In the latest episode of The Marketing in the Margins Podcast, we dove deep into a topic that’s more relevant than ever – the myth of overnight success and how we need to start rethinking success.
It all started with a random thought during my bedtime routine, leading to a profound realization about how we, as entrepreneurs, perceive success.
The Allure of Instant Success
In our digital era, particularly the world of TikTok and similar platforms, we are bombarded with tales of rapid, monumental success – “Make $10 million in minutes!” they say!
But this narrative has subtly shifted our perception, making it seem like lightning-fast success is the only kind worth celebrating.
This realization hit me hard, leading to a TikTok that sparked a ton of like-minded conversation.
The ‘Bravofication’ Effect & Rethinking Success
In my quest to understand this phenomenon, I stumbled upon the concept of the ‘Bravofication effect.’
It suggests that a whole generation of people grew up with skewed perceptions of success and affluence, influenced heavily by shows like “The Real Housewives.” This exposed them to a world where extravagant lifestyles were not just normalized but idealized.
When you apply this idea to the way we’ve been influenced to think of success, it makes a bit more sense. We are consistently influenced by unrealistic expectations and it can really start to screw with our own definitions of success.
The Pressure of Unrealistic Expectations
As someone in her 40s, who has spent the last 2 years doing some pretty big personal and professional growth, I’ve felt the weight of these unrealistic expectations. Good old imposter syndrome at its worst!
Our worth and success are not, and should not be, determined by viral moments or meteoric rises. This sentiment, echoed by so many in the TikTok comments section, highlights a collective yearning for a more grounded definition of success.
Redefining Success: A Personal Endeavor
It’s time we reclaim the narrative of success.
We can start by consciously avoiding content that glorifies unattainable standards and instead, pause to reflect on what success genuinely means to us.
Here are three guiding questions to help redefine your success:
- What is Success for You Right Now?
Look at your current life and business situation. What does success mean in this context, devoid of societal benchmarks? - What Are Your True Feelings About Overnight Success?
Honestly assess your feelings towards rapid success. Is it truly desirable, or does it bring more anxiety than joy? - How Would You Truly Define Authentic Success?
Strip away all external influences or preconceived ideas – What does success look like for you in the short and long term, based on your values and aspirations?
Join the Conversation
This is more than a single podcast topic; it’s a movement towards redefining success on our own terms.
Share your thoughts, engage with these questions, and let’s shift our mindset together. Follow me on Instagram and TikTok and let’s keep talking.
Remember, true success is a journey, not a destination. It’s a path we pave with our values, goals and the harmony we strive to achieve between our personal and professional lives.
And after you join me on my socials, follow The Marketing In The Margins Podcast on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.