Redefining Success: Why Fulfillment is More Important Than Achievement (For Me)

My Own Journey with Success

For the longest time, achievement has been one of my core values. I’ve always viewed it as the sense of accomplishing a task, applying myself honorably, and keeping promises to myself. In many ways, this definition of achievement has been a guiding principle in my life, driving me to work hard, pursue my goals, and push myself to be better. This for me has always been the heart of success.

At its essence, achievement remains valuable. It’s about effort, skill, and courage. But somewhere along the way, the definition of success in society shifted. It became less about growth and more about results—about what you have to show for your efforts. Success became tied to accumulating wealth, reaching certain milestones, or proving your worth through external validation.

I no longer define success by how much I achieve for the sake of competition or validation. Instead, I choose fulfillment. A more profound, more lasting sense of inner peace. Fulfillment means aligning with what feels right, staying true to my values, and finding joy in the process, not just the results.

Why Fulfillment Feels More Aligned with Who I Am

Fulfillment, for me, feels like coming home. It’s about aligning my actions with my values, choosing peace over hustle, and embracing the journey rather than obsessing over the destination. I’ve found that when I focus on fulfillment, I experience a deeper sense of purpose. Instead of chasing something outside of myself to feel complete, I’m learning to embrace who I already am.

For example, I used to believe that success meant always being productive, always moving forward. But I’ve learned that sometimes, the most meaningful progress looks like slowing down. Taking a long walk. Sitting in stillness. Letting myself enjoy something without turning it into a task to complete. The more I lean into this, the more I realize: this is what success feels like to me.

The Pressure of “Success”

We live in a world that glorifies hustle culture. Success is often measured by how busy you are, how much you’ve accomplished, and how much you can show for it. Society, social media, and even well-meaning people around us reinforce this idea: work harder, do more, be better. There’s this unspoken expectation to climb the ladder, whether in your career, social status, or personal achievements.

I used to believe that if I kept pushing, I’d eventually reach a place of security and happiness. But the more I achieved, the more the goalposts moved. It wasn’t until I paused and asked myself, What am I actually chasing? that I realized success, as the world defines it, wasn’t fulfilling me.

When the Path Costs More Than the Prize

Achievement, in itself, is not the enemy. Reaching a goal, creating something meaningful, or improving your life can be deeply fulfilling. The problem isn’t in the result—it’s in the path we take to get there.

Too often, achievement comes at a cost we don’t see until we’re already paying it. The sleepless nights, the endless striving, the quiet erosion of the things that make life feel rich. We push, hustle, sacrifice, believing that once we arrive, the exhaustion will be worth it. But what if the path we take leaves us too depleted to even enjoy where we end up?

I’ve learned that the process matters just as much as the outcome. If success comes at the cost of my peace, my relationships, or my well-being, then is it truly success? If the pursuit drains the joy from my life, can I really call it an achievement?

Success should not require self-abandonment. Fulfillment happens when the journey is just as nourishing as the destination.

Am I Re-defining Success Because I Haven’t “Made It”?

Some might wonder if my shift in perspective is a way of coping with unmet expectations. But this isn’t about surrendering ambition or lowering my standards. It’s about recognizing that external achievements alone don’t lead to lasting contentment. Even when I reached my goals, I still felt a lingering emptiness. That realization wasn’t a failure—it was an awakening.

Success, as the world defines it, didn’t give me the peace I thought it would. So I made the choice to redefine it in a way that actually nourishes me. True fulfillment isn’t about doing more, it’s about being more present, more aligned, more at peace.

At the start of 2025, I was fortunate enough to move into a more secure home—a milestone I had worked hard for. I had poured in long hours, pushed myself to earn more, and made sacrifices to afford the big transitions unfolding in my life. On paper, it was an achievement I could be proud of. Yet, something unsettling lingered beneath the surface.

Despite my gratitude, a part of me felt like it was slipping away. I spent less time talking to my daughter, less time laughing with her, and more time chasing the next goal. Though everything seemed to be falling into place, I felt an ache—disconnected from my family, my well-being, and even myself. It was a strange place to be: both grateful and deeply unsettled.

That moment forced me to confront a truth I had been avoiding. While gaining more, I was slowly losing what truly nourished me. My achievements were real, but so was the quiet distance growing between me and the life that once felt full of joy and meaning. 

Practical Steps to Shift from Achievement to Fulfillment

If fulfillment resonates with you, but the idea of shifting feels overwhelming, here are small, tangible steps to move in that direction:

• Set joy-based goals – Instead of focusing on outcomes, ask yourself: What brings me peace? What makes me feel alive? Let those be the markers of success.
• Create space for reflection – Regularly pause to check in with yourself. Does this path still feel right? Does it align with what I truly want?
• Allow yourself to slow down – Not every moment needs to be productive. Make space for rest, presence, and the simple joys of daily life.
• Redefine progress – Progress doesn’t have to be external. Emotional growth, deeper relationships, and personal well-being matter just as much as career or financial achievements.

A Gentle Invitation to Redefine Success

If you find yourself caught in the relentless pursuit of achievement, I invite you to pause and reflect:

• What would success look like if it wasn’t tied to external validation?
• What if fulfillment was the goal instead?
• What would change if I allowed myself to enjoy the process, instead of only focusing on the outcome?

Success doesn’t have to mean doing more or proving your worth. It can mean living in alignment with your values, finding joy in the process, and embracing the journey. When fulfillment becomes the focus, life feels richer, more meaningful, and ultimately, more peaceful.

Whatever success means to you, I hope you find it in a way that nourishes your soul.

Disclaimer: The insights shared in this post are based on personal experience and what has helped me. This is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you’re struggling, please seek support from a qualified professional who can provide guidance tailored to your needs.

Additionally, nothing shared here is meant to take away from or minimize the experiences of others. Every journey is valid, and what helps one person may not be the right fit for another. 💛