In the age of instant fame and relentless ambition, it’s easy to lose sight of who we truly are. I love watching documentaries. Through their lens—whether about true crime or the tragic falls of superstars—I notice a recurring theme: the heartbreaking disconnection from one’s true self in pursuit of an ideal.
We see it time and again: artists and performers, initially driven by passion, become entangled in a web of expectations and external validation. Their original spark gets overshadowed by the glittering allure of fame, leading them down a path of self-destructive behavior to numb the growing dissonance within.
But this struggle isn’t confined to the stars on our screens. It’s something we all grapple with. We’re often told that success demands hard work and compromise. While there’s truth in perseverance, we must be cautious about what we’re willing to compromise. Letting go of superficialities is one thing; sacrificing our soul, our essence, is another matter entirely.
I vividly recall a client who approached me with a popular strategy she wanted to implement, one she had seen others thrive with. On paper, it seemed like a logical step. But deep down, I knew it wasn’t aligned with my true self—or hers. When I told her, “I don’t do that,” she was shocked.
Who refuses potential work? Especially when you can do it? She couldn’t understand at first. She knew I had the skills, but the fact remained: I didn’t believe in it. So, I shared what I did believe in—that she needed to step out into the world, get curious, connect with her audience, and let her business evolve naturally. “What you’re trying to create will create itself,” I said.
I knew she didn’t love that answer. But she took it to heart. A year later, she called me back, excited and brimming with ideas. She had found her footing, and her business was growing—thriving, even. She told me that trusting the process and engaging with her work from a place of curiosity had made all the difference.
Your business is a living, breathing thing. It evolves as you evolve. But here’s the catch: you have to be in your business, not lost in your head about it.
This experience reinforced what I’ve learned time and again: alignment is vital for sustainability. True success isn’t about accolades or external validation; it’s about living in harmony with who we are. When we honor ourselves and stay true to what we believe, we lay the groundwork for a life—and a business—that feels rich and meaningful, no matter how the world chooses to measure it.
So, as you navigate your own path, I invite you to pause and reflect: Am I honoring myself in this moment? Am I pursuing what truly matters to me, or am I getting caught up in the noise? These small moments of reflection can make all the difference in ensuring your pursuit of success remains aligned with your essence.
P.S. If you liked this article, I think you’ll appreciate Anna’s take on happiness. In her piece, “Is there a Road to Happiness?”, explores the layers of thought and how they shape our experience of joy, love, and even self-compassion.
