Most people say they want success, but when you ask them what success means you get wildly different responses. We recently asked some of the best and brightest in our community to tell us about how they define success and have shared their responses below.

Nicholas Brown | Realtor, Owner &Brown – Compass

We do what we can to be the best that we can for the people who honor us by choosing to work with us…. I’m convinced that the only thing that keeps one on the path to success is love for what you do and who you do it for. I look for opportunities; I look for growth; I look for impact; and I look for mission. I move sideways; move down; move on; move off. I build skills, integrity and heart, not just a résumé or an accolade. I do real work. I don’t plan too much, and I don’t expect a direct climb. I work hard, act smart but most importantly enjoy what I do. Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we may catch excellence! Read more>>

Jane Alien | Musician & Actor

Success to me is the ability to find playfulness within our rigid structure. Whether we release our tense bodies through dance or wear flamboyant clothes within a monotonous society, it is about re-establishing ourselves truthfully. Every second, we are thrust into a new experience; the movement of time propelling us into unknown discoveries. Each of these moments are an opportunity to re-create ourselves and the world we’re apart of. A lot of our feelings of failure stem from structures that tell us there is only one way to do things, a structure which looks down on kindness, patience, and self-expression. The freedom to explore the world and make mistakes is success. To love passionately and learn humbly from all parts of live is success. Ultimately, living while being alive is success. Read more>>

Summer Azul | Entrepreneur & Entertainer

Success is having the freedom to live life the way you want to. To be able to wake up and choose what you’d like to do for that day. To live life without worrying about what the future holds because you are in control of it all. Success is spending time with your family and friends without it becoming a financial burden because you’re financially stable. To simply enjoy life with your loved ones. Success is the ability to make others successful. It is the freedom to dream and then make those dreams a reality. Success to me is to be able to simple… BE! Read more>>

D’Nia Smith | Licensed Esthetician, Makeup Artist, Business Owner/Entrepreneur

Personally, I feel as though success is defined by who you are and who you aspire to be. Success is measured differently for everyone. What may be considered a small accomplishment for one person could be considered a huge milestone for another. In today’s world, people are always comparing their success to the next person’s but the goals that you set for yourself can only be achieved through your own hard work and determination. In order for me to truly succeed, I need to follow through with the goals that I set for myself. Whenever I accomplish my goals I’m happy because I know that I’m only one step closer to where I really want to be. It doesn’t and shouldn’t take much to look at yourself in the mirror and see success. Read more>>

Dr. Sue Carter Collins | Greatness Life Coach, Synergistic Energy Healer & Reiki Master Teacher

My definition of success is very spiritual. It is the ability to connect with your higher consciousness, identify your passion, and live in the river of purpose. True success is not defined by the world’s standards but comes when you live in alignment with your divine calling. Read more>>