I think a precise definition is impossible. The simplest definition of success I think is 'to set out to do something and to succeed in doing it'. Believe you can succeed and you will. Achieving success in whatever endeavor you choose may be the goal of life, because it gives you freedom from worry. Success means different things to every one of us.
Success is such a personal thing.
However, most people want and are motivated to a great extent by public recognition and a relentless pursuit of achievement. The years of struggle, commitment and learning in excelling at whatever endeavor or trade you choose, is no easy task. I would wholeheartedly agree with that statement. It takes a lot of courage, character and discipline to achieve success in any field. Nearly all successful people have doubted themselves at some point and wanted to give up.