Success vs. Fulfillment: How to Make Both Happen

Success and fulfillment sound like they should go hand in hand, but for so many high-performing women, there’s a gap. You’ve spent years pushing yourself, striving for excellence, and reaching ambitious goals. You’ve built success brick by brick, accumulating the accomplishments everyone admires.

Yet despite it all, there can be an emptiness—something's missing.

The truth is, success is only half the story; real fulfillment requires listening to your heart.

Following your heart can feel reckless, particularly when you're the one others see as 'having it all together'. It’s also terrifying because there are no guarantees, clear roadmaps or safety nets.

But I know that the most successful women - those who are truly thriving in life and business, have all learned to lean into their hearts.

Linda Bolton is the Founder and CEO of #NaturalCalmCanada, and a committed philanthropist, co-founding the non-profit #Thriveforgood. Her inspiring journey of entrepreneurship and leadership earned her recognition as one of Canada's top female entrepreneurs. Yet she never had the desire to be an entrepreneur. This began when Linda took a leap of faith and simply followed her heart:

Listen to her inspiring story on LINK IN COMMENTS

Your heart doesn’t lead you to the most predictable place; it leads you to the most meaningful place.

It takes you into the realm of fulfillment.

So if you feel like there’s a part of you that hasn’t been fully expressed, or if your accomplishments haven’t brought the sense of purpose and joy you crave, it’s time to listen to that inner voice.

Here’s how to begin:

1. Listen to Yourself

High-performing women are often surrounded by the noise of expectations from society, from colleagues, from family, and even from within. I tell my clients that, you need to turn down the volume on all that noise and make space for stillness. I know what you’re thinking: I don’t have time to sit in silence. But this is exactly why it’s important to do.

Just a few minutes a day—whether through meditation, journaling, or mindful walks—can give you the clarity to hear what’s truly calling you. Your inner voice knows the way to what feels right for you.

2. Tune Out the Fear of Judgment

The higher you climb, the more visible you are, and that visibility will be judged.

Remember, no one else can understand your unique path. True fulfillment comes when you live a life that aligns with your values and desires. And the people who truly matter will respect and support your decisions—even if they don’t fully understand them.

3. Take One Small Step Forward

You do not always require a dramatic overhaul. You can start with just one small baby step. I tell my clients that if you've always had a calling you to start your own business, or creating an entirely new business, start before you're ready. Research the market or begin exploring the the field. One small step forward breeds the momentum that will guide you toward the fulfillment you deserve.

4. Accept Discomfort

High performers are used to challenges, but following your heart brings the discomfort of stepping into the unknown. The path isn’t laid out, nor is it guaranteed. But that’s where real growth happens. It’s in those moments that you’ll discover the depth of your strength, your creativity, and your true potential.

Is There More Waiting for You?

If you’re reading this, and you know that despite your success, something is missing—I want you to lean into that feeling. You’ve already built success in one form. Now it’s time to create the life and career that not only looks good from the outside but also feels deeply fulfilled.

Remember, your heart already knows the way. Trust in it. You deserve a life filled with purpose, abundance and joy —follow the path that leads you there.

Here’s to the journey,

Bev

My clients—professionals, creatives, influencers, business owners, c-suite executives, coaches, and leaders— all understand that the most significant barriers they face are often the ones they set for themselves. Reach out and let's have a conversation to uncover the next exciting chapter of your story.

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