Redefining Success: What 'Arriving' Really Means
“Is this all there is?”. This is a question most of us have asked when we hit a milestone.
After the gloss fades, we find ourselves back in our habits and routines, planning the next goal, and, perhaps, wondering if we're missing something because this accolade or achievement doesn't feel as rewarding or fulfilling as we'd built it up to before reaching it.
The myth of arrival
Success is often framed as a linear climb towards bigger titles or business wins. Allow me to state the obvious (because there's dissonance between what we know and what we do):
External achievements don't guarantee internal satisfaction. True fulfillment comes from aligning your work with your deeper values and impact.
Real-life example: redefining success
Consider “Jordan,” an entrepreneur who built a thriving startup and that scaled into multiple markets. Achieving business milestones brought him financial success, but he'd admit that he felt empty.
Instead of burying that feeling, he let it motivate him. He identified his values and found ways to live in greater concordance with them. One way was to use his resources (time, money, and experience) to mentor emerging founders. This inward shift (from focusing simply on growth metrics to values-aligned leadership) reignited his passion and created greater fulfillment.
Similarly, “Alex,” a corporate executive, found that despite a coveted promotion and greater responsibility, the excitement faded quickly. By intentionally integrating mentorship and finding ways to integrate her values into her day-to-day, Alex found renewed meaning.
Purpose transforms careers into callings. By focusing on your values and impact, more satisfaction will follow.
Reflect on these questions:
How do your values shape your daily decisions and actions as well as your bigger-picture goals?
How are you living out your purpose, beyond simply advancing your career or business?
Redefine your own 'arrival'
Try this exercise this week:
Write down two achievements that made you feel genuinely proud and two moments when your work felt purposeful. Where do these overlap?
Given that, how might you bring more values-based meaning into your current work?
Remember: fulfillment isn't a finish line, it's an ongoing journey. Leadership and business flourish when purpose leads. Make your next step a reflection of who you truly want to be.