The Shift: Rather than only tracking accomplishments, notice how aligned you feel with your values, joy, and presence.

Practice: Each week, reflect on this question: “Did I show up as who I want to be?”

Celebrate the moments—especially the small ones—when the answer is yes.

We are taught to measure success by outcomes. Did we get the A? The promotion? The deal? Was the project a win?

These markers can be meaningful, but they often keep us on a treadmill—chasing the next goal, the next “success,” without pause. What gets overlooked is how we showed up in the process.

When I reflect on whether I’ve honored my values—whether I’ve led with kindness, authenticity, or presence—I feel a different kind of fulfillment. I feel joy when I experience a real connection with a colleague, a friend, or a neighbor.

No one at a family gathering asks what awards I’ve won or what milestone I’ve reached. What matters is how I’ve shown up. Did I listen? Did I love well? Was I present?

I want to be remembered as a caring, compassionate friend and colleague. How do you want to show up?

Be kind to yourself. Often, when we lead with who we want to be, the outcomes take care of themselves.