Success used to feel like a checklist—move out by a certain age, land a good job, hit all the milestones that supposedly prove you’re “on track.” And if you haven’t? Cue the spiral of self-doubt. For a long time, I measured my worth by how closely my life resembled these external benchmarks, and to be honest, I still struggle with that. But I’m learning that success isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s personal and—most importantly—evolving.
There’s so much pressure to hit certain milestones by a certain age. Social media doesn’t help—constant highlight reels of people buying houses, getting promoted, or achieving things I feel like I “should” have accomplished by now. I’m still single, still living with my parents at home, and sometimes, insecurity creeps in. But the reality is, everyone’s circumstances are different. What works for one person isn’t necessarily what’s best for me, and I’m starting to be okay with that.
Instead of focusing on what I don’t have (yet), I’m shifting my perspective to recognize what I have built:
- Career Growth – I’ve made huge, meaningful strides in my work, gaining experience and skills that align with my passions.
- Grad School & Learning – I’m investing in my education and future, even if the payoff isn’t instant.
- Personal Growth – I’m developing emotional resilience, setting boundaries, and prioritizing mental health—things that don’t come with a diploma or paycheck but are just as valuable.
Success isn’t just about external achievements—it’s about fulfillment, alignment, and feeling at peace with where I am while working toward where I want to be. It’s about allowing myself to celebrate progress, no matter how small.
I won’t pretend I have it all figured out, but I do know this: my path is mine, and that’s enough. Redefining success isn’t about lowering expectations; it’s about making sure they’re actually mine in the first place.
She's Kind of Cool 
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