Redefining Success
August 11, 2020
Somehow, despite the many major shifts and changes we've witnesses this year, we’ve blown past the halfway point of 2020. As the school year begins and the colder months loom, it’s hard not to focus on what we still have yet to accomplish.
Perhaps you’re approaching a milestone age and feel cheated out of an extra year. Maybe you were working towards a big life transition that had to be put on pause. Instead of taking a risk to fulfill a dream, maybe all your energy is now spent on simply maintaining what you have. If this sounds like you, you’re not alone — and it’s okay.
That said, it might not feel okay. It might feel like loss, disappointment, guilt, shame, or failure. Those are tough emotions to hold in the body. And so, since we are all, in one way or another, in the same boat, it's time for a giant culture shift. Instead of defining success as the things we get in exchange for hard work, let's define success by the hard work. These days, results aren't always guaranteed. And maybe, just maybe, what's left is the real important stuff.
If you're still not sure what we mean, we've curated a list of things that we think are major successes for anyone living in 2020 (and perhaps from now on). How many of these have you achieved this year? What else would you add to the list?
Things that are successful in 2020:
- Reconnecting with friends and family (virtually or in person)
- Adopting an animal
- Investing in self-care
- Getting out of bed in a good mood
- Discovering a new hobby (or reigniting an old one)
- Slowing down
- Learning to be truly present
- Finding a creative new way to safely travel
- Finishing a book
- Adopting a consistent walking routine
- Prioritizing yourself over others
- Adopting healthy habits
- Working out at home
- Sharpening your kitchen skills
- Getting back in touch with your imagination
- Taking a road trip
- Getting involved in your community
- Becoming politically active
- Having long conversations
- Looking at the stars
- Appreciating the outdoors
- Learning to paint your own nails
- Learning to cut your own hair
- Becoming your own IT person
- Remodeling your own home
- Making your bed in the morning
- Writing letters to friends and family
- Dancing in your room as a form of cardio
- Finding humor in scary things
- Getting to know your neighbors
- Getting to know yourself
The world has changed, but so have we. Success can no longer solely be defined in old terms: money, career, relationships. Success is surviving, embracing creativity, tenacity, and the ability to thrive despite tough circumstances. It's letting go of what you want because it's not what you need. It's unconditional love.
Have you found yourself mourning the loss of your goals this year? How do you define success? Let us know in the comments.