Redefining Success

Success. It's the thing we all think we want; an elusive dream we chase and often feels like we can’t quite catch. For years I believed I knew exactly what success looked like: the dream job, the title, the money, a loving family, and the beautiful house in a gated community. I thought if I could just check every box on that list, everything else would fall into place. But once I finally got to the end of that list, reality hit me with a harsh lesson about what success truly is. To friends and family it looked like I had it all, but inside it felt like so much was missing. 

It took me a while to realize all the things I had associated with success weren’t making me feel successful at all. In fact, I felt unfulfilled and burnt out. The dream job wasn’t the dream I thought it would be, and all the material objects I had acquired along the way had no lasting impact on my happiness, leaving me with this overwhelming feeling that I was missing something so much deeper.

We are often sold the idea that success is a linear climb - a steady accumulation of material possessions and social media validation. But true success isn't about pretending everything is perfect. It's often messy, complex, and far more meaningful. We chase what we’re told we should want, but when we finally get there it doesn’t provide the fulfillment we expect.

The real victories lie in personal growth and resilience; facing our internal struggles and choosing to persevere. It's about picking yourself up after setbacks, recognizing the strength found in allowing yourself to be vulnerable, learning to laugh at yourself, or setting healthy boundaries to protect your well-being. Success isn’t always glamorous or obvious to others. It can be found in navigating difficult relationships or seeking help when needed. True success isn’t just about external factors like titles or paychecks. It’s about growth - both personal and professional. 

Sure, external achievements like promotions or a new car are nice, but they don't define who we are. They don’t give us the strength to push through difficult times or teach us how to forgive ourselves when we stumble. Real success is the courage to keep going and the resilience to face each day - even when it feels like everything’s falling apart.

Success isn’t a destination or a perfectly balanced list of achievements. It’s not about impressing others or checking off boxes. It’s a series of survival stories. It’s about finding joy in the chaos and understanding that being a little bruised doesn’t take away from your worth. If anything, it makes you more human, and maybe, more successful.

Letting go of the idea that success looks a certain way isn't easy. Becoming the person who can face challenges and embrace imperfections while simultaneously finding peace in the process takes a lot of self-reflection and a little bit of uncomfortableness. And if along the way you end up with a shiny car or a promotion, well that’s just an added bonus. 

Ultimately, the most significant success is living a life that feels genuinely meaningful. Because in the end, success isn’t measured by what you have - it’s about who you’ve become.  

Hang in there xoxo