We have talked with each other quite a bit about how we redefined success.
We used to think success meant constant motion.
Back when we ran our own business, we were all in—like, no boundaries, no weekends, no off-switch kind of all in. The type of work that doesn’t just demand your time but your identity. We wore “busy” like a badge of honor.
We believed success meant more clients, money, awards, and everything.
Spoiler: It nearly broke us.
When We Redefined Success
Eventually, we hit a point where something had to give. We were burned out, disconnected, and exhausted—not just physically but mentally and emotionally.
That’s when we started asking ourselves if we had been chasing the wrong version of success all along.
In fact, many notable people who most of us consider successful, like Oprah Winfrey, Barack Obama, and Bill Gates, define success not by having a lot of money but by making a difference and feeling fulfilled.
The Burnout That Sparked the Shift
Our life was full of achievements but not necessarily fulfillment.
We were checking all the “success” boxes—recognition, growth, busy calendars—but we weren’t happy.
We barely had time to breathe, let alone enjoy the life we worked hard to build. Our physical and mental health began taking a nose dive, but as long as things looked successful on the outside, we thought things were ok.
Eventually, we had to admit something that felt terrifying: what we built was no longer aligned with what we wanted.
Leaving that life behind wasn’t easy. When your worth has been wrapped up in productivity and profit for so long, it’s hard to walk away from what defined you.
But we did. And it changed everything.
We sold everything and moved to the coast, changing our lives completely. We redefined success.
What Success Used to Mean
For us, success once looked like:
- A packed client list
- Hitting revenue goals
- Growing the business month over month
- Winning awards or gaining industry recognition
- Hustling, even when we had nothing left in the tank
There’s nothing wrong with any of those things. But they came at the cost of our health, our peace, and honestly, our joy.
Eventually, we realized that if success costs you your well-being, it’s not really success.
Our New Definition of Success
Today, success feels very different. It’s slower. It’s quieter. It’s grounded in values, not metrics. Our version of success now includes:
- Freedom in our days—to rest, to create, to say no
- Time together, doing things we actually enjoy
- Prioritizing our mental health
- Working with brands and clients that align with our values
- Knowing when enough is enough
We still work. We still have goals. But we approach it all with intention—not urgency.
We don’t chase success the way we used to. We invite it in when it aligns with the life we’re building.
What We Gained by Letting Go
Letting go of our old business wasn’t just a career move but a lifestyle reset. And while it was scary, it also gave us space to rediscover what matters.
We found joy in the little things again. We got to know each other in a more profound way. We built a lifestyle around living, not just working.
And the wild thing? Once we stopped chasing, opportunities started showing up that actually felt good.
They weren’t about ego—they were about alignment.
You Can Redefine Success, Too
If you’re stuck in a version of success that feels more like pressure than peace, here’s your permission slip: you can change the definition.
Success doesn’t have to mean 80-hour weeks or constant hustle. It can mean peace. It’s important to unlearn the hustle culture.
Rest. Impact. Presence. Whatever feels right to you.
You don’t have to have it all figured out. We didn’t. We still don’t. But every step toward intention over exhaustion has been worth it.
Redefine Success For Yourself
Redefining success isn’t a one-time choice—it’s an ongoing practice. One where we check in, ask what still feels authentic, and keep adjusting.
For us, success now means a life we don’t need to escape from—one where we can be fully present and fully ourselves. When we redefined success, it created a life that we feel is more fulfilling.
It’s not flashy. It’s not always easy. But it’s real. And it’s ours.
There is nothing wrong with not wanting more and being satisfied with what you have.
FAQs | Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely. Letting go of something we poured so much into was terrifying. But staying in a cycle of burnout and resentment felt even scarier. The risk was worth the clarity and freedom we gained.
We sometimes miss the people and creative aspects but not the pace or pressure. We’ve found ways to do meaningful work without sacrificing our well-being.
Yes! Redefining success doesn’t require quitting your job or making a major shift overnight. It starts with small mindset changes: questioning what you’re chasing and why and making intentional choices that feel more aligned with your real values.
