Burn It Down: Why It’s Time to Rethink Everything You Know About Success … Especially in HR

The traditional roadmap for success? It’s OUTDATED.

For years, we’ve been taught that success follows a predictable formula: 

Work hard. 
Climb the ladder. 
Earn the title. 
Collect the paycheck. 
Do all the right things, and one day, you’ll have "made it."

But if you work in HR, you know firsthand that success isn’t THAT simple.

We’re the ones helping organizations navigate change, supporting employees through transitions, and building cultures that (hopefully) foster growth and well-being.  And yet, we’re still being measured by outdated success metrics that don’t reflect the reality of our work … or even our lives.

If you’ve ever questioned why “doing all the right things” still leaves you feeling drained or unfulfilled, you’re not alone. Hundreds of HR professionals are rethinking their careers, are going through major life transitions, and are revamping how they support their organizations. 

It’s time to rethink success and build a definition that actually works: for you, your career, and the people you support.

The Problem: The Old Definition of Success is Holding Us Back

Success used to follow a linear path: work hard, stay loyal, climb the corporate ladder, retire comfortably. But the world of work has changed, and that rigid definition no longer applies.

The traditional model isn’t working… especially in HR:

🚩 It Assumes Success Looks the Same for Everyone: Not everyone aspires to be a CHRO!! Not everyone wants to manage people. Success is personal; yet the corporate world treats it like a one-size-fits-all goal.

🚩 It Prioritizes Work Over Well-Being: Long hours, back-to-back meetings, and being the “go-to” for everyone else’s problems. That’s not success, that’s exhaustion… How can we build better workplaces if we’re running on empty?

🚩 It Keeps You in a Constant Cycle of “What’s Next?”:  One more certification, one more initiative, one more promotion; and yet, the finish line keeps moving. In today’s hustle culture, the pressure to always be "advancing" can make you feel like you’re never enough. 

It’s time to redefine success on terms that make sense for today’s professionals - starting with HR.

Why It’s Time to Burn It Down

The good news? You don’t have to keep chasing someone else’s version of success.

Instead of trying to fit into an outdated mold, you can focus on building something that actually aligns with your goals, your personal values, and you life’s realities.

🔥 Because success isn’t a one-size-fits-all formula:  Maybe for you, success is flexibility. Maybe it’s making an impact in DEI. Maybe it’s leading without climbing the org chart. Your definition should reflect what actually matters to YOU.

🔥 Because success isn’t a destination: it’s an evolving process. You don’t have to have it all figured out. The key is to stop chasing things that don’t serve you.

🔥 Because success should feel meaningful, not just look impressive:  If your LinkedIn profile is polished but your personal life is struggling, it’s time for a serious reset, or maybe a #pause.

🔥 Because HR is changing, and we need to change with it. The old models don’t work anymore - so let’s stop holding ourselves to outdated standards.

How to Redefine Success… On Your Own Terms

If you’re ready to rethink what success looks like, here’s how to start:

1. Get Clear on What Actually Matters to YOU

Forget the external pressure. 

What do YOU value most? Flexibility? Influence? Growth? 

If you woke up tomorrow and felt truly successful, what would that look like?

💡 HRforHR Tip: Think about the career advice you give employees. Are you applying that same wisdom to yourself? If not, it’s time to take your own advice. Or hire a coach to help you create your personal framework and identify next steps for you.

2. Stop Measuring Success By Titles and Paychecks Alone

Yes, of course financial stability is important, but it’s not the ONLY measure of success. 

Are you growing? 
Are you fulfilled? 
Are you aligned with work that matters to you?

💡 HRforHR Tip: Success isn’t just about moving up. It’s about moving into the RIGHT space. Sometimes a lateral move, a new industry, or even a transition into consulting (Yes, I did this one too!) can all be valid and valuable forms of growth. 

3. Challenge the “More is Better” Mindset

More projects, more meetings, more responsibilities… more isn’t always better. 

Sometimes, less is better. Less stress. Less overcommitting. Less pressure to prove yourself.

Ask yourself: If I never got another promotion, how would I define success in my life? 

If you don’t have an answer, it’s time to rethink what you’re working toward.

💡 HRforHR Tip: Remember, not all career growth is about promotions. Sometimes, success means finding work that fits your life, not forcing your life to fit your work.

4. Experiment and Adapt

Success isn’t a straight line, but it’s a process of trying, failing, adjusting, and evolving. 

You don’t need all the answers before you start making changes. Just start!

💡 HRforHR Tip: Treat your career like a pilot program. Try something new: a project, a skill, a side hustle. The best careers are built through experimentation, not just careful planning.

5. Own Your Definition—Without Apology

Redefining success means letting go of what doesn’t fit you. And that takes courage, my friend!  

You will disappoint people. 

You will challenge expectations. 

And in return, you will gain something even better: a work and a life that actually work for you.

💡 HRforHR Tip: Next time you feel pressured to chase a traditional version of success, ask yourself: “Does this align with my values, or does it just look good on paper?” If it’s the latter, it’s time to let it go!

The Future of Success: You Get to Decide

The corporate ladder? It’s no longer the only path.

The relentless grind? It’s not the only option.

The outdated expectations of what success should look like? They don’t have to define you.

Please stop measuring ourselves by old metrics.

Please stop chasing titles that don’t align with who you are.

Please stop waiting for permission to define success in a way that actually makes sense.

🔥 Burn it down. Redefine it. Own it.

Because the only definition of success that truly matters? The one YOU create. 

Now, go make it happen. 🚀