The Myth

Hi friend 👋🏼,

How often have we heard the phrase “making it”? We’re told from a young age to aim for success, chase our dreams, and “make it” in our careers, relationships, and life. But what does “making it” really mean, and is it even a realistic goal? For many of us, “making it” implies reaching a definitive point where everything falls into place—a place of ultimate achievement, stability, and happiness. But the reality is that life rarely fits this idealized mold, and the journey is usually more complex and dynamic than we expect.

Today, I want to dive into the myth of “making it” and explore how we can shift our perspective from chasing an elusive end goal to embracing a mindset of growth, purpose, and fulfillment. Because here’s the truth: we’re never really done evolving, and there’s freedom in letting go of the idea that “making it” is a single point to reach.

1. Defining Success on Our Own Terms

One of the biggest problems with the concept of “making it” is that it often implies a rigid, one-size-fits-all version of success. Society, social media, and cultural expectations paint a picture of what a successful life should look like—often involving career achievement, financial stability, a certain lifestyle, and perhaps a perfect relationship. But this version of success doesn’t resonate with everyone, and it’s easy to feel inadequate when our lives don’t match these societal benchmarks.

The first step in challenging the myth of “making it” is redefining what success means to you. Maybe for you, success isn’t about climbing the corporate ladder but rather finding balance, building meaningful relationships, or pursuing creativity and adventure. When we define success on our own terms, we free ourselves from trying to reach a destination that doesn’t align with our values. True fulfillment comes not from meeting someone else’s definition of success but from building a life that reflects what matters most to us.

Reflection Prompt: Ask yourself, “What does success look like for me?” Write down the values, experiences, and milestones that genuinely resonate with you. Let go of what doesn’t feel right, and give yourself permission to create your own definition of “making it.”

2. Embracing Growth Instead of a Final Destination

The idea of “making it” suggests a finish line—a place where we’ll finally feel complete and accomplished. But in reality, life is constantly evolving, and so are our dreams, goals, and desires. When we treat “making it” as a final destination, we risk stagnation, and we limit ourselves from experiencing the endless growth and discovery that life has to offer.

A more fulfilling approach is to embrace a growth mindset. Instead of chasing a single point of arrival, we can focus on continuous growth, learning, and improvement. By seeing each step as part of the journey, we appreciate the progress we’re making without needing to reach an arbitrary endpoint. A growth mindset allows us to remain curious, adaptable, and open to new opportunities, which often leads to richer experiences and unexpected achievements.

Mindset Shift: Replace the concept of “making it” with a commitment to growth. Set goals that challenge you but also allow for flexibility, and remember that each step forward is an achievement worth celebrating.

3. Realizing that Success is Not a Straight Line

The myth of “making it” often implies a linear path to success—a step-by-step journey from point A to point B. But anyone who’s pursued a dream or taken risks knows that success is rarely a straight line. Life throws us curveballs, and sometimes the journey involves detours, setbacks, and unexpected twists. These moments can make us feel like we’re moving further from our goals when, in reality, they’re often essential parts of our growth.

When we let go of the idea of a linear path, we become more resilient and open to the lessons that come from challenges. Success is often a messy, winding journey, and that’s okay. Every setback, failure, and pivot adds depth to our story and prepares us for future opportunities.

Actionable Insight: If you’re facing a setback, remind yourself that it’s a natural part of the process. Reflect on what this experience is teaching you, and trust that every twist in the road is contributing to your growth, even if it’s not obvious yet.

4. Embracing Fulfillment Over Perfection

The pursuit of “making it” can lead us into a perfectionist mindset, where we feel pressured to have every aspect of our lives together. But perfection is an illusion, and striving for it can prevent us from appreciating the beauty of the present moment. Wealth, recognition, or “having it all” won’t necessarily bring us the peace or satisfaction we’re looking for, and sometimes the pursuit of these things can leave us feeling empty.

Fulfillment doesn’t come from reaching a state of perfection; it comes from living authentically, embracing our imperfections, and finding meaning in our everyday lives. It’s the joy of small moments, the satisfaction of pursuing what we love, and the relationships we build along the way. By focusing on fulfillment rather than a perfect version of success, we allow ourselves to experience deeper happiness, no matter where we are on our journey.

Self-Compassion Tip: Practice gratitude for where you are right now. Reflect on the areas of your life that bring you joy and meaning, and remind yourself that you don’t need to “make it” to experience fulfillment.

5. Recognizing that “Making It” is a Moving Target

One of the reasons “making it” is a myth is that the concept of success is constantly shifting. When we achieve one goal, we often set new ones, and what once felt like “making it” can quickly lose its luster. This shifting goalpost can create a cycle of perpetual dissatisfaction if we’re always chasing the next milestone without taking time to appreciate our progress.

Instead of constantly pushing the finish line further away, it’s important to pause, reflect, and celebrate the goals we’ve achieved. Recognizing our accomplishments and giving ourselves credit for our growth allows us to feel a sense of completion and pride, even if we’re still working toward new goals. It reminds us that success is not a single destination but a series of moments that build a fulfilling life.

Celebration Practice: Take time each month to acknowledge your achievements, big or small. Reflect on how far you’ve come and allow yourself to feel proud of your journey. This simple practice can help you find contentment in the present while remaining motivated for the future.

6. Finding Meaning in Purpose, Not Status

The myth of “making it” often revolves around status—titles, accolades, or financial achievements that we believe will bring validation. But status alone rarely leads to fulfillment, and chasing external markers of success can leave us feeling disconnected from our true purpose. Wealthy, high-status individuals are not immune to feeling empty or unfulfilled if their lives lack meaning.

True fulfillment comes from living in alignment with our values, passions, and purpose. Purpose is about contributing to something larger than ourselves, making a positive impact, and finding joy in the process. By focusing on purpose instead of status, we create a life that feels meaningful and rich, regardless of whether we’ve “made it” by traditional standards.

Purpose-Driven Reflection: Identify your core values and consider how you can align your goals and actions with them. Ask yourself, “How can I make a difference today?” Purpose doesn’t need to be grand; it can be found in everyday acts that reflect what matters most to you.

7. Embracing the Journey Over the Destination

Perhaps the most liberating way to break free from the myth of “making it” is to embrace the journey itself. Life is full of growth, connection, learning, and change. When we shift our focus from reaching a final destination to appreciating each step, we experience a deeper sense of joy and fulfillment.

Every success, failure, lesson, and milestone becomes part of our unique story. By savoring the journey, we allow ourselves to live fully, experience growth, and connect with others along the way. The journey itself is where the richness of life lies—not in a far-off place we may or may not reach.

Daily Mindfulness Practice: Start each day with an intention to appreciate the journey. Take a moment to be present, notice the beauty around you, and recognize that each day is a valuable part of your story.

Letting go of the idea of “making it” doesn’t mean we stop setting goals or striving for success. It means we free ourselves from the pressure of reaching a single point that defines our worth, happiness, or purpose. Instead, we choose to live in alignment with our values, find joy in our growth, and embrace a life that’s rich with meaning.

True success is not about a destination; it’s about creating a life that reflects who we are and what we value. By releasing the myth of “making it,” we open ourselves up to a journey of continuous discovery, fulfillment, and freedom. Here’s to embracing a life that’s authentic, purpose-driven, and deeply rewarding.

As we embark on this journey together, I invite you to connect with us on Instagram @femmeforce_co to stay updated with our daily doses of inspiration and Femme Force updates.

P.S. If you ever have questions, suggestions, or just want to chat, please feel free to reply to this email 📧 I'd love to hear from you!