Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Stitcher | RSS | Learn How to Subscribe
In episode 25 of The Art of Personal Growth Podcast, I have a candid conversation with Mary Catherine Starr, an inspiring blogger, yogi, consultant, and creative woman. We talk about all kinds of subjects – from leaving her corporate job to knowing when she was ready to have kids – and how through it all, she’s learned several lessons that can help you too lead a creative, inspired, and purposeful life. Ready to dive in?
You Define Your Own Success…
Mary Catherine and I spent time talking about success, something we all seem to be chasing. We have all heard this expression ‘define your own success’ many times, but it’s an important reminder among the many lessons Mary Catherine shared. Whether you are looking to make major changes or minor adjustments in your life, it’s important to figure out what success will look like, and how you will know when you’ve gotten there. Only you can know the answers to these questions, but the sooner you start thinking about it, the sooner you can start working on becoming successful on your own terms.
…But Success Should Include Feeling Fulfilled and Passionate About the Work You Do
Mary Catherine made a great point during our discussion that while success should be defined for you as you see fit, part of your success should be to find fulfillment and passion in the work you’re doing. As she says, don’t waste time working at jobs you don’t love! If you can’t yet see how to turn the hobbies you’re passionate about into full-time work, start looking. You’d be surprised how many opportunities there are to make a living doing what you love.
To Find Success, You Have to Put in the Work
All that said, success is never going to fall into your lap. Mary Catherine does a really nice job of saying this – to find your success, you have to be willing to put in the work it takes to get there. This may mean working multiple jobs at once (she’s done that!), making lifestyle adjustments or temporary compromises (she’s done that!), and learning by trial-and-error (we all do that!). At the end of the day, the work you’re doing toward your successful job and life will leave you more fulfilled and inspired, even if you’re tired too.
Don’t Be Afraid to Fail
This is a big one we could all use a reminder of! Fear of failure is a powerful motivator! Instead, choose not to be afraid of failing. Instill the mantra in your mind: “that was a failure, but let’s see what the next thing does” and continue to try new paths to your own success. At the end of the day, your fear of failure is holding you back. If you are passionate and a hard worker, once you take the leap to self-employment, you have the skills and foundation to succeed.
A Gratitude Practice Will Make You Happier
One of my favorite posts on Mary Catherine’s blog Starr Struck is her ‘Simple Joys of the Week’ column: a series where she looks at something related to each of our five senses and expresses some gratitude for those things. Mary Catherine said she initially started this as a way to cultivate more gratitude in her life, and highly recommends you do the same (I do too – this is the one thing you should try this week!). Make a point this week to spend time being grateful for things big and small in your life. You’ll be surprised how much happier you feel when you’re working toward your own success and grateful for the steps in that process.
Additional Resources
Check out Mary Catherine’s favorite book: The Glass Castle: A Memoir, by Jeannette Walls
Thanks for Listening!
Thanks for joining me this week. I’d love to hear your thoughts, please leave an honest review for The Art of Personal Growth podcast on iTunes. Ratings and reviews are super helpful to tailoring the content of the show and I read them all! They also matter in the rankings of the show.
If you enjoyed this episode, please share it on the social media! This week’s hashtag is #TAoPGP25.
