Redefining Success: Why Following the Rules Isn't Enough
You’ve done everything right.
You studied hard, earned the degrees, built the résumé, landed the job.
You studied hard, earned the degrees, built the résumé, landed the job.
You checked every box that society says leads to success.
So why do you feel so empty?
The truth is, the conventional path to success often leads us away from ourselves. It’s no wonder that many high-achievers feel stuck, disillusioned, or like imposters—even when they’ve accomplished what they set out to do.
That discontent isn’t failure. It’s a wake-up call.
You're Not Broken—The System Is
You might believe the problem lies with you:
"Everyone else seems satisfied—what’s wrong with me?"
But here’s the thing: questioning the definition of success you were taught takes extraordinary courage.
"Everyone else seems satisfied—what’s wrong with me?"
But here’s the thing: questioning the definition of success you were taught takes extraordinary courage.
If you’re feeling unsettled, you’re not flawed—you’re waking up.
And that’s worth celebrating.
Define Success on Your Own Terms
True fulfillment begins with reclaiming your inner authority. No one else can define success for you—not your parents, professors, bosses, or peers. Only you can decide what a meaningful, joyful life looks like.
The most profound question you can ask yourself is:
"What does success mean to me, right now?"
"What does success mean to me, right now?"
Your soul’s purpose isn’t about fitting in—it’s about becoming fully, unapologetically yourself.
More important than what you create is the level of consciousness from which you create it.
Stop Waiting for Life to Begin
Take a moment and complete this sentence:
"My real life will begin when ________."
Is it when you find the right partner? Land your dream job? Reach a certain income? That kind of thinking keeps fulfillment always out of reach.
"My real life will begin when ________."
Is it when you find the right partner? Land your dream job? Reach a certain income? That kind of thinking keeps fulfillment always out of reach.
Here’s the truth: your real life is happening now.
No external milestone will bring lasting peace if your inner world is rooted in lack or fear.
No external milestone will bring lasting peace if your inner world is rooted in lack or fear.
You are not a victim of life. You are a co-creator. Begin where you are, with what you have.
Claim your right to feel joy now—not someday.
Peel Away the Layers, Find Your True Self
The journey to authentic success isn’t about becoming someone else—it’s about unbecoming everything you’re not.
It means stripping away false identities and returning to the essence of who you are.
As you reconnect with your inner guidance and wisdom, you'll uncover the gifts that make you unique—not because of what you achieve, but because of who you are.
This process deepens your alignment with your soul’s purpose. From there, what you offer the world will be infused with authenticity, meaning, and joy.
There Are No Wrong Steps
Every step you take toward your true self matters. Even if you’re not sure where the path leads, keep moving.
You can't fail at being you. And you don’t need to have all the answers to begin.
Success isn’t a destination—it’s a way of being.
So ask yourself:
What brings me alive? What feels true, right now?
So ask yourself:
What brings me alive? What feels true, right now?
Take one step in that direction.
And then another.
That’s how you build a life that’s not just successful, but soulfully fulfilling.
And then another.
That’s how you build a life that’s not just successful, but soulfully fulfilling.
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A version of this essay first appeared on my Substack: Soul Work for a Changing World. Visit to explore more essays, videos and reflections on living your soul's purpose and creating meaningful change.
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