personally i think success is a subjective matter. Everyone holds different definition but similar objective-to be successful. I have failed(5 years) in something which i have interest and good at. The reason i failed was simply because i had mixed my 'wants' and 'needs'. Now im back on track and pursuing what i love the most which i had failed in 5 years ago. Hard work do make a huge difference.
p/s:informative thread btw.