We live in a world that’s obsessed with more—more square footage, more zeros on your paycheck, more followers who liked your brunch photo. From the time we’re kids, we’re taught that higher grades mean you’re doing better, so naturally we grow up thinking: higher salary = more success. Simple math, right?

The message is everywhere: if your life isn’t expanding at an exponential rate, are you even trying?

But here’s the plot twist: society sells us a shiny, glossy version of success that looks great on Instagram but feels kind of…meh in real life. We’ve been taught to chase more—not because it genuinely excites us, but because everyone else is doing it, and somehow, we feel like we’re missing out if we don’t keep up.

This “bigger-is-better” delusion whispers that choosing a simpler life is just code for giving up. That taking a break means you’ve fallen off the success treadmill. That being content is just a fancy word for stagnation. But here’s the reality check: when we measure our success by how much we acquire—whether it’s money, followers, or some made-up status symbol like the “perfect Instagram feed”—we’re basically signing up for burnout, comparison fatigue, and a permanent subscription to “I’m not doing enough” anxiety.

So what is success, really?

Is it a job title? A six-figure income? A bustling social life? Those things can be fulfilling, sure—but they aren’t the only markers of a meaningful life. Sometimes, success is waking up without anxiety. Choosing rest over hustle. Saying no to a job that looks good but feels wrong. Staying small on purpose because it makes you feel whole.

True success isn’t about impressing others—it’s about aligning with yourself.

5 tips to redefine success (on your own terms)

1. Remember: more is not always better (and smaller can be mighty)

Sure, a giant mansion might sound impressive, but does it bring you joy or just stress about dusting the 500 square feet of marble floors? Success isn’t about size—it’s about meaning. If a small, cozy apartment brings you peace, or a modest paycheck lets you live with less stress, then guess what? You’re winning. Chasing ‘bigger’ for the sake of appearances can leave you with more bills, more pressure, and less time for what really matters. Don’t let society’s “bigger is better” mantra make you feel inadequate for not chasing a bigger house or a bigger salary. Choose what actually makes you happy, not what your neighbors (or anyone, really) think is impressive.

2. Stop trying to keep up with the Kardashians

We all know that one friend who’s always sharing their ‘next-level’ life—whether it’s the latest gadget, the trendiest vacation spot, or that amazing promotion they just scored. Honestly, I used to be that friend, and it’s one of the reasons I ended up deleting Instagram (read: why I quit Instagram). It’s all just a highlight reel of the best moments. The truth is, 99% of life is pretty ordinary, yet platforms like Instagram can make it seem like everyone is living their absolute best life, which can leave you feeling pretty dissatisfied with your own. Pro tip: unfollow accounts (or maybe even ditch a whole platform) that make you feel like a failure just because you’re ‘content’ with where you are, and start following people who champion a simpler, more meaningful life instead. Here is a list of influencers that truly inspire me:

• Radhi Devlukia
• UnJaded Jade
• Koko Home
• Hitomi Mochizuki
• Jay Shetty

3. Do less, live more

The hustle culture would have you believe that the more you grind, the more you’ll achieve. But here’s a secret: doing less can actually lead to more satisfaction. It’s all about working smarter, not harder. Take a step back and look at what truly adds value to your life—and cut out what doesn’t. If it’s stressing you out, burning you out, or just filling your schedule with meaningless tasks, it’s time to say “bye-bye” to it. The more you simplify your life, the more space you’ll have for joy, creativity, and real connection. Plus, you’ll actually start noticing the little things that make life amazing—like a quiet morning or a good cup of coffee (or matcha).

4. Find fulfillment in your own terms

Why is it that the world tells us that success is all about money, status, or social media followers? Who decided those were the only things worth measuring? Start defining success by what you find fulfilling. Maybe it’s spending time with your family, pursuing a hobby you’re passionate about, or simply enjoying a quiet day with a good book. These small, meaningful moments are just as important—if not more—than any high-paying job or Instagram milestone. Success is about doing what feels good for your soul, not for your ego. Choose joy over the pursuit of a life you think you should have and instead go after the one that makes you feel whole.

5. Learn to rest (and enjoy it)

This one is crucial: resting doesn’t make you lazy. It makes you human. Somewhere along the way, we got this weird idea that the more we hustle, the more successful we are. But guess what? That’s a lie. In fact, when we don’t take time to rest, we burn out, and our creativity, happiness, and well-being all take a nosedive. So take that nap, binge that show, or spend an afternoon doing absolutely nothing. Rest is an essential part of success—it’s the fuel that lets you keep going without completely crashing. And let’s be honest—no one is at their best when they’re running on empty. In short, success isn’t about working until you’re a shell of a person—it’s about working sustainably, with joy and balance.

Final thoughts

It’s time to smash the myth that success is all about bigger, better, faster. The truth is, success is about living authentically, finding contentment, and carving your own path—no matter how small or unglamorous it might seem to others. So next time someone tells you that your life isn’t expanding fast enough, just smile, nod, and remember: small can be mighty. And you’re doing just fine.

What’s one area of your life where you could redefine success and choose less for more happiness?