Redefining Success: What Does a 'Good Life' Really Look Like?

For most of our lives, we are taught that success means achievement, wealth, status, and stability. Society conditions us to believe that a big house, a well-paying job, and a carefully planned retirement are the hallmarks of a life well lived. But what happens when life shifts in ways we never expected? What happens when our circumstances, priorities, and even our definition of happiness change?

I’ve been reflecting deeply on this question, especially after my recent move. I went from a five-bedroom house to a one-bedroom apartment, a transition that once felt like a loss but now feels like freedom. For years, I held onto things, believing they were important—yet, as I let them go, I realized they were just that: things. They didn’t define my success. If anything, they were weighing me down from what truly mattered.

So, what does a successful life actually look like? I believe the answer isn’t in how much we accumulate but in how deeply we live.

The Shift: From External Success to Internal Fulfillment

At one point, I measured success by the standards set by the world—career achievements, financial security, and long-term planning. But as I step into this new chapter, I’m realizing that true success isn’t about what I own or what title I held—it’s about how I feel at the end of each day.

Success, to me, now looks like:

✔ Waking up with a sense of purpose, even if it's a small one.

✔ Feeling peace in my heart, even when life isn’t perfect.

✔ Making meaningful connections with people, rather than accumulating things.

✔ Learning from those who have walked before me and embracing the wisdom that can’t be found in books.

✔ Being present—truly present—rather than always chasing “what’s next.”

This transition has helped me see that life is no longer about being stationary—the job is no longer keeping me in one place, and my children are grown and independent. So why should I tie myself down with things when what I really want is to experience the world, meet new people, and live fully?

Happiness vs. Fulfillment: What Are We Really Chasing?

One of the biggest shifts in my mindset has been realizing the difference between happiness and fulfillment.

Happiness is fleeting. It’s the rush of excitement after buying something new, the high of a great vacation, the joy of a fun night out. But it fades.

Fulfillment is deeper.It’s the feeling that your life has meaning, that you’ve made a difference, that you’re at peace with who you are. It doesn’t always come with excitement, but it lasts.

We spend so much time chasing happiness—believing that if we just achieve one more thing, buy one more thing, reach one more milestone, we will feel complete. But real success comes when we stop running and start appreciating.

Lessons from Those Who Have Lived Before Us

One of the most incredible parts of my transition has been meeting new people in my independent living community. These are individuals who have lived 90-plus years, and their stories are filled with resilience, sacrifice, and experiences that no history book could ever capture.

Listening to them has reminded me that success isn’t just about what we achieve—it’s about what we pass on. Their success isn’t in their bank accounts or the houses they lived in; it’s in the love they shared, the people they helped, and the memories they created.

They’ve also taught me another hard truth: Mobility changes, life slows down, and one day, we won’t be able to do everything we once did. But instead of fearing that, I’m learning to embrace it. Maybe the lesson isn’t in how much we accomplish but in how well we take in each moment

A New Definition of Success

So, what does success mean to me now? It’s no longer about titles, possessions, or plans for a distant future.

Success is waking up and knowing I’m living a life that feels right.

Success is choosing experiences over things.

Success is being present in the moment, appreciating what I have instead of longing for what I don’t.

Success is loving and being loved in return.

And maybe, just maybe, success is learning that we were never meant to chase life—just to live it.

Your Turn: What Does Success Look Like to You?

If you’ve ever questioned what a “good life” truly means, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Has your definition of success changed over time? What truly matters to you now? Drop a comment below—I’d love to learn from your journey too.