How do you define success?

No matter what your dream, there are probably all kinds of ways to achieve it.

Take the Tour de France, which becomes my obsession for three weeks each July. The race started with 189 riders, each of them with a different idea of how they'll measure success.

First there are the time-trail specialists. They train all their lives to win a timed race that requires a consistent effort over just a few miles, riding alone with no teammates. They want to stand on the podium for their 15 minutes of glory for themselves and their team sponsors. They have no real interest in winning the overall race.

Then there are the sprinters. These are guys with big thighs, and they train to put on an incredible burst of speed at the very end of a stage. They aren't racing for time, but for points, so they can wear the green jersey. (The above picture is of today's winner, Robbie McEwan, who sprinted for the stage win despite the fact he had a crash only a few miles from the finish line.)

The mountain guys specialize in climbing. They are little and lithe, and they compete for mountain points and a chance to wear the polka-dot jersey.

Some guys are break-away specialists. They like to pull away from the pack and lead the race, maybe only for a while, so they draw attention to themselves and their team.

The "domestiques" have a team mentality. They want to protect their top guys and support them to the finish line, kind of like linebackers on a football team. Many are young guys who want to learn the ropes and develop their skills, so one day they can be in the spotlight.

Then there are the ones who want to wear yellow. They want to win all the marbles by coming in at the end with the shortest cumulative time, and they have to be pretty good at everything.

Not everyone can wear yellow into Paris, but that doesn't mean all the other riders lose. Many of those guys will be successes in their own game. Many will feel elated if they cross the finish line at all.

So whatever your dream, don't feel like there is only one way to get there. Find what you do best, develop your skills, and use your strengths to get across that finish line. You be the one to define success for you.