Success is not only about what you achieve; it’s also about how it feels.
After years of building careers, businesses, and families, many people reach a stage where they crave more than just accomplishments; they seek fulfillment, purpose, and a more profound sense of alignment with their values.
That’s where heart-centered strategies come in — they help you redefine success to align with your values, well-being, and what truly fulfills you.
Now, ask yourself: What does success mean to me at this stage of life? Do you think your answers are different today than 20 years ago?
As our priorities evolve, so does our definition of success. This shift often moves us from pursuing achievements to embracing a more balanced and meaningful way of living.
Heart-centered success: strategies for purpose, fulfillment, and balance
In our younger years, success often means building a career, a family, or financial security. We focus on laying the foundation for a future we believe will bring us happiness.
I was pretty career-focused in my 20s and 30s — sales awards, promotions, and industry recognition fueled me. I hadn’t always dreamed of children and a white picket fence; instead, my career and trusted relationships filled my cup. But when I became a mother, my definition of success changed overnight. My focus moved from external achievements to something more personal: how to be the best mother I could be while still honoring my career.
This transition was both surprisingly easy and yet demanding. The big picture — what I now know was my personal strategy — was simple: take care of my son. But the daily logistics were another story. I danced between the deep joy of motherhood and the challenge of finding balance. I was used to being productive, but I quickly learned that parenthood redefined what productivity really meant.
“Success isn’t about doing more; it’s about being more.”
Core values: the foundation of heart-centered success
Through years of study and practice, I discovered that true success isn’t just about external wins—it’s about aligning with deeper, universal truths.
To live a more heart-centered yet strategic life, here are a few steps you can take:
- Get clear: What is important to you, and I mean really important? Which values are non-negotiable for you? And if you’re not sure, access my free Core Values Worksheet at the QR code here.
- Discover your purpose: What lights you up?
Sit with this quote from Howard Thurman: “Don’t worry about what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive and do that. Because what the world needs are people who have come alive.” Make a list of as many of these things as possible, then decide how to integrate more into your life. - Focus: Make decisions and take actions that support your values and purpose. Every time you do, you align the external definitions of success with your personal and more valuable ones. Instead of chasing the next bright, shiny idea, be disciplined and focus on what truly serves your highest and best life.
While these steps might not be easy, they are simple. Spending a few minutes each day on them can help you become more aligned with your goals.
Remember, success isn’t about doing more but about being more. It’s about defining success on your own terms – not according to how society, your family, or colleagues define it.
As you reflect on your journey, take a moment to explore using this journaling prompt:
“Looking back on your journey, how has your definition of success evolved over the years? What moments or experiences shaped that change? Looking forward, what does success mean to you today — and what’s one small step you can take to align your life with that vision?”
