What if the version of success you’ve been chasing was never really yours to begin with?

In this episode of The Purposeful Shift, we explore something that quietly shapes so many of our decisions, the “shoulds”.

The expectations we carry about what success is supposed to look like, how our lives should unfold and who we should become.

Emma unpacks where these beliefs come from, why they can leave us feeling stuck or unfulfilled, and how to begin redefining success in a way that feels truly aligned with who you are.

If you’ve ever felt like you should be further ahead, doing more or achieving something different by now, this episode will help you pause, reflect and reconnect with what actually matters to you.

What We Cover

• What the “shoulds” really are and why they carry so much weight
• How societal expectations shape our definition of success
• The hidden cost of chasing someone else’s version of success
• Why success can feel empty even when you achieve it
• How to reconnect with what you truly want
• The shift from “should” to “want” and why it matters

Key Takeaways

• “Should” often reflects external expectations, not your truth
• Success is not one fixed definition, it is personal and evolving
• Living by someone else’s version of success can lead to burnout and disconnection
• You are allowed to redefine success at any stage of life
• Alignment, not achievement, is what creates sustainable fulfilment

Journaling Prompts & Reflection Questions

Use these as part of your pause practice or monthly check-in:

• Where am I still living by someone else’s definition of success?
• What version of success would feel more aligned to me?
• What do I want more of in my life right now?
• What genuinely makes me feel alive?
• What am I chasing that looks good externally but doesn’t feel good internally?
• If no one was watching, what would success look like for me?

Resources & Links

• Follow Emma on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thepurposefulshift
• Listen to the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Deezer
• Previous episodes in this series:
– Finding Your Purpose
– Embracing the Nudge
– The Power of the Pause