Work, Life, Growth

There’s something I’ve been quietly wrestling with, and it may come as a surprise to those around me.

What is it?

Success.

If I’m honest, there are moments when I look around and think, Am I doing enough? I catch myself comparing and realizing that, by certain standards, I don’t seem to measure up.

We live in a world that makes it very clear what success is supposed to look like—seven figures, multiple business locations, numerous passive income streams, luxury vacations, and more. And if you aren’t meeting that mark, the narrative suggests that you aren’t doing enough…that you aren’t successful.

So let me go ahead and break the news to you…

I don’t have millions in the bank, and I still have a long way to go before I do. My business is growing, but it is still small, with humble beginnings. My impact is real and meaningful, but I’ve never come close to having a viral influence. My car was new when my dad gave it to me in college, and now it’s 20 years old. I still have to budget for family outings, and oftentimes I have to decline invitations that don’t fit within that budget. My idea of splurging is buying strawberry cheesecake ice cream from the grocery store. And frankly, sometimes it is frustrating to admit that I have helped those who I mentor and consult experience faster growth than I’ve ever seen in myself.

Because of these things, and those curated social media highlights, I often feel like I am lacking and behind the curve. Frankly, I often feel unsuccessful.

Lately, I’ve been working extremely hard to shift my mindset and adjust my perspective on what success truly means.

I remind myself that every week, I sit with patients who have been dismissed for years, and I get to help them finally address their concerns. I mentor and pour into other therapists who are trying to grow professionally while building something sustainable and ethical in a healthcare system that often burns them out. I have the opportunity to educate the next generation of physios and speak to various groups not just in my local community, but internationally, about the impact physical therapists can have.

And in the middle of all of it, I get to homeschool my children alongside my husband. I get to be present for their questions. I’ve taught two of them to read, and I get to experience the wonder of our science experiments taking over the kitchen table.

When I pause and acknowledge these things, I realize that I am doing enough.

And yet… I can still feel small when compared to the cultural scoreboard.

There’s a sobering truth I’m learning:

Extreme wealth is not the only measure of success.

Money matters. Every time I go to the grocery store, I’m reminded that I can’t pretend it doesn’t. Sustainability matters. Growth matters. I am ambitious. I have goals. I want my family and my business to thrive, and I want to see others thrive as well.

But if I define success solely by a revenue milestone, I will miss the miracle of what is already happening.

So I’m practicing a new way of thinking.

I am successful when I help patients prepare for, avoid, and recover from surgery.
I am successful when I help a struggling therapist overcome mental barriers and rediscover their passion.
I am successful when I block my schedule to be fully present for a homeschool science fair.
I am successful when I park my old Focus next to the newest electric vehicle.
I am successful when someone takes my advice and it leads to financial breakthrough for them.
I am successful even if my impact never extends beyond my small social media following.

Maybe success is alignment with the purpose for my life.
Maybe it’s uncompromising integrity.
Maybe it’s the freedom to set my own schedule.
Maybe it’s an impact that can’t be quantified.

I’m still redefining it. I’m still learning how to adjust my mindset.

I still feel the pull of comparison. I still have days where I want bigger, faster, louder results.

But I’m learning to practice gratitude in the middle of the climb.

I’m not a millionaire, but I am building something that matters.

And I’m learning that might be success, too.