Success on Your Terms: Redefining Achievement Beyond Society's Expectations

What does success mean to you? Please take a moment to think about it. Is it a fancy job title? A six-figure salary? A picture-perfect life that looks good on Instagram? Or is it something more profound that brings you joy, fulfillment, and a sense of purpose?

For many of us, success has been defined long before we could figure it out for ourselves. Society teaches us that achievement is about climbing the corporate ladder, earning degrees, buying houses, and securing financial stability. While none of these things are inherently bad, they do not necessarily define you or determine whether you are truly successful.

I once coached a woman who, by all standards, had "made it." She had a prestigious job, a good salary, and the admiration of her peers, but when she sat before me, she looked exhausted and miserable. "I feel like I'm living someone else's dream," she confessed. "I don't even know what I want anymore." I could relate to her struggle because I had been in a similar situation. This experience led me to redefine success in my life, and I hope it can do the same for you.

The truth is that success is personal. For some, it is about running a business they love. For others, it is raising a family, traveling the world, or making a difference in their community. Perhaps for you, success is simply waking up each morning with a sense of peace, and that is enough. It could also mean writing a book, learning a new skill, or overcoming a personal challenge. Success is not confined to societal standards but about what brings you joy and fulfilment.

So, let us redefine success—not by society's standards, but by what genuinely makes us happy. Ask yourself:

·       What excites me?

·       What kind of work or lifestyle makes me feel most alive?

·       Am I chasing success for myself or the approval of others?

·       What truly matters to me?

·       What are my values, and how do they align with my actions?

These questions can guide you toward a more fulfilling life. When you stop measuring yourself by others' standards, you free yourself to create a successful life—not just one that looks good on paper.

So, what does success mean to you?