Research suggests that success is, above all, one thing: the quest for a combination of happiness and satisfaction, coupled with economic independence. However, the data also suggests that the definition of success varies significantly from person to person. Certain success factors do exist and that they are fewer in number than one might think. The most critical being the capability to constructively overcome setbacks, failure and crisis. This is also known as resilience. Because of its criticality for success it is discussed in greater depth using the FiRE model (Factors improving Resilience Effectiveness). This concept has been developed by the author through many years of research.