what about the aim, the goal, the measure of "success" being invalid in the first place? aiming for the WORLD'S idea of success is precisely the thing that leads to the most internal misery. Money and things are not a good measure but seem to be the standard measure.
When people use THAT measure to know when to feel good about themselves, they are left too open to their castles begin toppled. Example, let's say, owning a motorcycle. if you defined owning a Hayabusa, because it was better than anything else on the block, I'll say you have a complex. To a small degree, that competition is built into all of us, but that doesn't mean it is right. When is "RIGHT" defined as "beating another man down on purpose"? But if you like what the Hayabusa does, is, looks, and just enjoy it WITHOUT trying to BEAT someone else or prove your superiority, than your measure might be healthier.
How's that relate to Project's very poignant perspective? if your measure is invalid [IE one that leads to misery more than not] your knowing whether you have achieved PERSONAL success and satisfaction of your life, could always be a moving target.