your very own definition of success.
Since becoming self-employed, I’ve had to rethink what success truly means to me.
Performance reviews, my manager’s expectations, and company OKRs have left the chat—now it’s just me, my expectations, and I.
The traditional, cookie-cutter version of success no longer fits my values, and what mattered to me a few years ago no longer aligns with what I care about today.
Just as I guide my coaching clients through crafting their own definition of success, I’ve gone through the same process myself.
It’s a reflective exercise that involves breaking down your core values, identifying the moments that genuinely fulfill you, and embracing the daily habits that make your days special.
When we understand what truly lights us up and fills our purpose cup, we can prioritize, make more intentional decisions, and set goals that are meaningful to us.
It’s also about giving ourselves room to grow. What sparks our curiosity today may look completely different tomorrow—and that’s perfectly okay.
Some days, it’s about hitting big milestones. Other days, it’s about doing the bare minimum and allowing ourselves the rest we need.
One of my favorite side effects of this exercise is the reminder that success doesn’t need to be flashy or loud—it can be personal and calm but still impactful.
Success is ours to define, and there’s no one-size-fits-all. And we can redefine it as often as we need to.
about the author:
Hi there! I'm Silja, the founder of the wholesome growth club, an inclusive hub for career coaching with a soft spot for introverts and perfectionists. I’m an Amsterdam-based expat, but I love connecting with people worldwide. With a background in recruiting, I know the struggle of crafting a career path that feels truly yours. At the wholesome growth club, we're all about fostering sustainable growth, meaningful engagement, and authentic connections. Our blog is dedicated to making coaching accessible and sharing insights to approach work and life with an extra dose of confidence, slow productivity, and self-compassion. If you are curious to make things happen for yourself, get in touch—we offer personalized coaching journeys that will get you closer to your (dreamy) goals in no time.
