We now live in a world where success comes in many different forms. Often, we define success as landing our dream jobs, settling down by a certain age, visiting our dream destinations or owning a home…all that before we turn 30. But it’s important to remember that success can also come from much simpler things. Especially at this day and age, when we’re more chronically online than ever, we tend to compare our achievements to those of others. It’s so easy to do. One moment, we feel proud of something we’ve accomplished, like finishing our daily tasks; and the next, accomplishment would feel insignificant after seeing someone else achieving more, and seemingly with little effort. But the truth is, we rarely see the full picture. We don’t know how much they’ve struggled behind closed doors, or whether…it’s even real. It’s a tough reality many of us face, but it’s the truth. It’s just so easy to fall back into our own insecurities, just because we’re not where we’re expected to be. That’s why it’s important to remind ourselves that success doesn’t always look the same for everyone. For some, success has to be loud and public. For others, it’s quiet and personal. It might simply mean waking up early, staring a new healthy routine or simply getting through a tough day without a breakdown. Every kind of success, no matter how short or long, no matter how small, deserves to be acknowledged and celebrated, not measured against someone else’s. As many of you know, since last year, my life has been a rollercoaster. The year 2024 was literally filled ups and downs in nearly every aspects of my life. From relationship issues, family conflicts, friendship fallouts…all that in a year, one after another. Many times, I’ve found myself in the middle of situations that I didn’t ask for, and honestly, if I hadn’t gone through therapy, I’m not sure how I would’ve made it through. If I hadn’t developed the ability to self-soothe, to remind myself that I, too, have had my own fair share of successes when no one around me is reminding myself of that, honestly, I don’t know where I’d be right now. I’ve never believed that anyone is born stupid. But I do believe that our actions and choices can make us feel that way, especially when we’re comparing ourselves to others. But still, it doesn’t mean that just because we overlooked a few things in the past, or make some poor or reckless decisions, that we’re beyond redemption. We can always come back from them, overcome them and be successful in our own right. Everyone’s journey is different. I certainly thought that by this age, I’d be climbing up the corporate ladder, living in a big city and at least, be engaged. I’d come home to my hotshot fiancée, have a glass of red wine and we’d talk about the day we’ve had in the office while he cooked us dinner. All would be swell. But here’s the thing, I’m not there. And frankly, I don’t think I ever will be, because growing up, I’ve realized that, that kind of life didn’t bring me true happiness. I’ve worked my ass off for that kind of life, and I’ve seen my friends who have achieved that kind of life, but just because it wasn’t for me anymore, doesn’t mean I’m any less successful than them. Pivoting in a direction that not everyone understands doesn’t mean that we’re lost. And it definitely doesn’t mean that we’ve failed. It just means that we’re self-aware. It means that we’re brave enough to pause, reassess and start again. We’re choosing growth over comfort. And that, too, is a form of success. Because let’s face it, not everyone has the courage to ‘rework’ their vision in life. Just because others seem to be achieving their goals easily doesn’t mean that you’re falling behind. It doesn’t mean you’re failing in life, either. It simply means that your path is different. Your focus, isn’t supposed to be on one thing, but on some other, better things. Your definition of success just simply needs to shift, and maybe, you’re meant for a different kind of success altogether. One thing I’ve learned from a seminar I volunteered at last year really stuck with me. One of the speakers said, “Do what makes you cry. That’s how you’ll know it’s your true passion”. And maybe that’s the key. Maybe success isn’t about ticking boxes or racing the clock. Maybe it’s about finding the thing that moves you, challenges you, breaks you open and choosing to pursue it anyway. Even if takes longer. Even if no one else understands your vision, right now. Because in the end, your path is yours alone. And that, in itself, is something to be proud of. Sincerely, Cherie. The Whiffler is free today. But if you enjoyed this post, you can tell The Whiffler that their writing is valuable by pledging a future subscription. You won't be charged unless they enable payments.
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Tuesday, 26 August 2025
I'll Get There, I Promise.
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