Society taught me that work had to come first. If I didn’t put my career at the center of everything, I was told I’d fail.
So, I threw myself into it. I wore every title proudly—business owner, wife, mom, daughter, sister, friend and even room mom. My schedule was packed, my to-do list never-ending, and I convinced myself this was what success looked like. I really did enjoy the hustle it was fun!
Until it wasn’t fun any more!
I’ll never forget the moment I found myself sitting in a doctor’s office, breaking down in front of someone I’d never met. I couldn’t stop the tears from flowing. I was closing big deals, hitting my goals, and achieving everything I thought would make me successful. But behind the scenes, I was exhausted, isolated, and completely drained.
That moment forced me to confront the truth: Success isn’t just about putting work first. It’s about putting yourself first, too.
You see, I had bought into the lie that my worth depended on my productivity. I believed that if I wasn’t hustling nonstop, I wasn’t doing enough. I thought that if I didn’t prioritize work above all else, I’d fail. But in reality, I was failing to take care of myself.
Here’s the thing: success isn’t supposed to cost you your health, your relationships, or your peace of mind. We’ve been conditioned to chase external success, but that’s only half the story. True success—the kind that feels as good as it looks—requires us to take care of our inner world, too.
Meaningful success begins with integration. Our personal and professional lives aren’t separate; they’re deeply connected. And when we nurture both, that’s when we thrive.
Here’s how to start:
Pause and Reflect: What areas of your personal life are being neglected right now? Where are you out of alignment?
Set Boundaries: Protect the time and energy you need for yourself and your relationships. Success isn’t worth it if it costs you your peace of mind, the people and things you love.
Redefine Success: Ask yourself: What does a meaningful version of success look like for me?
I’ve redefined success for myself, and it feels AMAZING. It’s not just about closing deals or reaching goals anymore. It’s about integration—bringing my personal and professional lives into harmony, showing up as my full, authentic self in every area of life, and making space for what truly matters.
It’s about valuing the quiet moments just as much as the big wins. About cherishing my relationships and nurturing my own well-being. Because success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you feel while achieving it. I still love the hustle I just make sure I integrate rest, fun, and play into the equation.
What’s your definition of success? Let’s start the conversation below.