The term success comes from the Latin exits, which means exit. The concept refers, however, to the right effect or consequence of an undertaking or an action. Its root can be more or less evidence depending on the context in which the word is used.
Success can be the satisfactory and happy result of a performance, business or matter, meaning in many occasions “to stand out” or “to come out of anonymity”.
In general, this concept is associated with an achievement or triumph in something that each person has proposed. It is also linked to the case in which recognition is obtained for the merits achieved. That is why this term is also related to fame, wealth or simple public recognition.
In any case, it is important to keep in mind that the notion of success is relative and subjective. That is, what for one person can be considered a success, for another person may not have such consideration.
In this way, it is possible to consider as success all the results that provide a person with happiness, well-being or the feeling of being fulfilled with oneself.
Success is subjective
- According to this subjectivity, an action or achievement can be considered a success by one person but not be appreciated as such by others. For example, every time a person manages to improve their physical abilities, their working conditions, quit smoking, pass an exam, etc.
- This concept is present in very diverse environments, such as sports competitions, where success is finishing first or being the winner of a league or match. However, in this sense it does not mean that participation cannot be successful for other competitors. For example, the runner-up can also be considered successful.
- In addition, those who have a smaller budget than their rivals or have gone through or are in a difficult situation, could also come to consider that they have succeeded, even if they have not succeeded. The same goes for different situations and circumstances.
- Likewise, there are successes obtained according to their performance, in different areas such as professional, school or academic. They can be earned by getting promoted, graduating, etc.
Personal success
- Success is a concept that is also intimate, since it occurs within each person when they manage to achieve what they have wanted or what they never thought to achieve. However, personal success can be something as simple as preparing a cooking recipe with excellent results.
- However, when taking this concept to society, it is common for a relationship to be established between success, wealth on a material level, and fame. This affects many people
- In this way, something is often considered to be successful from a one-dimensional point of view, but it should be valued as the achievement of an objective, regardless of its size and impact.
Fear of success
- Speaking of success in the world of psychology, there is special talk about what is known as fear of success. This occurs when a person is close to reaching some type of personal goal but develops some action, either consciously or unconsciously, that prevents them from prospering.
- In this case, there may be several causes and they are due to the fact that success is linked to negative consequences on a mental level. For example, it may be due to an increase in responsibility or moving away from loved ones. However, the study of psychology goes beyond the obvious reasons.
- Human beings are not always eager to get what is best for them. In fact, on many occasions desires do not move a person towards a beneficial and satisfactory result. On many occasions, the media influence of the media and campaigns, with misleading messages, have a different influence on the concept of success.
- However, according to many psychologists, the fear of success is caused by the individual’s own thinking. A person can fall into it because they have not stopped to think if they have chosen the right path to achieve what they truly want. You may have been influenced by social or family pressures.
- In this sense, there are people who are directed towards a goal but as they get closer to achieving that success, the brain suffers from some sensations that are uncomfortable and cause anguish. These precisely make it impossible to continue with the same determination; and it is because the mind is aware of it.
- In this way, success is very present in many aspects of life, both personally and professionally. It is a concept, as we have already said, very broad and also subjective.