Beyond the checklist: What is success when you define it yourself?
We’ve all been there – scrolling through LinkedIn, watching others climb career ladders, and wondering if we’re falling behind some invisible timeline. But what if the version of success you’re chasing isn’t actually yours?
In Episode 6, we dig deep into this question: what is success when you strip away society’s expectations and get honest about what truly fulfills you? Spoiler alert: It may not be the achievements that look impressive on your CV but designing a life you actually want to live.
Success starts with fulfillment, not accomplishment
The word that kept coming up in our conversation was “fulfillment.” Unlike fleeting happiness or external achievements, fulfillment runs deeper. Think about it: when you reflect on your life, what makes you feel genuinely good? Is it working 80 hours a week, or is it having an unhurried breakfast with your children? Is it another impressive project, or is it that deep conversation with a friend over coffee?
These aren’t massive, life-changing moments – they’re the small, daily experiences that add up to a life that feels aligned.
Making career change by design, not by default
Understanding your version of success is crucial for anyone considering a career change by design. Too often, people jump from one role to another without clarity on what they’re actually seeking. They escape the frying pan only to land in the fire.
Before you make your next move, ask yourself:
- What does a fulfilling day look like for me?
- What gives me energy versus what drains it?
- How do I want to spend my weeks and years?
These answers become your blueprint – not just for your career, but for your entire life.
Your backwards budget starts here
This reflection isn’t just philosophical; it’s practical. When you know what success means to you, you can build what Shayla calls the “backwards budget” – start with the life you want and work backward to figure out how much you need to make it happen.
Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula. We can define success for ourselves.
If you’re ready to explore your version of success, listen to the full episode and make sure to get a free copy of Shayla’s backwards budget template available on our website.
