Success is an elusive concept that is not easily understood. Many people crave success, yet its slippery nature confounds even the most determined. Teens may turn to parents success tips; some turn to their friends, and some turn to teachers. Ultimately, success for individuals cannot be determined by anyone else except the person themselves; only they can know what they truly desire. Ownership and responsibility are keys.

In a broad sense, success can be defined as moving closer and closer to a desired goal, achieving towards a greater purpose. However, it is up to the individual to choose what this end game is, what the vision is for their life. If teens allow others to determine their ultimate goal, then they live a life that is not their own.

This is true failure: to live a life serving another’s goals. And to serve others will always end in disappointment and loss of self-respect.

As seniors begin the next phase of their lives and choose careers, jobs and their universities, it is important to keep in mind the tremendous expectations that hang over their head. The weight of their colleges’ decision to admit them, their parents’ approval, and their peers’ scrutiny is indeed a burden. When individuals become overwhelmed by the amount of expectations, it may crush them into living as a servant of others, losing their unique qualities and flare for doing what they love.

When each person discovers what it is they want to pursue let nothing stand in the way of that. In the face of doubt, have faith. In the face of fear, be brave. In the face of critics, be sure. Success is not determined by anyone other than the individual, they alone are the masters of their lives. — Feather Staff

To truly succeed, the individual must silence the voices of others’ and listen to their own heart. A person has to choose their own path, do the research and walk it for themselves; no one else can make that decision or walk it in their stead. While mentors are important, to truly succeed is to choose this path and walk it for oneself.

However, reality can be cruel. Colleges reject bright and determined students all the time, as do companies turning down prospective employees, and friends and family may disapprove of the individuals decisions. Regardless of what other people may think or say, if the individual is proud of their body of work and the direction in which their life is heading then they are succeeding.

Success is not measured by what others think or their approval of the individual. True success comes from within; what the individual thinks of their own body of work and the choices that they made to get where they are. Success for the individual cannot be decided by anyone else except them.

In the face of rejection, one’s character will determine how they handle it. Some will be crushed while others will grow as a result. Another key aspect to succeeding is not giving up in the face of a failure or obstacles, but learning from it and changing to become better. To succeed is to not to abandon ship in a storm, but simply alter the course to get to the destination.

Adolescents now tread the murky waters of adulthood, and with that they mingle new ideals of success and self-respect. This is a difficult time to navigate, as it must be done alone. No one else can decide for the new group of adults what the worth of work is, what success is to them, or what the future lies in store. All of this is to be determined by the individual.

When each person discovers what it is they want to pursue let nothing stand in the way of that. In the face of doubt, have faith. In the face of fear, be brave. In the face of critics, be sure. Success is not determined by anyone other than the individual, they alone are the masters of their lives.

Readers are encouraged to share their stories or struggles in determining personal success, please leave comments below.

For the previous editorial, please read EDITORIAL: Walk away from gossip’s fire.