How do we define “success?”

This post started as an IG story and turned into a post because I want to hear from YOU.

I read an article in Elle called “What comes after ambition?” (Read here) The summary is that women’s ambitions are shifting from “traditional” values like paycheck and title to values that increasingly lie outside of work.

This article struck me because I have been thinking A LOT about this topic over the past year. Grappling with it, to be honest.

I too have found myself increasingly redefining what success means to me. It has taken years, having a kid, and a pandemic to make me realize I don’t have to follow a certain mold because that’s “how it has always been done.” I felt so much guilt leaving a traditional clinic setting and starting my own. I was scared what people would think of me. For my entire life success to me was defined as collecting awards, academic achievement, getting into my dream college med school specialty residency etc and after all that…was I happy? Was I TRULY happy and fulfilled? Does success always have to be measured by my job title, how many patients I see, how much money I make?

No. Not anymore. Not to me.

Now my idea of success includes time I get to spend with my child, my spouse, our parents, focusing on fewer but higher quality friendships, creating a career that’s intellectually stimulating and rewarding. I value independence and autonomy in my job, where I call 100% of the shots. I want a career that is flexible, where I control my schedule, something I can do remotely if I’m traveling.

I am not LESS ambitious than before, and it took me a while to understand that ambition and success don’t have to be defined in a set way. I have even more ideas about where I want to expand my business! In fact I am now busier than ever between my multiple roles as dermatologist, entrepreneur, content creator, wife, Mom, daughter, etc.

I’m excited about my career

I want to hear from you. How has your definition of ambition and/or success evolved over time? What factors played a role in your shift in thinking? And how did that change your career?

Please share in the comments. I would love to have this discussion together