Am I defining success on my terms, or am I influenced by external pressures?

This is a great question, and one I've grappled with myself during my journey from corporate engineering to a more creative and self-defined path. The pressure to conform to external definitions of success—whether it's financial status, job titles, or societal norms—is incredibly strong. But the real question is, how do you feel about your achievements moment by moment?

To start evaluating whether you're defining success on your terms, consider these steps:

1. Reflect on Your Why: Ask yourself why you pursued your current path. Is it because it aligns with your passion, curiosity, or strengths, or is it because it looks good on paper or makes others happy? I remember when I was deep into engineering, I had to honestly assess whether I was doing it for me or for the prestige attached to it.

2. Identify Your Core Values: Sit down and list out what truly matters to you—be it creativity, freedom, stability, or impact. How do these values reflect in your daily life and decisions? For me, transitioning to freelancing was driven by my core value of flexibility, which wasn't fully fulfilled in my 9-to-5.

3. Observe the Influence of Social Media: Social media can inadvertently shape our perception of success. Notice how you feel after scrolling through your feed—are you inspired or discouraged? Adjust your consumption accordingly, engaging with content that aligns with your personal goals.

4. Ask “What If” Questions: Imagine removing societal and familial expectations. What would your career and life look like? Sometimes visualizing a life devoid of external pressure can illuminate hidden desires.

5. Evaluate Your Happiness and Fulfillment: Check in with yourself regularly—are you genuinely happy with your daily routine and achievements? Success that's aligned with personal fulfillment feels sustainable and energizing, not just like an endless checklist.

6. Revisit and Adjust: Remember, defining success is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. Your definition of success can—and should—evolve as you grow and encounter new experiences.

Ultimately, the goal is to strive for a life that's "yours"—not your parents', your peers', or society's version of what's admirable. It takes courage to redefine what success means to you, but that redefinition can lead to a much richer and more fulfilling life. Keep asking questions and remain open to what your heart genuinely yearns for.