What is success? Some would say it’s landing the job that represents the pinnacle of one’s vocation. Others might point to the amassing of money, houses, cars, or other assets. We watch television shows where celebrities appear, dressed in fine clothes and adorned with jewels, seeming to have it all. Perhaps that’s the version of success some strive to achieve. If one could write a popular book, find their stride as an athlete, or invent something everyone needs, those would certainly be seen as measures of success.

From my late parents’ perspective, success was being loved, raising a family, paying all your bills, helping others when needs arose, and ending each year hopefully a little better off financially than the year before.

In short, success is the achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted, or the gaining of fame or prosperity. However, I believe success is defined by each of us based on our own set of circumstances and the vision we have for our life or the aspirations we hold for those we love. Thus, it’s not set in stone but rather a moving target.

Encouraged by my parents, I became the first in my extended family to attend and graduate from college. I worked my way through it and still take great pride in this achievement. However, apart from holding my own among other college graduates, I’ve seen little additional success from that degree hanging on my wall.

God’s intervention in my life led me to work within the gifts He bestowed upon my spirit—music, acting, and writing. My parents also gifted me with a common-sense approach to life and business.

I recall a time when I was riding in a stretch black limousine from one of the nicest hotels in a major American city. With me were my long-time agent and a beautiful entertainer as my date. I remember looking up at the skyscrapers, thinking how blessed I was. We were dressed to the nines, on our way to a celebrity event with a red carpet. On the opposite side of the street were bleachers filled with spectators, and along the red carpet, every imaginable media outlet was there to interview those walking it. When the limo stopped, the red carpet announcer introduced me as I stepped out. There were rousing cheers from the crowd. I turned to assist my guest and my agent, both ladies, from the car, and we then walked the carpet, fielding questions before joining other acting and music celebrities at the event. To many, I’m sure I embodied their vision of success.

Yet, after returning home, I was back to figuring out which hat to shake for my next paycheck. From many such experiences in life, I have concluded that in order to grab a hold of success, one must work hard every day to reach new goals in each area—a new book, a new single or album, another tour, perhaps a new film or TV show role.

While I have managed to reach a certain level of success in several fields, there’s still much more to achieve to truly claim the brass ring in any of these endeavors.

Looking back at my life through my parents’ definition of success, I’ve succeeded in some ways, while in others, I’ve failed miserably. God provides the means to pay my bills. I’ve been blessed with the time to help others. However, I never managed to raise a family, which I regret more each day. Some years end with less financial success than the previous one. Am I loved? I would say sometimes I feel I am, other times I feel I am not. So, have I found success?

From my childhood understanding of success, the answer might be no. But after many years of creating my own understanding of success, I would say, yes. I am blessed that my career has allowed me to do things others might only dream about and, at the same time, to have a positive, encouraging impact on many.

Will I ever reach a point where I can say, “Well, I have reached the pinnacle of success”? I hope not. If there’s ever a day I don’t get up with a goal to accomplish, then I won’t feel like a success. Instead, I’d likely feel more useless.

Reflecting on my journey, I realize that my evolving perception of success has not only shaped my life but has also influenced those around me. When I was younger, success seemed like a destination marked by accolades and public recognition. Now, I see it as a journey, one that’s enriched by personal growth, the love we share, and the lives we touch. This shift in perspective has taught me to value the encouragement I offer others, the mentorship I provide, and the quiet moments of joy in my work over the fleeting applause of the public. As I’ve grown, so too has my definition of success, becoming less about the external markers and more about internal peace and contribution to others. This evolution in my understanding might be my true success, influencing not just my path but also those who have walked alongside me or followed my journey from afar.

So, in life, define what success is to you. Strive towards the path to reach it. Put the throttle forward, and go full steam ahead. Good luck!