Redefining Success on Your Own Terms

Because success that costs your wellbeing isn’t success at all.

We’re told what success is from the moment we enter the world of work. Climb the ladder. Hit the goals. Collect the titles. Keep achieving. Keep pushing. Keep going.

And for many women, that path might look good on the outside—but feel disconnected on the inside.

Because what happens when you get there—wherever “there” is—and realise it doesn’t feel how you thought it would? Or when you’ve ticked all the boxes, but you’re exhausted, uninspired, or quietly asking yourself, Is this it?

Here’s the truth: success that requires you to abandon yourself, your values, or your wellbeing is not success worth striving for.

The old model isn’t working

The traditional narrative of success—linear, externally validated, achievement-obsessed—wasn’t built with women’s lives, cycles, wisdom, or complexity in mind. It leaves little room for rest, intuition, or alignment. It rarely asks what matters to you? It just asks what’s next?

But you don’t have to subscribe to that version anymore. You get to choose something different.

Redefining success starts with asking better questions

Instead of asking, What should I do next?
Ask: What feels aligned with who I’m becoming?

Instead of, What will impress others?
Try: What brings me energy, meaning, and joy?

Instead of, How can I do more?
Ask: What do I want to create, and who do I want to be while creating it?

When we shift the lens from external achievement to internal alignment, something powerful happens. Success stops being about proving, and starts being about becoming.

Define your version of success

Success can mean:

  1. Feeling calm in your body and proud of your boundaries
  2. Doing work that energises you, even if it’s not what others expect
  3. Having time for your relationships, creativity, or spiritual practice
  4. Leading with integrity and courage, even when it’s uncomfortable
  5. Letting go of perfection and embracing presence

The point is: success gets to be personal.

It doesn’t need to look like anyone else’s. It doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be true—for you.

This is your permission slip

You are allowed to redefine what success means.

You are allowed to shift the metrics.

You are allowed to build a life and career that support—not sabotage—your wholeness.

Success isn’t a destination. It’s a way of being. And when it’s rooted in your values, your vision, and your wellbeing—it becomes sustainable, expansive, and deeply fulfilling.

Author(s)

  • Megan Dalla-Camina

    Founder & CEO Women Rising | Author | Women's Leadership, Empowerment & Wellbeing

    Megan Dalla-Camina is the visionary leader behind Women Rising—a global movement empowering women in leadership, wellbeing, and personal growth. As Founder & CEO, Megan brings a wealth of expertise and a passion for helping women unlock their potential. With an impressive academic background encompassing multiple Masters degrees and extensive research, Megan has honed her insights into actionable strategies that drive real change. She combines her academic and coaching prowess with decades of executive experience in Fortune 100 companies, providing a unique perspective that deeply resonates with women around the world. Through the Women Rising program, Megan has garnered widespread acclaim for her holistic approach to personal and professional development, with more than 5,500 women in 500+ organisations in 37 countries graduating in the past 2 years. With expert coaching, evidence-based content, and a vibrant community, Megan supports women to step into their power, thrive in their careers, and become authentic leaders who make a lasting impact. Her work has featured on major media platforms such as NBC, CNN, Forbes, and more. Megan is a sought-after columnist for Psychology Today and the best-selling author of three influential books: "Getting Real About Having It All," "Lead Like A Woman," and her latest, "Simple Soulful Sacred: A Woman's Guide to Clarity, Comfort, and Coming Home to Herself."