Redefine Success: Design Your Dream Career in 15 Bold Steps

Pamela Winters July 30, 2024

26 minutes read

Redefine Success: Design Your Dream Career in 15 Bold Steps

In today’s fast-paced and hypercompetitive society, the traditional metrics of success, such as wealth, status, and career achievements, often dominate our perceptions. However, redefine success entails challenging these conventional notions and embracing a more holistic and personalized approach to achievement. It’s about finding fulfillment and meaning beyond material wealth and societal expectations, and instead, prioritizing personal growth, well-being, and contribution to others.

Redefine Success Beyond Money and Career (US)

Success is often equated with financial prosperity and career advancement. However, redefine success beyond money and career involves recognizing that true fulfillment comes from a balance of various aspects of life, including relationships, health, personal development, and leisure pursuits. It’s about valuing experiences over possessions and prioritizing overall well-being over external markers of success.

Examples:

Marie Forleo, a renowned entrepreneur and life coach, emphasizes the importance of aligning one’s goals with personal values and passions rather than solely focusing on financial gain.
Brené Brown, a research professor and author, advocates for embracing vulnerability and authenticity as key components of true success, highlighting the significance of emotional and mental well-being.

Websites & Online Resources:

Marie Forleo’s Website: https://www.marieforleo.com/
TED Talk – “The Power of Believing That You Can Improve” by Carol Dweck: https://www.ted.com/talks/carol_dweck_the_power_of_believing_that_you_can_improve
Thrive Global – Arianna Huffington’s Website: https://thriveglobal.com/

Find Personal Fulfillment and Meaning in Life (US)

Finding personal fulfillment and meaning in life involves identifying what truly matters to you and aligning your actions with your core values and aspirations. It’s about pursuing activities and relationships that bring joy, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment, even if they may not conform to societal norms or expectations.

Examples:

Gwyneth Paltrow, through her wellness brand Goop, promotes holistic well-being and self-care practices that prioritize mental, emotional, and physical health.
Elizabeth Gilbert, author of “Eat, Pray, Love,” encourages individuals to embark on journeys of self-discovery and spiritual exploration to find inner peace and fulfillment.

Websites & Online Resources:

Goop – Gwyneth Paltrow’s Wellness Brand: https://goop.com/
Elizabeth Gilbert’s Website: https://www.elizabethgilbert.com/
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: https://www.gatesfoundation.org/

Build a Life Aligned with Your Values and Passions (US)

Living a life aligned with your values and passions means making intentional choices that reflect what truly matters to you. It involves identifying your core values, interests, and strengths, and integrating them into your daily activities and decisions.

Examples:

J.K. Rowling, author of the Harry Potter series, exemplifies living a life aligned with passion and purpose by using her platform to advocate for social justice and equality.
Arianna Huffington, founder of Thrive Global, prioritizes well-being and work-life balance in her own life and encourages others to do the same through her platform.

Websites & Online Resources:

J.K. Rowling’s Website: https://www.jkrowling.com/
Thrive Global – Arianna Huffington’s Website: https://thriveglobal.com/
TED Talk – “What Nonprofits Can Learn from Coca-Cola” by Melinda Gates: https://www.ted.com/talks/melinda_french_gates_what_nonprofits_can_learn_from_coca_cola

Achieve Happiness and Well-being Beyond Traditional Measures (US)

Achieving happiness and well-being goes beyond material possessions and external achievements. It involves cultivating a sense of inner peace, contentment, and fulfillment in all areas of life, including relationships, health, and personal growth. By prioritizing mental and emotional well-being, individuals can experience greater overall satisfaction and resilience in the face of life’s challenges.

Examples:

Deepak Chopra, a renowned author and spiritual teacher, advocates for holistic well-being through practices such as meditation, mindfulness, and self-reflection.
Brene Brown, through her research on vulnerability and shame resilience, highlights the importance of embracing imperfection and cultivating self-compassion for lasting happiness and well-being.

Websites & Online Resources:

Deepak Chopra’s Website: https://www.deepakchopra.com/
Brene Brown’s Website: https://brenebrown.com/
Greater Good Magazine: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/

Create Success on Your Own Terms, Not Societal Expectations (US)

Creating success on your own terms involves defining what success means to you personally, rather than conforming to external societal expectations or norms. It’s about setting goals and aspirations that align with your values, interests, and passions, and pursuing them with authenticity and purpose, regardless of external validation or approval.

Examples:

Ellen DeGeneres, through her groundbreaking career in comedy and television, has challenged societal norms and expectations while staying true to her authentic self.
J.K. Rowling, despite facing numerous rejections and setbacks, persisted in pursuing her passion for writing and ultimately achieved unprecedented success with the Harry Potter series.

Websites & Online Resources:

Ellen DeGeneres’ Website: https://www.ellentube.com/
J.K. Rowling’s Website: https://www.jkrowling.com/
Psychology Today – Authenticity: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/basics/authenticity

Prioritize Work-life Balance and Personal Fulfillment (US)

Prioritizing work-life balance and personal fulfillment involves finding harmony between professional responsibilities and personal well-being. It’s about setting boundaries, managing time effectively, and allocating energy to activities that nourish the mind, body, and soul, leading to greater overall satisfaction and fulfillment.

Examples:

Sheryl Sandberg, despite her demanding role as COO of Meta, advocates for work-life balance and encourages employees to prioritize their well-being.
Michelle Obama, former First Lady of the United States, emphasizes the importance of self-care and personal fulfillment in her memoir, “Becoming,” sharing her journey of balancing family, career, and public service.

Websites & Online Resources:

Lean In – Sheryl Sandberg’s Organization: https://leanin.org/
Michelle Obama’s Website: https://www.michelleobama.com/
Harvard Business Review – Work-life Balance: https://hbr.org/topic/work-life-balance

Embrace Diverse Paths to Success and Achievement (US)

Embracing diverse paths to success and achievement involves recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to reaching your goals. It’s about valuing the unique journeys and experiences of individuals from diverse backgrounds and perspectives, and understanding that success can be attained through various routes, whether traditional or unconventional.

Examples:

Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, advocates for redefining success beyond traditional metrics and embracing well-being, wisdom, wonder, and giving as essential components of a fulfilling life.
Misty Copeland, the first African American female principal dancer with the American Ballet Theatre, broke barriers in the ballet world and redefined success by showcasing diversity and inclusion in a historically homogeneous field.

Websites & Online Resources:

Thrive Global – Arianna Huffington’s Platform: https://thriveglobal.com/
Misty Copeland’s Website: https://www.mistycopeland.com/
TED Talk – Success, Failure and the Drive to Keep Creating by Elizabeth Gilbert: https://www.ted.com/talks/elizabeth_gilbert_success_failure_and_the_drive_to_keep_creating?language=en

Challenge Traditional Definitions of Success for Women (US)

Challenging traditional definitions of success for women involves questioning outdated gender stereotypes and societal norms that limit women’s potential and dictate narrow parameters for success. It’s about empowering women to define success on their own terms, pursue their passions, and break free from restrictive expectations imposed by society.

Examples:

Beyoncé, a global icon in music and entertainment, challenges traditional gender roles and empowers women through her music, performances, and activism, promoting messages of self-confidence, independence, and empowerment.
Margaret Thatcher, the first female Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, shattered glass ceilings in politics and leadership, demonstrating that women can excel in traditionally male-dominated fields and redefine notions of success and power.

Websites & Online Resources:

Beyoncé’s Website: https://www.beyonce.com/
TED Talk – Why we have too few women leaders by Sheryl Sandberg: https://www.ted.com/talks/sheryl_sandberg_why_we_have_too_few_women_leaders
The Guardian – Margaret Thatcher: https://www.theguardian.com

Overcome Limiting Beliefs and Redefine Your Potential (US)

Overcoming limiting beliefs and redefining your potential involves challenging self-imposed barriers and societal expectations that hinder personal growth and achievement. It’s about cultivating a growth mindset, embracing failure as a stepping stone to success, and believing in your ability to create the life you desire, regardless of perceived limitations.

Examples:

J.K. Rowling, before achieving literary success, faced rejection and adversity but persisted in pursuing her passion for writing, demonstrating resilience and the power of perseverance in overcoming obstacles and redefining her potential.
Maya Angelou, a renowned author, poet, and civil rights activist, overcame childhood trauma and discrimination to become a voice for marginalized communities worldwide, inspiring others to transcend adversity and realize their inherent worth and potential.

Websites & Online Resources:

Mindset by Carol Dweck: https://www.mindsetonline.com/
TED Talk – The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en
Maya Angelou Official Website: https://mayaangelou.com/

Build Meaningful Relationships and Contribute to Your Community (US)

Building meaningful relationships and contributing to your community are integral aspects of success and fulfillment. It’s about fostering connections with others, cultivating empathy and compassion, and making a positive impact on the lives of those around you, creating a sense of belonging and purpose.

Examples:

Mother Teresa, known for her selfless devotion to serving the poor and marginalized, exemplified the power of compassion and altruism in building meaningful relationships and contributing to the well-being of her community.
Oprah Winfrey, through her philanthropic efforts and humanitarian initiatives, has transformed countless lives and communities, emphasizing the importance of giving back and using one’s platform for social good.

Websites & Online Resources:

VolunteerMatch – Find Volunteer Opportunities: https://www.volunteermatch.org/
TED Talk – The Power of Community by Howard Rheingold: https://www.ted.com
Oprah Winfrey Network – Community Impact: https://www.oprah.com

Find Success in Personal Growth and Self-Discovery (US)

Finding success in personal growth and self-discovery involves the continuous journey of introspection, learning, and development. It’s about discovering your strengths, values, and passions, and striving to become the best version of yourself, both personally and professionally.

Examples:

Brene Brown, a research professor and bestselling author, explores topics such as vulnerability, courage, and shame, inspiring individuals to embrace authenticity and vulnerability as catalysts for personal growth and self-discovery.
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc., emphasized the importance of intuition and self-awareness in navigating life’s challenges and pursuing one’s vision, highlighting the transformative power of personal growth and self-discovery in achieving success.

Websites & Online Resources:

Brene Brown Official Website: https://brenebrown.com/
TED Talk – The Power of Vulnerability by Brene Brown: https://www.ted.com/talks/brene_brown_the_power_of_vulnerability?language=en
Steve Jobs Stanford Commencement Speech: https://news.stanford.edu/2005/06/14/jobs-061505/

Prioritize Health and Well-being for Sustainable Success (US)

Prioritizing health and well-being for sustainable success involves recognizing the interconnectedness of physical, mental, and emotional wellness with overall success and fulfillment. It’s about adopting healthy lifestyle habits, managing stress, and nurturing holistic well-being to sustain long-term success and happiness.

Examples:

Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post, advocates for prioritizing sleep and self-care as essential components of well-being, recognizing the impact of rest and relaxation on overall health and success.
Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, emphasizes the importance of work-life balance and regular exercise in maintaining peak performance and well-being, demonstrating that prioritizing health contributes to sustainable success.

Websites & Online Resources:

Thrive Global – Arianna Huffington’s Platform: https://thriveglobal.com/
TED Talk – How to make stress your friend by Kelly McGonigal: https://www.ted.com/talks/kelly_mcgonigal_how_to_make_stress_your_friend
Virgin Pulse – Employee Well-being Solutions: https://www.virginpulse.com/

Define Success Based on Personal Goals and Aspirations (US)

Defining success based on personal goals and aspirations involves aligning your definition of success with your unique values, passions, and ambitions. It’s about setting meaningful goals that resonate with your innermost desires and celebrating your achievements, no matter how big or small, along the way.

Examples:

Elon Musk, founder of SpaceX and Tesla, defines success in terms of advancing humanity’s exploration and sustainability efforts, setting audacious goals aligned with his vision for the future of humanity.
Ellen DeGeneres, a comedian and television host, finds success in bringing joy and laughter to others, prioritizing authenticity and kindness in her personal and professional endeavors, and inspiring others to embrace their true selves.

Websites & Online Resources:

TED Talk – The Power of Setting Goals by John Doerr: https://www.ted.com/talks/john_doerr_why_the_secret_to_success_is_setting_the_right_goals
SpaceX Official Website: https://www.spacex.com/
The Ellen DeGeneres Show: https://www.ellentube.com/

Celebrate Small Wins and Acknowledge Your Progress (US)

Celebrating small wins and acknowledging your progress is essential for maintaining motivation and momentum on your journey toward success. By recognizing and celebrating the small achievements along the way, you can build confidence, stay focused, and cultivate a positive mindset.

Examples:

Marie Forleo, an entrepreneur and motivational speaker, encourages celebrating even the smallest victories as a way to stay motivated and build momentum toward larger goals.
Angela Duckworth, a psychologist and author of “Grit,” emphasizes the importance of recognizing progress, no matter how incremental, in developing resilience and perseverance in the pursuit of long-term goals.

Websites & Online Resources:

Marie Forleo’s Website: https://www.marieforleo.com/
TED Talk – Angela Duckworth: Grit: The power of passion and perseverance: https://www.ted.com/talks/angela_lee_duckworth_grit_the_power_of_passion_and_perseverance
The Power of Small Wins: Celebrating Your Success – Harvard Business Review: https://hbr.org

Find Purpose and Meaning Beyond External Validation (US)

Finding purpose and meaning beyond external validation involves discovering intrinsic motivations and aligning your actions with your core values and beliefs. It’s about finding fulfillment and satisfaction in the impact you make and the lives you touch, rather than seeking validation from others.

Examples:

Mother Teresa, known for her humanitarian work, found purpose and meaning in serving others, embodying the belief that true fulfillment comes from selfless acts of kindness and compassion.
Warren Buffett, one of the world’s most successful investors, finds purpose in philanthropy and giving back, recognizing that true wealth lies in making a positive difference in the world.

Websites & Online Resources:

TED Talk – Simon Sinek: How great leaders inspire action: https://www.ted.com/talks/simon_sinek_how_great_leaders_inspire_action
The Purpose Economy: How Your Desire for Impact, Personal Growth and Community Is Changing the World by Aaron Hurst: https://www.amazon.com/Purpose-Economy-Desire-Personal-Community/dp/1937498508
Warren Buffett’s Letters to Shareholders: https://www.berkshirehathaway.com/letters/letters.html

FAQ: Redefine Success

Q. What is the definition of success?

Success can be defined in various ways, but it generally refers to achieving goals, fulfilling aspirations, and finding satisfaction and happiness in life.

Q. How can I redefine success for myself?

To redefine success, reflect on your values, passions, and what truly matters to you. Focus on personal growth, meaningful relationships, and making a positive impact on others.

Q. Why is it important to celebrate small wins?

Celebrating small wins helps boost morale, maintain motivation, and reinforce positive behaviors, ultimately leading to greater overall success.

Q. How can I overcome self-doubt and imposter syndrome?

Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome involves challenging negative thoughts, building self-confidence, and recognizing your strengths and accomplishments.

Q. What role do relationships play in defining success?

Relationships contribute significantly to success by providing support, guidance, and connections. Cultivating strong relationships can enhance well-being and open doors to new opportunities.

Q. How do I find purpose and meaning in life?

Finding purpose and meaning involves exploring your passions, values, and interests, and aligning your actions with what brings you joy and fulfillment.

Q. Is success solely measured by financial achievements?

No, success encompasses various aspects of life beyond financial achievements, including personal growth, relationships, health, and contributions to society.

Q. How can I maintain work-life balance while pursuing success?

Maintaining work-life balance involves setting boundaries, prioritizing self-care, and allocating time for both professional pursuits and personal activities.

Q. What are some strategies for staying resilient in the face of setbacks?

Strategies for staying resilient include practicing self-compassion, seeking support from others, learning from failures, and maintaining a positive outlook.

Q. How can I create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling?

Creating an authentic and fulfilling life involves living in alignment with your values, passions, and strengths, and making choices that resonate with your true self.