Redefining Success: Why Hustle Culture Isn’t My Vibe (And What Actually Is)
Once upon a time, I thought success looked like back-to-back meetings, overflowing inboxes, and that whole “hustle-hard-boss-bitch” energy.
Some people thrive in that world and honestly, I’ve always admired it. Sometimes even felt a little jealous of it. Wondered why I couldn’t keep up. Why I didn’t want it badly enough to make more sacrifices and push myself harder.
But now? Now I’m fully up, over, and a little way down the other side of the hill, I’ve realised that version of success is not for me. And I’m 1000% okay with that.
We’ve Been Sold the "Success" Illusion
We’ve been brainwashed to believe success means riches. Fancy cars. Showroom houses. Picture-perfect holidays. All Instagram-worthy and neatly packaged.
And sure, that can be success - if it lights you up! But me? I’ve never felt more successful than I do right now. And let me tell you, my version looks a little… different.
My Version of Success Looks Like This:
I’ve found a routine. Not a rigid, soul-sucking routine — a rhythm that soothes the anxiety that once ruled my world.
I’ve found balance. It’s messy, imperfect, but somehow… my mental health, creativity, and relationship with life finally play as a team.
I’ve found peace. For so long, I tried to shout my side of the story — all while drinking the poison of other people’s opinions. Now? I’ve let go. If others believe their version, they’re not my people.
I’ve found art. My creative spark wandered off for a while — along with my identity — but small daily practices introduced me to painting and led me back to creating, to writing, to rediscovering the bold, chaotic, colourful girl I’d hidden away.
I’ve found the space to give on a deeper level. Through fundraising in my brother’s memory, through my work with the Geraldton Women’s Shed — and through connecting with my purpose.
The Proud Moments You Don’t See on Instagram
But my proudest, most successful moments? They’re not flashy. They’re not Insta-worthy.
They’re moments like sitting around my dining table, all five of my kids there — chaotic, messy, overstimulating, loud… and completely mine.
And I’m not here to sugar coat life, parenting, or be holy-than-thou about family is all that matters. So let me be real and say there were times I thought this day would never come. Raising teenagers, toddlers, and newborns all at once — with a FIFO husband — I was convinced I was failing the biggest project of my life: motherhood.
I thought my kids would grow up to hate me.
Hate each other.
Hate the life I’d given them.
But they don’t.
Even when I thought I was failing… I should’ve been kinder to myself. Slowed down. Stayed present.
Slowing Down Brought Clarity (and a Little Peace)
It’s taken me a hot minute (…okay, years… decades even) to realise:
The best things happen when I slow down long enough to hear myself again. When I let the chaos just be around me not allowing it to crush me. When I let things get quiet while surrounded by noise. When I allow the world to keep spinning as fast as it likes while taking moments to recalibrate myself. Get to know myself and what I actually want so I can build a life that feels authentic to me.
So here’s to building businesses and, more importantly, lives that feel good… not just look good.
Success isn’t a one-size-fits-all vibe. So don’t go chasing (I wanna say waterfalls… but let’s keep it deep) other people’s versions of success.
I love being a homebody. I love watching my friends post epic travel pics. I love having quiet days to paint, write, be alone… and I love seeing my friends successfully juggle businesses, families, homes, and still have a buzzing social life.
I genuinely do.
So if you strip away all those “shoulds” - all the glossy, typical, pre-packaged versions of success… what does your version feel like?
Honestly… I’d love to hear it.
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