Embrace the Messy Magic of Success
Tiffani Bova
Growth Strategist | Analyst and Advisor | Keynote Speaker | 2x WSJ Bestselling Author | 3x Thinkers50 | What's Next Podcast Host
Success is a double-edged sword—it brings joy and fulfillment, but it also introduces stress, uncertainty, and new expectations. Just when you think you’ve reached the summit, another peak appears, demanding more from you. Here’s what I’ve learned about this emotional rollercoaster:
?? Success isn’t just the finish line—it reveals new doors, bringing both excitement and pressure.
?? It’s not the hard work that’s overwhelming—it’s the weight of wondering if you can rise to meet your new potential.
?? Staying present allows you to appreciate the wins and embrace growth without getting stuck in perfectionism.
These insights came to life in my conversation with Laura Gassner Otting , who coined the term "WonderHell" to describe this paradox. We discussed the importance of embracing these moments and how they can be a springboard for growth. Here are a few of the key highlights from our conversation:
In 2021, 47 million Americans quit their jobs voluntarily. We like to blame the pandemic for The Great Resignation and Quiet Quitting, but the truth is that workforce engagement had been suffering long before that.
Q: What exactly does “WonderHell” mean?
Laura: “In a moment of success, you think about how incredible the experience is. It’s exciting, humbling, and wonderful. But as you peek through the door to what’s next, you see even more possibilities. It’s anxiety-provoking, identity-shifting, stressful, and exhausting. So this moment is wonderful, but it’s also hell—hence WonderHell.”
Q: How do we keep the “hell” part of WonderHell from taking over?
Laura: “The real challenge isn’t the hard work—it’s the weight of uncertainty. Perfectionism shows up when we feel like we need to be experts before we even start. But it’s more helpful to become a student of the process. When you stay curious, you see more opportunities for wonder.”
Q: What should we do when we encounter these WonderHell moments?
Laura: “When success matters to you, it makes things harder because the stakes are higher. The emotions that come with success—both the good and the bad—will keep showing up. Instead of trying to survive these moments, we need to plan for them and embrace the discomfort. That’s how we grow.”
When success brings both excitement and anxiety, we’re faced with a choice: do we embrace the journey or let the fear of failure hold us back? Laura reminds us that growth often lies in navigating these WonderHell moments with curiosity and determination. It’s about recognizing that the discomfort is part of the process and using it to fuel the next phase of your journey.
As we continue on our paths to success, it’s essential to not only celebrate the wins but also lean into the lessons that come with each new challenge.
Laura Gassner Otting, a regular career contributor to Good Morning America and Harvard Business Review, Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author, and a friend, knows why. I’d urge you to join nearly 10,000 other people who have taken ten minutes to dive deep with her free assessment here: limitlesspossibility.outgrow.us. Your results get delivered privately to your inbox and will teach you what you can do today to change yourself, your workplace, or your career—and make the most productive hours of your day also the most fulfilling.
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To explore these insights further, you can listen to our full conversation on Apple Podcasts:
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Mahalo,
Tiffani
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Nervous System Reset for the Fast-Paced Female Brain (No Generic Self-Care Fluff)
5 个月Lovely !
Global Marketing Events Manager EMEA @ Foundever | Customer Experience Design, Business Transformation, Solutioning & Innovation | Mentor | Women in CX Member
5 个月Tiffani Bova, stress can really be a beast, but flipping it to your advantage can be a game changer. I've never been big on sports, but I did have this one coach who used to say that when we felt the physical tell-tale signs of stress right before starting that it was our body telling our minds it's time to get your head in the game, and having that little mantra, I am sure has gotten me out of so many sticky situations that could have easily gone pear-shaped
I absolutely adored this conversation -- well, and every conversation -- with you. If people want to figure out where on the messy path to success they are, and what comes next, they can check out this quiz here. https://wonderhellquiz.com/
VP of Global Sales at reev
5 个月Tiffani Bova, Absolutely love this perspective! Stress can definitely feel overwhelming at times, but viewing it as a catalyst for growth is such a game-changer. Embracing the chaos and seeing it as part of the journey not only helps in celebrating our successes but also prepares us for the challenges ahead. Thanks for sharing this insightful reminder! ?? Let's keep thriving through the messiness together! ???
Social Media & Community Strategist | Content Creator | Solopreneur | AI Trainer | Comedy Event Producer
5 个月Embracing both the wonder and the challenges truly drives meaningful growth. Such valuable insights!