"A progressive realization of a worthy ideal" is a long time definition of sucess.
MSN Encarta defines success as: "The achievement of intention, the achievement of something planned or attempted. The attainment of fame, wealth, or power: impressive achievement, especially the attainment of fame, wealth, or power. Something that turns out well: something that turns out as planned or intended. Somebody successful: somebody who is wealthy, famous, or powerful because of a record of achievement."
Webster defines success as, "The act of succeeding; succession. That which comes after; hence, consequence, issue, or result, of an endeavor or undertaking, whether good or bad; the outcome of effort.
The favorable or prosperous termination of anything attempted; the attainment of a proposed object; prosperous issue. That which meets with, or one who accomplishes, favorable results, as a play or a player."
Good definitions! "How do you define success? Let's talk about it!