Finding Ly-Ang #22: Redefining Success

The BIG Little Things That Deserve a Standing Ovation

Ah, success – that shiny, elusive word that society throws around as if it belongs only to people who’ve “made it” by traditional standards. You know what I’m talking about: million-dollar bank accounts, massive Instagram followings, private yachts, or the ever-elusive unicorn startup! But why is it that success has become so narrow, so exclusive, that only a handful of people seem to claim it?

Here’s a wacky little thought: maybe success has less to do with the big milestones and more with the daily grind – the achievements that never make headlines but shape our lives in profound ways. What if success was about what makes life meaningful rather than just what makes headlines?

How We Got Here: The Myth of Success

From a young age, most of us are taught that success equals fame, fortune, and big wins. We’re given role models to look up to – athletes, billionaires, pop stars – and told that “if you want it enough,” you too can be on that mountaintop.

But what about the rest of us? Not everyone’s going to start a company that reshapes industries or star in a blockbuster. The average person – you, me, your neighbor who wakes up at 5 a.m. to make it to a job they may or may not love – is out here living, striving, and succeeding in ways that may not fit the traditional definition. And maybe that’s the problem. Maybe it’s time to rewrite the definition of success, so it includes all of us.

Success ≠ Just the Big Stuff

Imagine if we judged success by what everyday people accomplish. Instead of measuring success by who’s richest or most famous, let’s start giving standing ovations to the “BIG little” victories that make life worth living.

Here are some triumphs worth more applause than they’ll ever get:

- Parenthood: Imagine this – you’ve managed to bring a whole new human into this world. No team, no big budget, just you (and okay, maybe some help from science and a partner). Parenthood is the most under-appreciated, all-consuming, heart-opening journey there is, and if that’s not success, then what is? The sleepless nights, constant worry, and the endless love? That’s a marathon worth celebrating.

- Health-Driven Weight Loss: We live in a world where looks are often given more attention than health. But what if you lost weight not to fit into some societal ideal but to feel stronger, healthier, and more energized? Dropping even a few pounds for your well-being is a victory worth a round of applause – because that’s you taking care of you. Success isn’t just about looking good; it’s about feeling good.

- Surviving and Thriving Through Crisis: Anyone who’s weathered a natural disaster, job loss, or significant setback knows that survival alone is an achievement. These experiences test us in ways that no career accolade ever could. So, if you’ve emerged stronger, resilient, and maybe even a little kinder after a crisis, that’s something worth celebrating.

- Bouncing Back from Business Failure: Did you pour your heart, soul, and savings into a business only to see it crumble? It’s a story that happens more often than we realize, but it doesn’t make you any less successful. What truly matters is what you do next. If you’re rebuilding, pivoting, or simply getting back on your feet, that’s a win. Resilience isn’t the absence of failure; it’s the courage to start over.

- Finding Love After Loss: Meeting a new partner after losing a loved one takes courage, hope, and healing. It’s about opening your heart again, which can feel like one of the bravest things you’ll ever do. Life doesn’t always give us fairy-tale endings, but the willingness to try again, to love again – that’s success, pure and simple.

And these are just a few examples of the “BIG little” victories that most people never get credit for.

Redefining Success, One “BIG Little” Win at a Time

Imagine if we measured success by what average people achieve with their bare hands, tenacity, and grit – those raw, unpolished moments that rarely make headlines. Wouldn’t we live in a kinder, more connected world?

When we look only at the “big wins,” we set an unrealistic standard that leaves many feeling “not enough.” The truth is, most of us are successful in ways we’re often too humble to acknowledge. If you’re out there trying, growing, learning, and showing up each day, you’re succeeding in ways that matter.

Your “BIG Little” Wins Deserve to Be Celebrated

What if, instead of constantly striving for more, we took a moment to appreciate where we are and how far we’ve come? Here’s an idea: every time you accomplish something that makes you feel more you, that’s a success.

Maybe your success is in the friendships you maintain, the patience you’re working on, the family dinners you prioritize, or the mental health boundaries you’ve set. Perhaps it’s finding your true calling or simply finding peace in where you are.

These are all reasons to celebrate, pat yourself on the back, and give yourself the recognition you deserve.

How to Measure Your Own Success (Hint: It’s Not by Numbers)

So, how do we make this shift? Start by setting your own standards. Redefine success in a way that resonates with your values, dreams, and growth. Forget about what others are doing – your journey is unique to you.

Consider creating a success list. Not a to-do list or a bucket list, but a list of moments that matter to you. Maybe it’s finishing a novel you’ve wanted to read, spending a whole weekend without checking your phone, or finally starting that passion project. These “BIG little” accomplishments are the milestones that make life rich.

Let’s Celebrate the Everyday Wins Together

Imagine a world where we all embraced our personal definitions of success. A world where we celebrated each other’s “BIG little” wins as loudly as we celebrate those rare, traditional milestones.

So here’s to you, for every single day you make it through, for every small success that adds up to a full, meaningful life. Remember: success is not just a destination, it’s a journey – and every step is worth celebrating.

Live Laugh Love – and give yourself a standing ovation for every single “BIG little” success along the way.

Now, let’s keep the celebration going! Hit that follow button, and subscribe to my podcast.

Success:ion:

Where we dive into real-life stories of everyday success, and share this with someone who needs a reminder that they’re already winning. Let’s make this the year of “BIG little” victories!