Redefining Success: How to Create a Career You Don’t Need a Vacation From

Hey there, friend. Let’s get real for a second. What does success really mean to you? Not the cookie-cutter version society tried to sell us in our 20s—the “climb the corporate ladder, buy the house with the picket fence, and smile like you’re in a toothpaste commercial” version. I’m talking about the version that makes your soul light up, the version that feels like yours.

If you’re anything like me (and I think you might be), success looks a lot different now than it did back then. After all, we’ve done the things: raised kids, built careers, juggled family drama, and somehow still managed to get dinner on the table most nights (even if it was cereal).

Now, the question isn’t, “What do I need to achieve?” It’s more like, “What do I want? What makes me feel alive?”

Success as Freedom (Or, Why I Said Goodbye to Alarm Clocks)

Let me tell you a secret: I haven’t set an alarm clock in years, and it’s glorious. For me, success is all about freedom. Freedom to wake up when my body says, “Okay, girl, you’ve had enough sleep.” Freedom to work from my favorite spot (which could be my cozy home office or a café somewhere warm). And freedom to say “nope” to anything that doesn’t fit into my four-hour workdays, four days a week.

What would freedom look like for you? Maybe it’s traveling more. Maybe it’s spending your mornings with coffee and a good book instead of rushing out the door. Or maybe it’s finally ditching that soul-sucking corporate job (you know the one) and creating something amazing for yourself.

Success as Impact (Because You’re Not Done Yet)

Here’s the thing: we’ve got decades of wisdom under our belts. We’ve learned, we’ve grown, and we’ve seen some things. That means we have so much to offer.

For me, success isn’t just about doing less (though, believe me, I’m here for that too). It’s about doing what matters. Whether that’s helping other women build their dream lives, mentoring someone who’s just starting out, or simply being a role model for my granddaughter—success is knowing I’m making a difference.

What about you? Maybe it’s starting a business, teaching a skill you’ve mastered, or even just inspiring your kids or grandkids to chase their dreams. Whatever it is, your impact is needed.

Success as Joy (AKA No More “Shoulds”)

Let’s banish the word “should,” shall we? Life’s too short to do things because we think we’re supposed to. Success, for me, is waking up excited for the day ahead—whether that’s writing, coaching, or sneaking off to binge my favorite show. (Yes, I’m looking at you, The Great British Bake Off.)

For you, success might look like taking that dream trip to Italy, starting a garden, or just finally having time to bake cookies with the grandkids without checking your email every 10 minutes.

My Recipe for Success

Here’s the magic formula I’ve discovered:

1. Get Clear on What You Want: Grab a cup of coffee, a journal, and your favorite pen. What lights you up? Write it all down. No dream is too big or too small.
2. Say Goodbye to Energy Suckers: If it doesn’t bring joy or serve your goals, it’s gotta go. (Looking at you, unnecessary meetings and PTA bake sales.)
3. Find Your People: Surround yourself with women who get it—who’ve been there, done that, and are cheering you on every step of the way.
4. Take One Small Step: Start today. Whether it’s Googling “how to build a 7-figure business,” booking that dream vacation, or finally hitting “unsubscribe” on those annoying emails, just take one step forward.

Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It’s personal, it’s messy, and it’s ever-changing. But here’s the best part: it’s yours.

So, what does success mean to you? Let’s talk about it. Shoot me a message, and let’s dream big together. Because you deserve a life that feels as good as it looks.

Here’s to freedom, joy, and never setting an alarm clock again. ??