Success is a word that almost seems to be falling out of use. Being a “successful person” is often a personal goal, yet what success truly means can vary greatly from one person to another. Success for me might look completely different from what it is for you. Depending on where I come from, the challenges I have faced, and the goals I have set, my success could be enormous—perhaps even greater than that of someone who has achieved more on paper.

When I think of myself as a successful person, I imagine that some people will say, “You were spectacular,” others will say, “You played very well,” while others might say, “You could have done much better.” Who is right?

In one of my last lessons with students, I told them they were listening to someone who has lost far more than he has won.

  • A player who has been tested many times and failed many of them.

  • Someone who lost decisive Davis Cup points.

  • Who missed out on an Olympic medal.

  • Who fell short of reaching a Grand Slam final.

  • Someone who played over 500 tournaments but only won 10.

Is this success?

Does Losing Take Away Your Success?

Where does success truly lie?

For me, success is in what you have built. It’s all about perspective—do you see the glass half full or half empty? Success is being proud of your career.

Today, people achieve “success” by making a crazy highlight shot, going viral on social media, winning a single championship, or scoring one goal. But does that really matter?

For me, success is only real and sustainable when it comes from within. It is not about appearances, not about what people say to be noticed. And honestly, with all due respect, it doesn’t matter what others think of me or anyone else. That is their opinion—not the ultimate truth.

Success Is Just an Opinion

Success is exactly this: just an opinion. Everyone has their own version of it, whether big or small.

The most important thing is that you never stop being proud of your success, even if it seems small to others. Success belongs to you.

The key is to understand that success is not always measured by results that others can see, but by what you feel within yourself. True success is built day by day, with passion, commitment, and dedication.

It doesn’t matter how big or small it may seem. Being proud of what you have built is the purest form of success.

by Federico Coppini
https://www.coppinifedericoacademy.com/