Great answer. You will encounter many, many different definitions of what it means to succeed along the way. There really is no right answer here. For me, I have always deemed success first and foremost that I can make a living playing music. That I have been able to achieve. Now, I am envisioning my big picture goals; which mainly involve traveling the world, seeing places I have always wanted to see, all the while playing music that is my own or with someone who's vision I respect and admire. That to me will be my ultimate success. Like you though, underneath it all my greatest success will always be simply taking a chance with the instrument.