Success doesn't always have to be people knowing your name. It is also not just about wealth. Instead, I believe it is a genuine success once you quit pleasing others and start living.
Start living and work harder to attain your goals. Stop worrying about what others will say since they only see the surface of your efforts, not the entirety.
Also, here's a kind reminder that everyone has different personal goals in life—and no one in this world has the right to dictate what's "best" for one if it is not them who decided for it.
Keep on believing that there's value in your work that is still in progress. Just wait. After all, results meant for long-term processes do not pop up overnight. No one may understand it at first, but people will see it in your blooming season.
When that season comes, be grateful to call yourself successful! You wholeheartedly worked hard on materialising your advocacy, honing your craft and artistry, growing in compassion, finishing your preferred studies, fulfilling your travel goals, working in your dream company, launching your business, living a simple life with a daily cup of tea, supporting your family, relocating to the riverside, owning a house full of puppies/kittens, learning to play a lot of musical instruments, serving your community, or whatever that has always been in your heart.
Keep on believing that there's value in your work that is still in progress.
One's success is not fixed to societal standards. You define your success based on what YOU want to achieve. What's great is that you are never alone in working. You have always been guided in your walk. You have always been given inspiration before you start the whole day. You have always been watched over during your high and low times. You have always been accompanied. You have always been comforted. You have always been loved for who you are.
That is all because you are in the loving hands of God.
So, dear friend, continue to keep on keeping on. Doubts are part of human nature but do not let them overpower you and His plans for you.
You will be successful and God will be glorified by the success coming to you. Just wait. Wait while working. Wait while moving forward. Wait while trusting—because that's how living is.
In His time, dear.