KUWAIT: For some, success is about serving and uplifting oneself or community, while for others, it’s about securing financial stability and thriving in career accomplishments. These diverse interpretations stem from individual beliefs, values, and interests. Kuwait Times interviewed individuals from various backgrounds to explore their unique philosophies on this multifaceted concept.

For Safa’a, a middle-aged Arabic headteacher at one of Kuwait’s private schools, success is defined by harnessing her passion to achieve financial stability. Despite societal norms that equalize success with marriage and parenthood, Safa’a challenges this notion. “Although I am not married and I do not have kids, I still believe in family, and I take care of my father.

However, I find fulfillment through succeeding in my career as an Arabic headteacher, which has been my passion since my days at college. Arabic literature and poetry are where I find my purpose” she said. Unlike those who strive for success through years of hard work, Safa’a has embraced her journey with enjoyment, excelling in her profession and earning both personal and financial rewards along the way. “I am a single woman, I do not have kids, but my students are my kids,” she said.

Zainab Dashti said there is no certain thing that defines success. “However, there are characteristics of a successful personality such as being open minded, continuously learning, and actualizing yourself through recognizing your own talents and capabilities. These things are what make one a successful human being regardless of their career, status, wealth or any other possessions. Also, a person who contributes to society and makes a positive difference is a successful person, no matter what kind of contribution that was. It can be something like keeping the streets clean or something like volunteering to help others who need help.”

According to Mohammad Hasan, a middle-aged father of three, success means keeping peace in your family or community, not just achieving things for yourself. “It’s more important to spend time and effort on your kids than anything else, in other words, invest in your kid, and keep in touch with your relatives, friends and be good to people,” he said. Hasan believes in accomplishing one’s duties towards society, even if nowadays people often focus more on doing their own thing and reaching personal goals.