If you are really trying to find out what makes 'success' as it apears to be defined here Greg and Magicman put it well.

Live whitetail, spend every spare moment watching/scouting/hunting deer. Know them beyond what is known by average hunters. Have complete confidence in your equipment and shooting ability. I spent almost all of my free time in the woods between the ages of 12 and 20.

The thing is, most people dont love deer enough to do this and I dont blame them. It is not, nor should be, for everyone. You can enjoy hunting without going all out. Its really about what you are hunting for...and generally its not about a record book or desire for accolades for those hard core hunters. Its about the deer and themselves.