The dictionary defines successful as: achieving or having achieved success; having attained wealth, position, honors, or the like; resulting in or attended with success
But that seems rather vague. I think a working definition can be better reached by the following.
If you’ve done well monetarily but other aspects of you life are lacking then you are not successful.
Example: If you make $1 million a year but are on the verge of a heart attack due to poor lifestyle choices, you are not successful.
If you are in good physical shape but can’t kick smoking cigarettes and have a drinking problem – you are not successful.
Likewise – if you can complete an Ironman in record time, but can’t afford to put your kids in good schools are going through a divorce, and are $150,000 in debt – you are not successful.
The examples are nearly endless, but success – if it be the mark you seek – in all encompassing. Don’t say (or think) you are successful if you are not successful in l areas of your life.