# data[].attributes.body
To have success you also need to have failures and shortcomings. These failures are what propel us to continue trying to achieve our goals. And that small moment of time of achieving our goals is that feeling of success that we get. After that you want to keep trying and trying, pushing yourself to set more and more difficult goals for yourself.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
At her first museum job, art historian Sarah Lewis noticed something important about an artist she was studying: Not every artwork was a total masterpiece. She asks us to consider the role of the almost-failure, the near win, in our own lives.

# data[].attributes.body
Societal definitions of success does not work for everyone. Everyone is different and can't be expected to fit into the same criteria and standards set for them by society. Societal standards should not be your main priority and your own personal goals should be your priority and what you wish to strive for.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is success? It's funny. I haven't asked myself that question in a while or even tried to come up with a real answer.

In the UI/UX community, is it working for big companies like Google or Facebook? In the arts, is it gaining a following and the money that goes with it? Is "going viral" that important for prosperity?

Money, power and fame seem to be what everyone wants. But is that really success?

Nah, I don't think so.

But why do those three things automatically pop in my head when thinking about it? I've come to this conclusion:

Society's definition of success is a fairy tale we hear continuously. It's a deceptive shortcut to happiness, a social construct we feed ourselves as a means to living well with no assembly required because it's easier to want something ready-made rather than something we build ourselves.

It could help to look at the actual definition. So, let's break it down...

Merriam-Webster defines success as follows:

suc·cess \sək-ˈses\
1. the fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect, or fame

2. the correct or desired result of an attempt

3. someone or something that is successful : a person or thing that succeeds

As we know, there may be more than one definition to a word in the dictionary. I learned recently that most dictionaries place the most common use of the word first. This means that most of society does in fact define success as money, power, and fame.

*rolls eyes* How worrisome and unhealthy.

Why? Everyone cannot be famous; our brains just can't retain that many faces for recognition. And everyone cannot be powerful or wealthy. There must be scarcity in order for abundance to exist, just as darkness cannot exist without light, vice versa.

We're individuals. We cannot expect to have the same successes. Additionally, we should see it as a series of goals to strive for, not a single destination that begs the question "now what" after it's achieved.

So, maybe we should stop seeing it as only three destinations to arrive at, if a destination at all. Maybe we should recognize it as the bullshit goal it is, despite society saying, "That's it! That's what we should all strive for."

I'll admit, for a long time, I let myself buy into that idea. I even let myself believe it's what I needed to shoot for in order to be happy (the money, not the fame *ew*). But I woke up after recent contemplations. I realized it's not true, and I made the important distinction that happiness and success are not mutually exclusive.

You can be successful without being happy. Think: Dead-end job - Lonely mansion - Full bank account, but empty heart.

You can be happy without being successful. Optimism is helpful for that.

In honesty, yes, a bit of success is important for happiness. But it doesn't have to be the success that society points at. It can be any tiny goal or small victory. It can be learning a new language or perfecting that handstand you've been trying to ace. Forget society, aren't these worthy of your joy? Can't you find a reason to be successful every day without money or fame? Shouldn't you make your own goals to reach your own successes according to your purpose in life?

This brings me to the second definition. The good one. The one that allows you to fill in the blanks instead of feeding you directions.

This definition mentions nothing of achievable things. It even hints that failure is a part of success. It appreciates the process, incorrect results and undesired outcomes or not. To be successful, simply attempt what you desire. In a word: try. Strive toward your own goals until you fulfill your unique purpose in life.

The trouble is... finding the purpose.

True success is unattainable until there's a purpose behind it. That's what we forget. A lot of us are still figuring out our purpose, getting to know ourselves and what we want in life.

We choose to buy the first, popular definition instead of filling in the blanks because it makes us feel less alone or lost. It allows us to ignore the unique purpose we're meant to find. It's seems easier.

But it's not. It's a waste of time, in my opinion. A deceptive shortcut.

Make your own goals and define your own success. Forget the rest. Keep making your attempts. And remember it's a continuous cycle. Find one success, then move on to the next. Repeat.

Now, let's be clear, there's nothing wrong with money, power or fame. This isn't a hate letter to all the rich & famous people out there. The "successful." This is just a wake up call for those of us that look at such people and think, "I want what they have."

Maybe you'll get there one day; maybe you won't.

Either way, remember this last definition. It's a good one too. It reminds you that to be successful is to be a verb. You must take action. You must keep trying to succeed in whatever purpose you choose, regardless of society.

Hang tough.
And keep trying.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Popular Definition of Success & Why It's Complete Bullshit

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is success? It's funny. I haven't asked myself that question in a while or even tried to come up with a real answer. In the UI/UX community, is it working for big companies like Google or Facebook? In the arts, is it gaining a following and the money that goes with it?

# data[].attributes.body
Separate generations have differing beliefs on what it means to be successful. The difference in these beliefs can be attributed to the various environments they had all grown up in. All of them had various ideas as to what is needed to be successful and they would define as being successful.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In your opinion, what does success mean? It's a word we hear all the time, but when asked this question, many are taken aback. What does it even mean to succeed? It's a loaded question with so many different possibilities. Is success associated with a large amount of money, power, owning a home, or simply being happy? Everyone seems to have their own variation on what it means to be successful and it tends to change by each generation from Baby boomers to Generation X to Millennials to Generation Z.

Each of these generations have all had different experiences, whether it is how they were raised, the environment they live in, their gender, their personality, and even their learning style. In a sit-down interview I got together with someone from each generation to learn more about their beliefs on what it means to be successful from their point of view. It was amazing to hear what each person had to say. Each had an interesting story and a unique idea of success, but still had something in common: technology.
Does the Early Bird Get the Worm?

Generation Z: "Waking up early has its benefits, but it wouldn't determine if someone would end up being successful. I believe that having a routine is a much better indicator of success."

"When asked this question, there are two things I think of: the Ben Franklin quote, " Millennials: Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" and that the most successful people were the ones that were in the door first, not last."

Generation X: "If you get up early and plan your day, you'll get more done."

Baby Boomers: "Yes. Every morning as soon as I wake up, I start my work because my mind is ready to go."

What stood out most from the answers received was that people acknowledged that waking up earlier was beneficial. They had the energy/enthusiasm to finish their tasks for the day because by the time it got late, they were "fried like an egg." However, they didn't seem to find it as important as something else, a routine. Everyone mentioned that they had a set routine every day or a set of standards they wanted to accomplish for the day. It was something that helped them prepare and be ready for the following day.

Generation Z: "You know that you are successful if you are giving it everything you can"

Millennials: "I feel like I am successful if I am making a difference. You may not be the best at what you do, but if you care about what you do and work hard, then you're successful."

Generation X: "Ensuring my happiness and making sure that my children have their own opportunity to be successful."

Baby Boomers: "I determine my success by what "I" do and what I have accomplished."

Each generation sees success a little differently. Understanding each person's unique idea of success can assist in the hiring process and ensure that their goals mesh with your company. To read more about the hiring process, check out our blog "Selecting and Onboarding the Best People."

Generation Z: "Technology is involved in everything I do, and it has been great to streamline work and be more efficient."

Millennials: "Technology improves everything I've worked on and that reflects in quality of work."

Generation X: "Technology keeps me organized and in constant communication with everyone."

Baby Boomers: "Technology is a large contributor to success, and I'm enthralled by how it continues to change."

We live in a technologically driven era. Take a moment to look around you. How many screens do you see? Did you include the one you're reading this on? Or even what you're going to eat today - it can be delivered to your doorstep with a single click. Clothing? There's so much variety and options whether you're purchasing or renting. From food to fashion, technology has a role to play and provides undeniable benefits - enhanced organization, clear communication, and improved accessibility.

What I've concluded after doing these series of interviews is that each generation sees success a little differently. We need what every generation has to offer to be our best selves, workplaces, and communities.

Each generation believed in the importance of technology in all aspects of their lives. It is something that they have grown up around for years. Technology has helped them grow and develop personally and professionally. It's also something that they believe contributed to their own success. It's important to invest in technology, because you'll be investing in your own success.

Aspire Landscape business management software is a form of technology that streamlines your work and improves your efficiency. It has helped many companies grow and thrive. Aspire is proud to support those on their road to success, from members of the Aspire team to the clients we serve every day.

To learn more about how Aspire can help your business, request a demo today!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Technology and success: How different generations view success

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In your opinion, what does success mean? It's a word we hear all the time, but when asked this question, many are taken aback. What does it even mean to succeed? It's a loaded question with so many different possibilities. Is success associated with a large amount of money, power, owning a home, or simply being happy?

# data[].attributes.body
A study conducted questioned male and female business owners self-perceived success criteria for their businesses. Four of the most frequently occurring answers were financial success, personal satisfaction, work-life balance, and satisfied stakeholders. There were no significant gender differences found.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
To read the full version of this content please select one of the options below:

Abstract

Purpose

Women and men business owners are often thought to have different success criteria for their businesses, but there is little empirical research to support this. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the nature of self-defined success factors, and to compare women and men's success criteria.

Design/methodology/approach

This study surveyed 216 New Zealand business owners' (78 women, 138 men) self-perceived success criteria for their businesses. Results are based primarily on an open-ended question on their interpretation of what success means to them. In total, 30 main categories of success factors were identified, and the four main factors analyzed in depth.

Findings

The four most frequently occurring success factors were financial success, personal satisfaction, work-life/work-family balance, and satisfied stakeholders. Women and men business owners described very similar success criteria, which were balanced across financial success and personal and relationship factors. No statistically significant gender differences were found in the incidence of these success factors, suggesting a movement of male business owners to a more holistic view of business success that incorporates financial success, alongside personal and relationship aspects.

Research limitations/implications

Offers implications for researchers, policy makers, and practitioners. Highlights the need to be careful when designing research studies in multi-faceted areas such as business success, and also in gender comparative studies.

Originality/value

Uses self-perceived success criteria to assess gender differences.

Keywords

Acknowledgements

The author gratefully acknowledges the help of Dr Tarja Viitanen and Dr Kirsty Dwyer of the University of Otago, New Zealand, and the anonymous reviewers who provided constructive comments on this paper.

Citation

Kirkwood, J.J. (2016), "How women and men business owners perceive success", International Journal of Entrepreneurial Behavior & Research, Vol. 22 No. 5, pp. 594-615. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJEBR-01-2016-0024

Publisher
:
Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright

© 2022 Emerald Publishing Limited

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How women and men business owners perceive success | Emerald Insight

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How women and men business owners perceive success - Author: Jodyanne Jane Kirkwood

# data[].attributes.body
Many important figures and CEO's of many multi billion dollar organizations were interviewed and asked to define what success is to them. All of them had differing views about what success meant but most included giving back to their community in someway, making a positive difference in someone else's life.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How Do You Define Success?

I approached a number of "successful" people. Most of them are CEOs or run organizations that they started. What are their definitions of success?

As 2014 comes to a close and we prepare to turn the page on the calendar, it's inevitable that you'll think about success. Was it a successful year? Do you feel as though you accomplished what you wanted? Where did you fall short? And perhaps most importantly, how can you make 2015 even more successful?

Some of those answers, of course, depend on how you define success. Like many, I grew up equating money and power with success, and for a time, that framed my definition. But as I've matured, that has changed. You see, success is a very personal thing. What drives one entrepreneur may be radically different for another. And understanding how others measure success can help you better understand your own definition.

For me, it's "Success is spending the majority of my time focused on work or tasks that are fulfilling, leveraging my Zone of Genius, maximizing my potential and helping other people in a meaningful way while providing the freedom, lifestyle and experiences that I desire"

As we bid farewell to another year, I've been pondering these questions too. So I approached a number of "successful" people. Most of them are CEOs or run organizations that they started. (I even included my parents!) By most people's standards, they are successful. What, then, are their definitions of success? I hope these responses inspire you to think about your own version of success. The one constant I found? We all long for daily joy and fulfillment in our work and beyond.

-- Ron Cordes, founder of the Cordes Foundation

"Success is not having to describe what's been accomplished....others do it for you"

-- Deborah Hopkins, Chief Innovation Officer of Citibank

-- Raj Sisodia, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism and professor at Babson College

-- David Kidder, CEO of Bionic

-- Jeremy Young CEO of Tanga

-- Kara Goldin, CEO of Hint Water

-- Dan Kurzius, co-founder and COO of Mailchimp

-- Seth Besmertnik, CEO of Conductor

-- Marcia Becker, PhD, senior director of Adult Rehabilitative and Rural Services (my mom)

-- E.N Garnett Jr., Certified Crop Advisor, Southern States (my dad)

As 2014 comes to a close and we prepare to turn the page on the calendar, it's inevitable that you'll think about success. Was it a successful year? Do you feel as though you accomplished what you wanted? Where did you fall short? And perhaps most importantly, how can you make 2015 even more successful?

Some of those answers, of course, depend on how you define success. Like many, I grew up equating money and power with success, and for a time, that framed my definition. But as I've matured, that has changed. You see, success is a very personal thing. What drives one entrepreneur may be radically different for another. And understanding how others measure success can help you better understand your own definition.

For me, it's "Success is spending the majority of my time focused on work or tasks that are fulfilling, leveraging my Zone of Genius, maximizing my potential and helping other people in a meaningful way while providing the freedom, lifestyle and experiences that I desire"

As we bid farewell to another year, I've been pondering these questions too. So I approached a number of "successful" people. Most of them are CEOs or run organizations that they started. (I even included my parents!) By most people's standards, they are successful. What, then, are their definitions of success? I hope these responses inspire you to think about your own version of success. The one constant I found? We all long for daily joy and fulfillment in our work and beyond.

-- Ron Cordes, founder of the Cordes Foundation

"Success is not having to describe what's been accomplished....others do it for you"

-- Deborah Hopkins, Chief Innovation Officer of Citibank

-- Raj Sisodia, co-founder of Conscious Capitalism and professor at Babson College

-- David Kidder, CEO of Bionic

-- Jeremy Young CEO of Tanga

-- Kara Goldin, CEO of Hint Water

-- Dan Kurzius, co-founder and COO of Mailchimp

-- Seth Besmertnik, CEO of Conductor

-- Marcia Becker, PhD, senior director of Adult Rehabilitative and Rural Services (my mom)

-- E.N Garnett Jr., Certified Crop Advisor, Southern States (my dad)

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
As 2014 comes to a close and we prepare to turn the page on the calendar, it's inevitable that you'll think about success. Was it a successful year? Do you feel as though you accomplished what you wanted? Where did you fall short? And perhaps most importantly, how can you make 2015 even more successful?

# data[].attributes.body
The dictionary is stating that the term success means "The attainment of an object according to one's desire" and I completely agree with this definition. Success is what you make of it, it is your own goals that you set for yourself.

# data[].attributes.body
Growing up in the cultural capital of Trinidad and Tobago it was found that the success of business leaders was only possible through community cooperation. People pooled together resources promoting black economic cooperation thus creating more jobs and helping solve social issues they faced.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
From the time he was young in Trinidad and Tobago, Leon Prieto understood how much community and cooperation were valued in his homeland. But it wasn't until later that the Harvard Extension School (HES) master of liberal arts candidate appreciated the rich history behind these traditions and how they shaped the way black business leaders achieved success.

Now, having dedicated his career to researching how African and African American culture have influenced business and management, the Clayton State University professor is fresh off the release of his first book and ready to take on a new challenge at HES.

"My passion has always been history. When I came to this country, I was told to do something practical. But I never forgot my love of history, mainly black history and African history," said Prieto, who currently lives in suburban Atlanta.

Prieto, who has an M.B.A. from Georgia Southern University and a Ph.D. in human resources and leadership development from Louisiana State University, was recently admitted to HES' graduate program in history. He also plans to complete a graduate certificate in social justice this year.

The opportunity to study social justice while earning his master's degree was particularly intriguing to Prieto. In courses that examined racism in a historical context, he discovered the parallels between philosophies that promote justice and those that economically advance black communities.

"A lot of the work of these black business pioneers wasn't just about making money, but also empowering the community - advocating social justice to end lynching and improve unemployment in the black community during those days of Jim Crow," said Prieto.

His recently published book, "African American Management History: Insights on Gaining a Cooperative Advantage," written with Simone Phipps of Middle Georgia State University, explores the ideas of prominent black business pioneers, including John Merrick, Alonzo Herndon, Charles Clinton Spaulding, and Maggie Lena Walker.

Prieto and Phipps found that the success of the business leaders they studied hinged on community cooperation, and often the pooling of resources. For instance, enslaved Africans formed mutual aid and burial societies, and later business owners established the National Negro Business League and the Colored Merchants' Association.

"The goal was to promote black economic cooperation via co-ops or sole proprietorships, to create jobs and uplift the black community and tackle some of the social issues facing them," Prieto said.

These ideas remain relevant today and offer lessons for all business leaders. In the book Prieto describes Ubuntu, a South African philosophy adapted into an education paradigm by Abdul Karim Bangura, which refers to the common bond we have as humans.

Prieto has developed a business framework based on Ubuntu, with three main tenets: spirituality (distinct from religion), consensus-building, and dialogue.

"Some employees distrust their leaders, so learning about consensus-building and dialogue from an African American perspective can help these leaders become more effective." said Prieto "You need to be seen as authentic for employees to buy into what you're doing."

For Prieto, cultivating strength and an individual sense of purpose within the African American community is more than a business strategy.

Growing up in Point Fortin, the cultural capital of Trinidad and Tobago, he was surrounded by activities and traditions with historical significance, a centerpiece to life on the island. But Prieto wanted to create his own path in life.

At 22, he moved to South Carolina to attend Claflin University, a historically black college. There, he immersed himself in the African American experience and found his voice and a sense of purpose.

"It wasn't always my goal to be a researcher or educator because I wasn't sure that I had what it took to be successful in that arena," said Prieto. "However, when I started college I decided to challenge myself and step out of my comfort zone. I became vice president [of the student government association], and I held leadership positions in various other organizations. I quickly fell in love with university life."

From there, Prieto embraced academia. And while he has spent a career standing at the front of the class, he says he'll be just as happy in a seat at Harvard Extension School.

"I'm so motivated to learn and grow as a historian and utilize some of my learnings to further the field," said Prieto.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How African American culture bred business success

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
From the time he was young in Trinidad and Tobago, Leon Prieto understood how much community and cooperation were valued in his homeland. But it wasn't until later that the Harvard Extension School (HES) master of liberal arts candidate appreciated the rich history behind these traditions and how they shaped the way black business leaders achieved success.

# data[].attributes.body
She believes being successful is doing whatever makes you happy, and it is different from person to person. Having a work-life balance is important for everyone and that balance can be clumped in with determining how successful you personally are.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Almost every time I'm on LinkedIn, I see quotes about success. Most of them go something like this:
"Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done." "I never dreamed about success, I worked for it." "You are responsible for your success." "Nothing worth having comes easy." "Hustle Hard."
These quotes are not surprising to see, as hard work is a quintessential value of many cultures, including the United States. US Americans tend to be driven, resourceful, and confident. The American "can-do" attitude is steeped in hundreds of years of history. We are taught all of our lives to flight for what we believe in, to never give up, not to quit - "Quitters never win." This 2014 Cadillac commercial pretty much sums up the American work ethic (at least for many of us):

I get why people post these quotes on hard work. You should fight for something you believe in, for your dreams, for success. The thing is, success means different things to different people, and it looks different from culture to culture.

When you look up antonyms to the word hustle, you get: laziness, loiter, procrastinate, slow, inactivity. The list goes on. It sends the message that if you're not working 10-hour days, 7 days a week, you're not really putting in effort; you don't really want to succeed, and you'll probably never reach your goals. I call BS.

Today, working too much (at least in the US) is something to brag about, something to be proud of. If you're not working until at least 8pm every day, then you're somehow failing; you're not dedicated or determined enough. Showing others that you put in long hours is a way to show them how you "hustle hard." It's something to be admired.

In the intercultural world, we talk about this desire to succeed as "Achievement Orientation." Some cultures are more achievement-oriented, while others prefer to have greater balance in their life. It's akin to work-life balance. Do you work to live or live to work?

And don't get me wrong. There's nothing wrong at all with hustling hard or with these quotes. It's just not how everyone views the world. I'm here to tell you that...

It's OK if you leave the office at 5 so you can make it to your yoga class

It's OK if you only work 40 hours a week

It's OK if you don't post weekly on social media about your business

It's OK to take all of your vacation days

It's OK that you aren't marketing your company as much as your competitors

It's OK if you are content with keeping your business right where it is, not growing revenue year after year

It all comes down to what makes you happy. Success is whatever it means to you. If that's working 30 hours a week so you can spend more time with your family, great! If that's quitting a job so you can focus on your mental health, even better! And if that's working 80 hours a week on your new business idea, wonderful! Success just doesn't have to look the same for everyone.

An acquaintance of mine is a food writer and chef living in the UK. She has a large Instagram following (over 120k followers). She was recently offered the opportunity to write her own cookbook. She declined. Friends thought she was crazy. "Think about how this opportunity can grow your business!" "Think about all of the new followers you will get!" "How could you pass this up?!" But she did what was right for her. She is so busy right now, that she has no time to take on an additional project, even if it's something that would most likely grow her career, create connections, and lead to additional income. It's OK to say no. It's OK to let good opportunities pass by if they don't feel right or if it's not the right time. She initially felt like turning down this offer was ungrateful. "How could you say No? You've always wanted to write a cookbook." She admitted that at first she let the comments get to her. Was she making a mistake? But a few days later she was sure she made the right decision. She felt lighter and at peace, knowing that she was brave enough to do what was best for her.

Work-life balance is an important thing, and depending on what we want in life or where we are in life, this may change. Here's a snapshot of some countries around the world and what they tend to value more - achievement or balance in their life. Countries with higher numbers are more balance-oriented, while countries with lower numbers are more achievement-oriented.

I realize that not everyone has the luxury of taking time off or working less hours, but if you can, do it...at least once in a while. Chronic stress is a major contributor to illness around the world and affects millions of people. Take that day off. Don't answer those emails on Sunday. Life is short and fleeting. Find your balance.
Contact me at hello@nicolebarile.com if you'd like to learn more or #futureofglobalwork visit me here.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Almost every time I'm on LinkedIn, I see quotes about success. Most of them go something like this: "Don't stop when you're tired, stop when you're done.

# data[].attributes.body
Americans view success in two different categories personal success and societal views of what success should be, presenting stats about how successful people feel and how they fit into these two categories.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How do Americans define success? A new report by Populace and Gallup finds that while less than 10% of Americans personally define success in status-oriented, comparative or zero-sum ways, they largely believe other Americans do. The report also finds that there is a disconnect between Americans' perceptions of their attainment of personal success and what they believe society views as success.

Do Americans believe they are successful?

Many more Americans are achieving success according to their own views of success ("personal success") than what they believe to be society's views of success ("perceived societal success"). The average personal success score is 68 (on a 100-point scale), while the average perceived societal success score is 31.

Americans' personal success score varies widely depending on household income. Those with a lower household income tend to report lower success attainment than those with a higher household income, but this relationship flattens once household income reaches $75,000 to $99,999.

There are also ideological differences in Americans' personal success scores. Americans who identify as "very liberal" (with an average personal success score of 63) or "somewhat liberal" (66) tend to report less personal success than "somewhat conservative" (72) or "very conservative" (71) Americans. Moderates have an average personal success score of 70, only slightly less than those with conservative views.

How is success defined?

To measure how much importance Americans place on certain attributes for their definitions of personal and perceived societal success, respondents were shown two people's profiles. Each profile had six characteristics randomly selected from 76 attributes across eight domains (education, relationships, character, finance, health, work, quality of life and status). Respondents were asked which profile is more successful according to their personal definition of success and their perception of how others in society define success. Each respondent completed 12 choice-tasks drawn from the attribute pool.

The estimates produced from this approach are best understood in terms of a success pie, where each slice represents how much each domain contributes to the overall composition of success. The results offer more insight into the distinction Americans make between personal and perceived societal definitions of success.

The difference between how much Americans believe the "status" domain contributes to the overall understanding of personal and perceived success is substantial. Status drives the perceived definition of how others in society define success but is least important for one's personal definition of success.

After status, other top contributors to the overall composition of perceived societal success are education (19.8%) and finance (8.8%). In contrast, personal determinants of success are far more varied, with education (17.1%), relationships (15.6%) and character (15.4%) similarly important. Americans' personal views of success are far more balanced than the way Americans think others in society view success.

Different groups of Americans perceive success differently.

It is not surprising that different demographic groups perceive the relative importance of various attributes that compose the domains of success differently. For instance, compared with men, women assign modestly more importance to the attributes "is famous" (23.4% vs. 19.4%) and "has a large social media following" (4.3% vs. 3.3%) for the perceived societal definition of success. Taken together, this means women believe others in society assign more value to status as a signifier of success.

Differences in perceptions of success also vary by age. The composition of how younger Americans (aged 18 to 35) think others in society view success centers more on the top five attributes ("is famous," "has an advanced degree," "is a graduate of an elite college or university," "owns a business," "has a large social media following") than it does for respondents aged 65 and older (54.8% vs. 41.8%). This suggests that older Americans tend to possess a slightly more diverse view of how they think others in society define success.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Americans' Perceptions of Success in the U.S.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How do Americans define success? A new report by Populace and Gallup finds that while less than 10% of Americans personally define success in status-oriented, comparative or zero-sum ways, they largely believe other Americans do. The report also finds that there is a disconnect between Americans' perceptions of their attainment of personal success and what they believe society views as success.

# data[].attributes.body
The idea of success in eastern cultures is steeped in traditions often leading to pressure from the older generation to uphold their own ideals. Younger generations try to follow their predecessors and find success in making their families proud.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
How do Asians define success? What does success mean to an Asian person?
For different Asians living in different parts of the world, success crops up in various forms.
Success in general is hard to define. For some, success is coming in first in class or landing that dream job. For others, it is finishing an entire 12-inch pizza by themselves. But to put it simply, success is considered personal achievements, achievements sometimes influenced by society's expectations .

Long-held Asian beliefs and customs are at very the heart of livelihoods in many parts of Asia. The mentality of success here, also usually shared by the older Asian generation, tends to be steeped in Asian traditions.

Success for many Asians in Asia often means finishing that law, medicine, business or science degree.

Getting a job in one of these fields. Or a job in an air-conditioned, sky-high office building.

Getting hitched at a certain age. With someone of the same race.

Completing a recreational qualification such as a Grade 8 piano certificate.
This "traditional Asian success" in this sense is about gaining formal qualifications, attaining status recognition signified by a signed piece of paper, and in essence is quite self-attention grabbing.
Spending time doing something that does not guarantee an official statement of some sort in return is often looked down upon in Asia and by many Asian baby boomers. When I was hosting radio programs on SYN 90.7FM, my mum always asked me, "Does anyone tune in? Are you hosting next week? You have a Maths exam next week, you really should stay home. Stay home."

Perhaps many Asians in Asia are pressured by the older generation to uphold typical Asian ideals, to make the family proud, and so that is how they think of success. Perhaps many just go along with the flow.

On the flipside, success for Asians living in Western countries can deviate quite a bit from the ideas of "traditional Asian success". Many Asians in the West, especially those born here and/or who have lived here for an extended period of time, carry on their shoulders conflicted Asian-Western identities and rarely feel a sense of belonging wherever they are. Asians in this part of the world are also exposed to diverse, non-Asian perspectives which might very well influence their definition of success, "modern Asian success."

Success for Asians in Western countries can mean having the chance to pursue creative artsy pursuits and passions.

Being single for as long as they want to.

Helping the less fortunate for nothing in return.

At least that is how I measure success as an Asian Australian living in Melbourne. Other Asian Australians might very well think otherwise and favour "traditional Asian success". Who is to say this cannot be so?

"Modern Asian success" manifests ambiguously in ways almost naked to the eye; for Asians in Western countries it may be about finding personal self-assurance and not finally having that particular formal qualification bestowed upon you. Personally, as a Chinese person living in a predominantly Western-centric Australia, I see success as recognising my heritage. A process of self-acceptance, one of self-belief while looking out for the best in others.

Success to me is recognising that I have dual identities - I take pride in upholding Asian values such as not talking over my elders while at the same time supporting the "Aussie" Australian way of life.

Coming to terms that I neither completely agree with the typical traditional Asian mentality nor the Western mindset. And that I am not banana either.

Confidently identifying myself as Asian Australian.

Finally being able to proudly call myself Australian.

Talking to, and perhaps becoming friends with, Australians of different races.

Helping these people whenever I can.

Above all having the courage to break away from the Asian stereotype no matter what those close to me say and just be who I want to be.
Related articles

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
The Two Types Of Success In Asian Cultures

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
How do Asians define success? What does success mean to an Asian person? For different Asians living in different parts of the world, success crops up in various forms. Success in general is hard to define. For some, success is coming in first in class or landing that dream job.