Success is a word we all hear and often use, but its meaning varies dramatically depending on who you ask. For some, success may look like climbing the corporate ladder, accumulating wealth, or gaining fame. For others, it may involve quiet moments of joy, a fulfilling job, or personal growth. After experiencing a particularly challenging and creatively turbulent year, in 2024, I’ve realized more than ever that success is not a one-size-fits-all concept. It’s deeply personal and should be defined by the individual, not what anybody expects of you.
One of the biggest realizations I've had in my journey toward defining my success is that I only want to surround myself with people who value peace and clarity as part of their creative process. I've always believed that creativity thrives in an environment of inspiration, but I now see that chaos is not always the birthplace of great ideas. I’ve witnessed, and even participated in, moments where stress, disorganization, and pressure were seen as catalysts for creativity. But, over time, I've come to understand that such an environment can lead to burnout and frustration rather than innovation and brilliance.
For a long time, I bought into the myth that being surrounded by chaos—whether it’s disarray in the workspace, constant hustle, or emotionally intense situations—was necessary to unlock creativity. But after the past year, I’ve learned that this approach does not lead to success. Instead, it creates a cycle of stress and exhaustion, stifling true creativity and making it difficult to enjoy the process. Success for me now means collaborating with individuals who understand that peace, balance, and structure are just as important for creative growth as raw inspiration.
I am more intentional with the people I choose to work with, ensuring that we are all aligned in our belief that creativity thrives in calm, intentional spaces.
Reflecting on this shift in perspective, I realize that my understanding of success has evolved over time. Last year was one of the most creatively challenging periods I’ve ever faced. There were moments when I doubted myself, questioned my abilities, and struggled to find joy in the work I once loved. It was a year marked by self-reflection, frustration, and occasional burnout. Yet, as difficult as it was, it became the catalyst for reevaluating what success truly meant to me.
Before this year, I had equated success with achieving certain milestones: landing big projects, receiving external validation, or producing work that garnered recognition. But these external markers of success didn’t bring me happiness. In fact, they often left me feeling empty or disconnected from my purpose. I had to reconsider what success should look like on a more personal level. And as I worked through personal challenges, I began to see that success is no longer about accolades or the pressure to constantly perform. True success, for me now, is about personal happiness and fulfillment.
Success is about waking up every day feeling excited to engage in meaningful work, nurturing my relationships, and having time to rest and recharge - a lot of time. It’s about creating an environment—both in my professional and personal life—that supports growth and authenticity. This shift in my perspective has made a profound difference. I am not in a race but a journey toward inner peace. Success is no longer a checklist of things to accomplish, but a feeling of contentment and alignment with my true self. The truth is that is hard realization to come to, because it makes you vulnerable.
As I move forward, I am focused on cultivating success in all aspects of my life: in my work, my relationships, and my self-care. The chaos-driven environment I once thought was essential for creativity has been replaced by a more mindful approach to life and work. I am committed to building an atmosphere where calmness and clarity are prioritized.
In the end, success is a deeply personal thing. It looks different for everyone, and that’s okay. What matters most is that we define it for ourselves and pursue it in a way that brings us fulfillment, happiness, and peace.
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