Success. A word we hear constantly, a goal we’re conditioned to chase, and yet, something that feels more elusive than ever. But before you assume this is another pep talk about grinding harder, hustling more, and pushing yourself to the limit, let me stop you right there.
This is about something different. It’s about rethinking success entirely—because what if the way we’ve been measuring it all along isn’t the only way? What if success isn’t about reaching a singular, universal milestone but instead about defining what truly matters to you?
So, grab your favourite drink, get cozy, and let’s have an honest conversation about what success means in today’s world—and more importantly, what it could mean for you.
The Old Definition of Success Doesn’t Always Fit Anymore
For decades, society has painted a very specific picture of success: a high-paying job, a spacious house, a fancy car, and maybe even a vacation home. These have long been seen as the gold standard of “making it.” And for some, these milestones are still the dream—and that’s completely okay.
But for many of us, this definition feels… off. Like trying to fit into a mould that was never designed for us in the first place.
We’ve been taught to chase promotions, bank balances, and accolades, but when we reach them, many of us are left wondering: Is this it? While traditional success metrics may look good on paper, they don’t always equate to happiness, fulfilment, or well-being.
For me? Some days, success is hitting 5,000 steps and remembering to drink enough water. And you know what? That counts, too.
Why It’s Time to Redefine Success
The world has changed dramatically in the last few years. A global pandemic, economic shifts, climate crises, and technological advancements have reshaped our lives and priorities. So why are we still clinging to an outdated definition of success?
More than ever, we’re recognising that burnout is real and that constantly chasing external validation comes at a cost—to our mental health, our relationships, and our overall well-being.
Success shouldn’t be about running ourselves into the ground to meet someone else’s standards. It should be about creating a life that feels meaningful to you.
A New Vision: What Success Could Look Like Now
If we move beyond outdated definitions, what could success look like? Here are a few ideas worth considering:
Work-Life Harmony
Forget the myth of “work-life balance”—harmony is what we should aim for. Success could mean having a career that complements your personal life rather than consuming it. It’s about having the freedom to live, not just work.
Personal Growth
Instead of measuring success by job titles and salaries, what if we measured it by how much we’ve learned, grown, and evolved? Developing new skills, expanding our perspective, and overcoming personal challenges are all achievements that matter.
Health & Well-Being
In a world that glorifies hustle culture, prioritising your health is a radical act of success. Mental, emotional, and physical well-being should be at the core of our success metrics—not an afterthought.
Fulfillment & Joy
What if success wasn’t about ticking off a checklist but about feeling genuinely fulfilled? It doesn’t mean being happy all the time (because let’s be real, that’s not possible), but rather experiencing contentment and purpose in the everyday.
How to Redefine Success for Yourself
So, how do we break free from outdated definitions and create a version of success that truly resonates? Here are a few steps to get started:
Reflect on Your Values: Ask yourself—what genuinely matters to you? What makes you feel alive, purposeful, and fulfilled?
Set Holistic Goals: Move beyond just financial or career goals. Think about success in terms of relationships, personal growth, health, and happiness.
Practice Gratitude: Sometimes, redefining success is about appreciating what you already have. Keeping a gratitude journal can help shift your mindset.
Do Regular Check-Ins: Success isn’t static—it evolves as you grow. Take time to reevaluate your goals and make sure they still align with your values.
Final Thoughts: Success is Yours to Define
Let’s be honest—redefining success isn’t always easy. Society, family, and even our inner critic might push back. You might feel pressure to conform or question if you’re doing the “right” thing.
But here’s the truth: There is no single definition of success—only the one that feels authentic to you.
Your journey is yours alone. It’s okay to take it one step at a time. It’s okay to change course. And it’s more than okay to define success in a way that feels fulfilling, joyful, and sustainable for you.
So, tell me—what does success look like for you? Let’s start the conversation.