She Strengthens

Rethinking Success: Why Flexibility is Key to Happiness

For a long time, I measured my success by the clock, mapping out every milestone and deadline. But life had other plans, and my rigid “life plan” left me feeling unhappy and unfulfilled.

Embracing the Unknown

By the end of 2020, I realized that my personal KPIs needed a reboot. Life is fluid, and we must adapt to its twists and turns. We gain, we lose, and we start anew. It’s unrealistic to expect a straight line to success, and I’ve learned to be more flexible with my expectations.

Why Flexibility Matters

Replacing rigid milestones with a flexible path to success and happiness has numerous benefits:

A Healthier Relationship with Age

Tying goals to age can lead to depression and anxiety. I’ve stopped worrying about how “successful” I’m supposed to be by a certain age and focus on evaluating my happiness and stress management instead.

More Potential for Happiness

Giving yourself room to breathe and not beating yourself up over setbacks can lead to increased happiness. Be kind to yourself, and remember that it’s okay to take things one step at a time.

Less Unnecessary Pressure

We often put too much pressure on ourselves, carrying the weight of our parents’ expectations or our own self-criticism. Learning to cut ourselves some slack can lead to a more balanced and peaceful life.

More Freedom

Rigid goals can limit our opportunities and freedom to explore different paths. By embracing flexibility, we can take risks and discover new avenues to success and happiness.

Stop Comparing Yourself to Others

Focusing on our own pace and progress, rather than comparing ourselves to others, can bring a sense of relief and contentment. Remember, everyone’s journey is unique, and success is not a one-size-fits-all formula.

Ditching the Milestone Mentality

It’s time to rethink our approach to success and happiness. By embracing flexibility and ditching the milestone mentality, we can create a more fulfilling and joyful life. So, go ahead and unsubscribe from those “X under X” lists – you’re more amazing than you think!