For many women over 35, success can feel like a moving target. You’re checking off the career milestones, managing the household and balancing endless responsibilities — yet something still feels missing. Why? Because success isn’t just about achievement; it’s about feeling successful.
MICHELLE’S STORY: FROM SELF-DOUBT TO FULFILLMENT
Michelle, a 42-year-old business consultant, had everything she thought she wanted — a thriving career, financial stability and a full calendar. However, despite her accomplishments, she constantly felt behind.
“I kept thinking, ‘Why don’t I feel more successful when I’ve worked so hard?’” she shared. She persisted in exploring these feelings until she finally said, “I was measuring myself by other people’s standards instead of my own.”
One day, after many restless nights, Michelle realized she needed to redefine success from the inside out. She needed to feel success more personally, not through the filter of others.
“Feeling successful is connected to the way YOU feel about what you have accomplished and how you fill your time with things that are most important to you,” she says.
THE THREE-STEP SHIFT TO FEELING SUCCESSFUL
Success isn’t just about external wins; it’s about aligning your actions with what truly fulfills you. Here’s how Michelle made the shift:
1. DEFINE WHAT SUCCESS FEELS LIKE FOR YOU.
Most people define success by career, income or accolades, but true success is personal. Michelle realized she felt successful when she had time for deep conversations, creative projects and personal growth. “When I let go of the ‘shoulds,’ I felt lighter,” she says.
2. CELEBRATE PROGRESS, NOT JUST BIG WINS.
Success isn’t a single moment; it’s built in daily steps. Michelle started acknowledging small victories, like finishing a workout or taking time to read.
“Once I focused on what I was doing right, I started feeling more accomplished,” she says.
3. ALIGN YOUR LIFE WITH YOUR VALUES.
The key to feeling successful is ensuring your time reflects what matters most. Michelle restructured her work schedule to allow for passion projects and set boundaries around personal time.
“I stopped waiting for some big moment to feel successful,” she says. “I created it in my daily life – day by day.”
REMEMBER, SUCCESS IS PERSONAL
If you don’t feel successful, it’s time to shift your self-talk. Ask yourself today: What makes me feel truly successful? Then, take a small step in that direction.
“Real success isn’t about how much you do,” Michelle says. “It’s about how fulfilled you feel along the way.”