How Our Definition of “Success” is Making Us Stressed, Anxious and Unwell — and What We Can Do About It

Summary:

In today’s episode, Kate shares her exciting news about approving her TEDx talk for 2024. The topic? The Fulfilment Effect: How Career Contentment Drives Global Health, Happiness, and Prosperity. Kate and Sam dive into a deep conversation about how our societal expectations, the messages we give our children, our definition of “success” and our education system is leading to rampant burnout, anxiety, and stress in the workplace globally. According to Gallup, 70% of the global workforce is disengaged. In Australia, nearly 60% of professionals report feeling stressed in their work. And this is having far-reaching problems on our collective health and wellbeing. Kate and Sam both have personal stories on this topic and passionately share their views about how we can make things better.

Key Highlights:

• Personal journey: Kate candidly shares her journey from a pivotal youth moment where societal expectations diverted her from following her natural strengths and the disastrous consequences that unraveled as a result.
• TEDx talk theme: In her upcoming TEDx talk, Kate underscores the profound connection between vocational happiness and physical health, emphasising how aligning one's career with strengths, personality, and natural abilities is essential to long-term wellbeing.
• Societal pressure on children: Sam and Kate discuss the societal pressures on children to conform to traditional career paths, leading to anxiety and dissatisfaction within the younger generation.
• Research into education systems: Drawing on research into the education systems of the world's happiest countries, Kate advocates for fostering self-awareness in children and encouraging diverse career pathways right from a young age.
• Emphasis on joy and purpose: How do we redefine success beyond societal norms and foster encouragement for individuals to follow their strengths and passion, instead of trying to live up to limited perceptions of “successful”?

This episode concludes with a powerful message: Success is not defined by societal norms but by doing what you love and loving what you do. Kate and Sam envision a world where career contentment becomes the true measure of success.

Other great links: Listen to Ken Robinson’s great TEDx 2006 talk ‘Do Schools Kill Creativity?’ https://www.ted.com/talks/sir_ken_robinson_do_schools_kill_creativity?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare 

Connect with the Women Doing Business Hosts:

Kate De Jong, PhD | Inspired Business

Website: https://katedejong.com/

Instagram: katedejong.inspiredbusiness

Email: kate@katedejong.com

Sam Morris | The Business Implementor

Website: https://thebusinessimplementor.com/

Instagram: sammorris.businesscoach

Email: sam@thebusinessimplementor.com