“Legacy isn’t just what you achieve . . . it’s how you lead when no one’s watching, and how you sustain it when no one’s clapping.”
This is one of my favorite quotes when we think about success. We all have different definitions of success . . . the question is what happens to the success that you’re achieving right now?
When I started my career in financial services, I had a small, whiteboard-style sign hanging in my office. It said, “You are stronger than you think.” At first, it was just a nice thing to look at. But as time went on, it became a reminder of what was possible on the days that didn’t feel so possible.
We all have those days. Days when it feels like we’re giving everything we’ve got, and yet, there’s more to do, more people to support, more expectations to meet. And somehow, in the middle of that, we’re also supposed to smile, lead, and thrive.
But thriving doesn’t mean running at full speed until you burn out. In fact, in a survey of 5,000 working women, nearly one in four report feeling job burnout, according to Deloitte’s Women @ Work 2024 report.
Thriving means:
- Creating success that’s meaningful and manageable.
- Leading with resilience, protecting your energy, and building a life and business that reflect your values—not just your calendar.
Here are 4 sections to consider for your sustainable success:
- Beyond the myth: We all know that work-life balance is a myth. It’s like chasing perfection. Balance isn’t about doing it all . . . it’s about not losing yourself while doing what matters. Maybe we need to focus on alignment.
Alignment means your energy reflects your priorities. It means your schedule reflects your values. It means success isn’t something you achieve at the cost of yourself.
If you ask a number of people what work-life balance is or is it a real thing, you’ll get a variety of answers. True balance doesn’t exist. Life is constantly in flux. Things are always changing. You can’t separate life from work or work from life.
When you feel like you’re getting out of balance . . . choose YOU!
I have another addition as well. Let’s add in harmony. What is that and is that real? It simply means . . . wherever you are, you are present. When you’re at work, you’re present. When you’re home, you’re present . . . wherever you are, you’re present. It even sounds better. And remember that presence is the new power move! - Resilience in action—Resilience isn’t bouncing back…it’s about bouncing forward: It’s the ability to lead through change, uncertainty and pressure without losing yourself in the process. The most resilient women I know don’t have it all figured out . . . they’ve just learned to trust themselves in the process.
Resilience is often thought of as the ability to push through tough times, bounce back from setbacks and keep going no matter what. But real resilience isn’t about endurance, it’s about energy management. It’s not about surviving challenges but knowing how to recharge, recover and rebuild so you can thrive. It’s easy as 1-2-3 . . . 1-reframe setbacks as feedback; 2-build rituals that ground you; and 3-ask for support before you need it—and take it when it’s offered.
Your bounce doesn’t have to be perfect . . . it just has to be forward. - Boundaries that build: Boundaries are not walls. They are bridges to your values. Boundaries are brave, not selfish. When you say no to something, you’re saying yes to something else: your focus, your peace and your future. Boundaries are about saying YES to yourself!
With boundaries also comes your comfort zone. Did you know that comfort zones are meant to be outgrown. In fact, the comfort zone expands the more we push its edges. Your comfort zone is a great place to visit, maybe even a place to take a power nap . . . but don’t spend your life there. When you step out, it’s uncomfortable at first and soon you’ve found your new comfort zone . . . but don’t get too comfy because it will happen over and over, if you allow it. It’s what I call, the business cha-cha. My thought is always what’s the worst that can happen? And to that I add, what’s the best that can happen? - Success that sticks: This is where you design a life that you don’t need to escape from. Sustainable success isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters . . . with intention. When you lead from a place of clarity, your results follow. When you prioritize from a place of purpose, your energy lasts longer. And when you surround yourself with community, you don’t have to carry the weight alone.
What kind of legacy are you building . . . not just in results, but in how you lead others?
If you had to write your own whiteboard affirmation, what would it say?
Think about one that anchors your focus for this season of your life and career. Write what you want to live into because it matters.
When you lead with intention, protect your time and honor your purpose, you don’t just succeed, you sustain your success.
Let’s end these thoughts with another favorite quote to tie it up in a bow: “Legacy isn’t what you leave after . . . it’s how you show up now, when no one’s watching”
