It seems nowadays a lot of people think being successful is just having money, no matter how they get it (By hook or by crook). Maybe today's society has something to do with that? Where your possessions seem what make you what you are, rather than the person you are?
Being a success IMO is actually making something of your life, Maybe making something from nothing (a business or career), improving your standard of living, working hard at making a good career for yourself, earning a living/providing for your family and above most of that being content and happy in yourself.