Success: A New Definition

 

Change is Hard—But So is Growth

Most people would probably agree with that statement. Change is uncomfortable, unpredictable, and often overwhelming. Moving away from home during COVID was one of the hardest transitions I’ve faced so far in my life—a new school, new state, new team, and new people. And, of course, the world was navigating its own version of “new” with quarantines and uncertainty. For someone who thrives on routine (with a few spontaneous moments sprinkled in), it felt like a whirlwind of unfamiliarity.

Like many, I thought I was prepared for college. I took steps to ease the transition—dual enrollment to get a taste of independence, years of training to compete as a D1 athlete, and efforts to push myself socially. Those choices helped, and I don’t regret them. But what I didn’t anticipate was the challenge of managing my own expectations.

For as long as I can remember, I tied success to results. It wasn’t enough to just improve—I needed proof that all the effort, time, and sacrifices were “worth it.” And it wasn’t just about me. I wanted to validate the support my family, teachers, trainers, and coaches had given me. My family, in particular, had sacrificed so much—moving homes, traveling across the country for games. They never made me feel like I owed them anything, but I convinced myself otherwise. To me, progress didn’t count unless it came with a measurable win.

But here’s where college changed my perspective.

I started to realize that chasing results alone will never bring real fulfillment. When success is measured purely by outcomes—the perfect test score, the flawless game, the championship title—it becomes a never-ending cycle of never being good enough.

The key isn’t to lower expectations, but to change them.

I used to believe that adjusting expectations meant settling. But in reality, the problem isn’t how high we set our expectations—it’s what we expect. If success is only defined by external achievements, we will always feel like we’re falling short. But what if, instead of holding ourselves to a standard of performance, we held ourselves to a standard of commitment?

What if, instead of obsessing over stats after a game, we asked:
➡️ How hard did I work in practice?
➡️ How prepared was I?
➡️ How did I fuel my body beforehand?

Instead of stressing over an exam score, what if we evaluated:
➡️ Did I engage in class?
➡️ Did I ask questions?
➡️ Did I put in the effort to truly learn?

These are the things we can control. And when we shift our focus to effort, growth, and consistency, we create a standard that is both achievable and fulfilling.

For anyone struggling with change, maybe this shift in mindset can offer stability in the chaos.

So the next time you feel like you’re falling short, remember: Success isn’t just about results—it’s about the commitment you bring to the process. Stay patient. Enjoy the journey.

GOOD VIBES ONLYYYY,
Kenzie