Success is something we each have to define for ourselves. We have to be able to break free from the ideals and boundaries that society deems most important. We have to be the ones to make the choices that will bring us personal joy and satisfaction. If we allow everyone else to tell us how to achieve happiness their way, how could we possibly know it for ourselves based on our own unique needs? That will lead to expectations only able to be fulfilled by others, and judgments made based on their perceptions.
Self-reflection gives you the power to create the future you truly want to live. You decide what your happiness looks like based on what success means for you. Is your desires really as shallow as simply obtaining money? What would you do if all you have is money, but no ideas in your own mind with how you would want to spend it in order to feel at peace with yourself? Knowing yourself is what will help you figure out how to calibrate your actions to achieve your goals. You first need to choose your desired outcomes before you can possibly obtain them, though.
Success means you have done something to change the position of life in which you were in, in the form of improvement. To what degree depends on who decides to judge you, but their opinions should not matter to you as much as your own analyzation of your current position. Be the one who brings light and positivity to the conversation with an air of gratitude so others enjoy your energy and seek out being in your presence. Decide if your success involves the stress of yesterday's worries, or if you are going to outgrow those old problems. Break free from the unnerving cycle we call insanity and try something different, for the sake of living your dreams.
Remember to stay humble and that every individual has a different perspective based on their personal experiences. The life you are living today that you no longer want, is someone else's dreams. Be grateful as often as you can and lend your helping hand back.