Finding Meaning Beyond the Vortex of Success

Growing up, many of us are taught to chase a particular version of success—one that promises financial security, social status, or a steady climb up the proverbial ladder. Whether it’s earning a prestigious degree, landing a high-paying job, or achieving recognition in our field, the world often measures our worth by these external markers. And for a while, the pursuit might feel exciting—especially if the goal aligns with our passions. When we’re genuinely interested in what we do, the effort feels energizing, rewarding, and deeply meaningful. But what happens when we’re chasing something we don’t truly care about?

Too often, we find ourselves saying "yes" to roles or paths not because they light us up, but because they’re what we’re supposed to do. Maybe it’s the pressure to meet societal expectations, the allure of prestige, or the practical need for stability that drives us. At first, the rewards—money, titles, material comforts—might feel like enough. But over time, if our heart isn’t in it, that sense of accomplishment can start to ring hollow. What once seemed like a triumph can morph into a quiet emptiness, leaving us wondering why we feel so unfulfilled despite "having it all."

This is where the vortex of success can trap us. We get swept up in the momentum—pushing harder, achieving more, accumulating the trappings of a "good life"—only to wake up one day and realize the long-term reality isn’t what we imagined. Instead of satisfaction, we might find ourselves grappling with depression, anxiety, or a nagging sense that something’s missing. It’s a disorienting place to be: surrounded by evidence of our hard work, yet feeling disconnected from its meaning.

So how do we break free? The first step is recognizing that not all achievements are created equal. Success that’s rooted in external validation or obligation rarely sustains us in the way that success tied to personal passion does. Therapy can be a powerful space to untangle this—to explore what truly matters to you, beyond what you’ve been told to want. It’s a chance to ask: What energizes me? What feels rewarding, not just in the moment, but in the quiet of my own mind?

If you’re stuck in that vortex, start small. Reflect on a time when you felt genuinely engaged—maybe it was a hobby, a project, or even a fleeting moment in your current role. What was it about that experience that lit you up? These clues can guide you toward a life that feels less like a checklist and more like a reflection of who you are. It’s not about abandoning responsibility or rejecting success altogether—it’s about redefining it on your terms.

The truth is, the emptiness you might feel isn’t a sign of failure; it’s a signal. It’s your mind and body telling you that something’s out of alignment. And while depression and anxiety can make it harder to hear that signal clearly, they don’t have to define the story. With curiosity and support—whether through therapy, self-reflection, or honest conversations—you can begin to step out of the trap and into a version of success that actually feels like yours. Because at the end of the day, the most meaningful ladder to climb is the one you build yourself.