Discover Your Values, Redefine Success

Written By Jenna Washnieski

I remember exactly where I was when I realized I wasn’t happy.

Sitting on my couch, in the home I was able to purchase because of my big executive job, looking at a shelf with framed pictures of the life I created - gorgeous wedding, fabulous international trips, smiling family and friends.

In theory, I had it all. I should be happy, right?

So, why did something feel missing?

I blamed myself. Maybe I should try harder? Maybe if I was a better wife, a more confident leader or more disciplined at meditation, THEN I’d be happy?

Does this sound familiar? As if putting pressure on yourself to be BETTER or MORE will solve all your problems?

Guess what? It’s not your fault. You didn’t do anything wrong. And you don’t need to be anything more than you already are. In fact, you’re more than enough right now!

My guess is you’re just operating from an outdated definition of success. 

That’s what happened to me. I was chasing a definition of success I thought would bring me happiness. But it was someone else’s definition. Not mine. It was the generic achievement-based definition we’re taught from a young age.

As a high-achiever it makes sense that we attach happiness with accomplishments. It feels good! But it can become a slippery slope. We can trick ourselves into believing there’s a “happiness destination” we’ll reach once we achieve enough stuff. 

When accomplishments start to feel empty, it’s time to look to a different source of success.

Shortly after my existential couch crisis, I did the work to discover my core personal values. I started to look INSIDE for proof of success, rather than relying on validation from the outside world. (what a concept, huh?)

It was a game changer when I named what mattered most to me and created my own metrics to measure abundance. 

As I assessed my life, I was shocked to discover all the ways I was NOT expressing those values. No wonder I was unhappy! I wasn’t creating a life that felt aligned, authentic and like ME. 

Since that pivotal moment on my couch I’ve massively shifted my life. 

  • I redefined success

  • I got honest about what I REALLY wanted 

  • I declared how I wanted to feel. 

  • I built a life fully aligned with my values, and I still commit to it every darn day.

Is it easy? Not always. Is it worth it? Absolutely. I’m happier today than I’ve ever been.

If you’re feeling stuck, restless or like something is missing, I get it. The good news is the answers are already inside of you. 

I’m excited to share my process to discover your values, assess your life and claim the joy and clarity you’re craving:

Jenna Washnieski
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