The measure of success for an author is different for each writer. Some people write for money, fame and fortune. Some write out of passion for their topic and a true desire to share their knowledge. Still others write to leave a legacy for those who follow them.
No matter what your reason for wanting to write articles and books, make sure that your driver is keen enough to make you stick with it. As a writer, you will experience rejection from editors and other critiques. You will also feel isolation as you toil over your latest masterpiece for hours on end while friends and family are out enjoying other aspects of life.
In the end, the satisfaction and fulfillment that you will feel upon completing another article or book is often enough to sustain you if you are committed to your craft. Let the quote above by Charles Kettering be a beacon to keep you headed toward your writing goals.