At the start of a new year, it’s easy to feel the pressure to set goals that look impressive on paper—earning more, getting fitter, climbing the career ladder. But sometimes, these “traditional” markers of success don’t actually bring the satisfaction we’re hoping for. True success often looks very different when we consider what really matters: calm, connection, purpose and balance.
This year, instead of chasing what everyone else calls “successful,” what if we focused on goals that stretch us in unexpected ways, shift our perspective and deepen our sense of fulfilment?
In this article we explore how we define success and what that looks like for you.
7 Goals That Challenge How We Define Success
Here are seven goals that challenge the usual definition of success—and some practical ways to make them a reality in your life.
1. Prioritise Rest and Recovery
It sounds almost counterintuitive in a culture obsessed with productivity but setting a goal to rest more is powerful. True rest isn’t just about sleep—it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down, to pause between tasks and to allow your mind and body to recharge.
For example, last year I committed to switching off my phone by 9 p.m. each evening.
Initially, it felt unusual and a little uncomfortable. I guess that just goes to show how reliant we become on our phones and how used we are to reaching for them or having them next to us.
However, over time, as I put my phone away regularly during the day and reached for it less often, I noticed my mood and sleep improved, my focus sharpened and I was able to approach my work with more clarity and energy.
Prioritising rest also means recognising that downtime isn’t wasted—it’s essential. Try building micro-breaks into your day, taking walks outside, or simply sitting quietly with a cup of tea without distractions. These moments might seem small but they compound into better mental clarity, reduced stress and a renewed sense of motivation.
Practical tip: Schedule rest like an appointment. Even 20 minutes of mindful pause during the day can reset your energy and help you approach tasks with a fresh perspective.
2. Nurture Deeper Connections
How we define success isn’t just about networks, followers or professional contacts—it’s about meaningful relationships. Strong, authentic connections improve wellbeing, reduce stress and give life a sense of richness that achievements alone can’t provide.
For myself, I started phoning friends a few times a year, instead of relying on texts or emails and the joy it created on both sides surprised me. It made me feel richer in connection than any professional milestone I’d ticked off.
Humans are social creatures and our mental health and happiness relies very much on the depth of our connections.
Nurturing relationships also means being intentional with your time. Set aside moments to really listen, to celebrate someone else’s achievements, or simply to check in without any agenda. It could be a phone call, a coffee date, or even a short message to show you care. These small gestures build trust, closeness and a sense of belonging that lasts far longer than temporary career wins.
Practical tip: Aim for one intentional connection per week, whether a long call, a coffee date, or a note of appreciation. Keep a list of people you want to connect with and make it a gentle habit to reach out.
3. Slow Down and Simplify
A goal to slow down and simplify challenges the idea that success means constant doing. When life is full of endless To Do lists, notifications and pressures, we can easily feel scattered and stressed.
Last year I decided to spend one weekend a month without social media and although it felt uncomfortable at first, it made space for reading, long walks and real conversations. I came back to my usual routines feeling calmer, clearer and more present.
Simplifying doesn’t have to be extreme or overwhelming. Start by identifying one area of your life where you feel cluttered or stretched too thin—your wardrobe, your digital inbox, or even your weekend schedule.
Then, take small, intentional steps to streamline it. Saying “no” to unnecessary commitments, tidying a single space at a time, or setting limits on screen time can make a big difference to your overall energy and sense of control.
Practical tip: Choose one area to simplify this month and create a small, actionable plan. Notice how decluttering your physical or mental space changes your energy and focus.
Further Reading: 20 Ways to Simplify Your Life
4. Develop a New Skill Just for Joy
Learning something purely for pleasure—without pressure or professional gain—can feel radical in a results-driven world. Pick a skill that excites you, whether it’s painting, knitting, playing an instrument, cooking new recipes, or writing short stories. The goal isn’t mastery; it’s enjoyment, curiosity and the sense of achievement that comes from exploring something new.
I’ve found that practising a skill purely for fun can be surprisingly grounding. I’m re-learning to the play piano and loving it.
In terms of how we define success, it’s a break from the constant measuring of success, a chance to experience flow and an opportunity to nurture creativity. Even small, consistent practice—say 20–30 minutes a week—can bring a sense of fulfilment and lightness that spills into other areas of life.
Practical tip: Set aside 30 minutes a week to practise your chosen skill. Celebrate progress, not perfection and remember that learning for joy is an achievement in itself.
Further Reading: 9 Ways Minimalism Boosts Creativity and Fun
5. Cultivate Mindful Awareness
Mindfulness isn’t only for meditation apps; it’s a way of noticing life as it happens and fully engaging with the present moment. When we rush through days on autopilot, we often miss the simple joys that make life meaningful.
I make a point of really noticing my morning cup of tea—the warmth of the cup, the aroma, the taste. It sounds small but these moments ground my day and keep me connected to the present, helping me approach tasks with calm attention rather than frantic energy.
Mindfulness can be as simple as pausing before meals, taking a few deep breaths before responding to emails, or spending a few minutes outside noticing nature. Over time, these tiny practices create mental space, reduce stress and enhance clarity, focus, and appreciation for everyday moments.
Practical tip: Start with a 5-minute mindful practice each morning, or simply pause before meals to notice your senses and surroundings.
6. Give Without Expectation
Generosity is often overlooked as a measure of success. One small way I’ve done this is by checking in on my elderly neighbour, making sure she has enough food and stopping by for a cup of tea and a chat.
These simple moments of connection and care have brought more fulfilment than I expected, and the impact ripples beyond the act itself—it strengthens relationships, fosters gratitude and adds a sense of purpose to everyday life.
Giving doesn’t have to be grand or costly. Even small gestures—a note, a meal, a phone call, or helping someone with a task—can make a meaningful difference. It’s not about recognition or reward but about contributing positively to someone else’s day, which in turn enriches your own.
Practical tip: Identify one small way to give this week—a call to someone who needs support, a visit, or helping a neighbour with a task. Make it part of your weekly routine so generosity becomes habitual.
7. Honour Your Own Definition of Success
Finally, perhaps the most important goal of all is to define success on your own terms. Reflect on what truly matters to you this year and design your goals around that.
For me and my blog, for example, my “success” isn’t measured by the number of products I launch or my follower count on social media, but by the calm and clarity I hope my readers gain from my work.
Although, like any business, I have expenses to cover, I try very hard to not be salesy, spammy or pushy. I’d rather honour my slow, non-hustle style of working and be authentic, honest and simple in my approach.
My blog brings me meaning, helps me give back to the community and I hope helps you find meaning and purpose too. That clarity reshaped my priorities and my calendar, guiding the way I allocate my time, energy and focus.
By defining your own version of success, you can make decisions that align with your values and lead to lasting fulfilment rather than temporary achievements.
Take time to reflect, journal, or discuss with a trusted friend what a meaningful year would look like for you.
Practical tip: Write down your top three values for the year. Let these guide all decisions, goals and daily actions. Revisit them regularly to stay aligned.
Further Reading: Define Your Values: 7 Steps to a Clutter-Free, Meaningful Life
YOUR TURN: WHAT DOES SUCCESS MEAN TO YOU?
And now, over to you… How we define success looks different for everyone. What feels meaningful to you this year? Are there goals you’ve been hesitant to set because they don’t “look” like traditional success? I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Here are some ideas for you to reflect on:
- Which of these seven goals could you start this week?
- What’s one unconventional goal you want to pursue in the coming year?
- Have you noticed a shift when you prioritise calm, connection, or joy over productivity?
- Share your ideas—your story might inspire someone else to rethink their definition of success too.
GOAL-SETTING TO DEFINE YOUR OWN SUCCESS
I love setting monthly goals for myself. At work and in my personal life they help me get clarity, find focus and stay aligned with what really matters to me. Putting it simply, they help me make good things happen.
No matter what success means to you, it may be worth you exploring how goal-setting can help you find happiness, purpose and fulfilment.
This isn’t about setting yourself up for failure with goals that aren’t realistic, or that feel too rigid or enjoyable. This is about setting goals that you want and are able to keep – no matter how busy or full your life is.
Click here to read more about the Goal-Setting Workbook.
Here are some more articles that you might find helpful on this topic:
- Why You Need to Celebrate Your Achievements (And Stop Constantly Chasing the Next Thing)
- Comparison Is the Thief of Joy: How to Step Off the Comparison Track
- 6 Practical Tips to Develop Self-Discipline Without Pressure
- 12 One-Month Self-Improvement Challenges to Try This Year
Antonia Colins is the creator of Balance Through Simplicity, a website helping busy, overwhelmed people declutter their home, time and life. She has over 20 years of personal and professional experience in juggling work and family life and supporting individuals to remain independent in and enjoy their home more. In her spare time, you can find Antonia walking, reading or planning her next travel adventure! She lives in the UK with her husband and teenage kids. Get your free Declutter Starter Kit.