Posts

Redefining Success: Why “Enough” Might Be Exactly Where You Are

In a world that constantly pushes us to do more, be more, and achieve more, we rarely stop to ask: What does success really mean to me? And more importantly—is it time to redefine it?

The Problem with “Should”

So many of us are weighed down by “shoulds.”
“I should be further along in my career by now.”
“I should have reached this milestone already.”
“I should feel more successful.”

But what if we let go of the “shoulds” entirely?

One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that when we keep raising the bar, we never allow ourselves to feel like we’ve actually made it. Society encourages us to keep chasing new goals, climbing higher, and hitting the next big milestone—but at what cost?

When Is It Ever Enough?

We’re often hardest on ourselves. Even when we’re doing “okay,” something unexpected can knock us back—like a lost opportunity, a sudden job change, or seeing a peer’s success and wondering why we’re not there yet.

Comparison is everywhere. And even though we tell ourselves not to compare, it’s tough when social media feeds us highlight reels of where everyone else seems to be. We forget that the timeline we’re comparing our lives to was often created years ago—based on a version of ourselves that no longer exists.

Embracing a New Definition of Success

What if we gave ourselves permission to rewrite that timeline?
What if success wasn’t about constant achievement, but about resilience, growth, and self-compassion?

Take a moment to look at how far you’ve come—not how far you think you still need to go. Consider the challenges you’ve faced and how you’ve continued to move forward, even in times of doubt, fear, or darkness.

There was likely a time when you dreamed of being where you are right now.

And yet, because it’s our own story, we often downplay it. We forget how extraordinary our own journey is—because we’ve lived it. But it’s not boring. It’s not insignificant. It’s yours.

In Your Own Way, In Your Own Time

Years ago, I had lunch with a director I deeply admire. At the time, I was struggling with self-worth and feeling “behind” in my career. I’ll never forget what they told me:
“Things will happen in your own way, and in your own time.”

Those words stayed with me through career uncertainties, personal loss, and the process of healing from an unhealthy relationship. Looking back, I want to hug that younger version of myself who didn’t feel like she was enough—because I know she’d be proud of how far we’ve come.

So if you’re feeling lost, stuck, or like you’re not “there” yet—take a breath.
Maybe you’re already more successful than you think.
Maybe, just maybe, you’re exactly where you’re meant to be right now.

/by

Art isn’t easy…

How do you solve a problem like Maria? Well, let’s take a cue from the world of musical theatre. There’s a lot we can learn from those catchy tunes and heartfelt lyrics, especially when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.

Take a classic line like “Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor” from Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. It’s a simple yet powerful reminder that opportunities are fleeting – they come and go quickly, and if we’re not paying attention, we might miss our chance to seize them.

This concept is especially relevant for creative entrepreneurs. In a fast-paced industry where trends change at the drop of a hat, it’s essential to stay alert and ready to pounce on any opportunity that comes your way. Whether it’s a chance to collaborate with a like-minded artist or a potential partnership with a big-name brand, being proactive and quick to act can set you apart from the competition.

But seizing opportunities is just one piece of the puzzle. Sometimes, knowing when to walk away is just as important. In Into the Woods, the characters grapple with the consequences of their actions and learn that sometimes, the pursuit of one’s desires can come at a cost. As entrepreneurs, it’s important to recognize when a venture isn’t working out and be willing to pivot or cut our losses when necessary. It’s all part of the process of growth and adaptation.

Of course, entrepreneurship isn’t all about seizing opportunities and making tough decisions – it’s also about creativity and innovation. Musicals like Hamilton and Rent remind us of the power of bold ideas and thinking outside the box. Whether you’re revolutionizing an industry with a groundbreaking product or finding new ways to connect with your audience through storytelling, embracing your creativity can be the key to success in the competitive world of entrepreneurship.

So the next time you’re facing a challenge or searching for inspiration, don’t be afraid to turn to the stage for guidance. You might just find that the lessons of musical theatre have a lot to teach us about navigating the twists and turns of the entrepreneurial journey. After all, art isn’t easy, but it’s so rewarding.

You can take the girl off the stage, but she’ll find her way back home to the theatre.

/by

Have You Gone Off Track?

Photo by Engin Akyurt

Most people lose their momentum and drive to fulfill their New Year’s Resolutions by mid-February. Are you still moving forward, or have your goals fallen by the waysides?

If you feel like you’ve been off your game for a while, you’re not alone. Getting back on track with anything can feel overwhelming, but you can do it.

First of all, there’s no perfect time to start, nor perfect circumstances. The stars won’t be aligned one way or another with a giant sign that says “THIS IS IT!”. If you’re waiting for the “right time”, then that time is NOW. 

Then you’ve gotta identify where things went wrong. You can’t fix something if you don’t know what broke it, right? Get to the root of it, see it, acknowledge it, give it a name.

Next, scale it back a bit. It’s harder to go from 0 to 100 than it is to go from 0 to 60. Trying to do too much at once will only set you back further. Start with one thing you can do to course-correct. Then once you’ve got that down, add another. Then another. There are layers to improvement. Ingredients, if you will, to what you’re trying to create. You’re the chef or the baker of your life, and it’s all one big recipe. (Okay, okay, enough with the puns. Now I want to leave the studio and go to the kitchen!)

Last but certainly not least, keep yourself accountable. Know that it won’t always be 100% every single day, but the forward effort will keep you going. Give yourself grace on the days you fall short, but also strive to improve. Command your efforts for when you do stay on target, but at all costs: keep moving forward.

You can do this! 

Hailing from Los Angeles, Bonnie has been acting on the stage, television, film, and a voice actor for over 20 years. Credits include Isabel in THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, Margaret in MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, and Glory and Rhonda in ALMOST, MAINE. She also recently performed in COMING BACK FOR ME, the winner of Project Chrysalis 2.0 with Cary Playwrights. Voiceover clients include Amazon, Buick, NC State, Toyota, and K-Swiss. She has a Bachelors in Theatre Arts from CSU San Bernardino. When she’s not recording in the studio, she can be found hanging out with her dog Marcel, drinking too much coffee, and serving on the board at North Raleigh Arts and Creative Theatre. You should totally check out her website at vosuperhero.com   

/by