

Woody Allen

Eighty percent of success is showing up.

Barack Obama

The real test is not whether you avoid this failure, because you won’t. It’s whether you let it harden or shame you into inaction, or whether you learn from it; whether you choose to persevere.

Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.

Martin Luther King Jr.

We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.

Mary Kay Ash

Don’t limit yourself. Many people limit themselves to what they think they can do. You can go as far as your mind lets you. What you believe, you can achieve.

Alexander Graham Bell

Before anything else, preparation is the key to success.

Ellen DeGeneres

I work really hard at trying to see the big picture and not getting stuck in ego. I believe we’re all put on this planet for a purpose, and we all have a different purpose. When you connect with that love and that compassion, that’s when everything unfolds.

Michael Dell

You don’t have to be a genius or a visionary or even a college graduate to be successful. You just need a framework and a dream.

The key to realizing a dream is to focus not on success but significance and then even the small steps and little victories along your path will take on greater meaning.

Abraham Lincoln
Always bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.

Napoleon Hill

Patience, persistence, and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success.

Mark Twain

All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence; then success is sure.

To love others as God loves you, that is the measure of success.

So there you have it. 21 of Society’s Iconic leaders as they defined success. Look at them again… for a few times if necessary. Pause; reflect; adopt one; or share your own definition.

Remember, only YOU can define what success really means to you.

What’s your definition? Do share. We would love to hear.

Cheers!