Redefining Success in Uncertain Times: A New Path for Neurodivergent & Multi-Passionate Women of Color
Have you ever felt like you were chasing a version of success that doesn’t even fit you anymore? Maybe it never did in the first place.
In today's world — where change feels like the only constant — it’s getting harder (and heavier) to keep up with outdated ideas of what it means to be “successful.” Especially for us as neurodivergent, multi-passionate women of color, the traditional paths can feel less like opportunities and more like cages we were never meant to fit in.
In this post, we're going to unpack why the old definitions of success aren't working anymore, how to spot the ones you've outgrown, and how creativity can be your greatest tool to build a definition of success that actually feels good — one that's personal, aligned, and yours.
If this sounds like something you’re interested in then keep reading.
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Where Did Our Ideas of Success Even Come From?
Before we can even think about redefining success, we have to pause and ask:
What does success even mean (for us) in today's world?
The truth is, a lot of the "normal" ideas of success were never truly designed with us in mind. Western society tends to define success through a narrow lens of individual achievement, wealth accumulation, influence, and climbing endless ladders — whether that's at work, socially, or materially.
But that’s not the whole story.
Our personal ideas of success have also been shaped by a complicated web of external forces, things like:
Systemic oppression— capitalism, colonialism, white supremacy, patriarchy, ableism, etc…
Inherited cultural traditions and values— like going to college, getting married, or buying a house, because it’s “what you're supposed to do”
Life changing experiences—like immigration, living with a chronic illness, surviving trauma, poverty, etc…
Many of us have inherited definitions of success without ever questioning if they truly fit us, which then allows these external influences to quietly shape what we view as success.
Why Outdated Definitions of Success Feel So Heavy
The biggest problem with these pre-established ideas of success?
Most of us didn’t choose them and we weren’t a part of the process.
They were handed to us, often before we were old enough to say, “Wait, is this what I really want?”
And when the world around us changes (rapidly), whether economically, socially, politically, or technologically, those old definitions start to fall apart.
They don’t account for:
Changing job markets
The rising cost of living
Shifting generational values and attitudes
Our evolving personal realities as neurodivergent & multi-passionate humans
So, if you’ve ever felt frustrated, ashamed, or like you’re somehow falling behind because you can’t (or don't want to) meet these traditional benchmarks — you’re not alone.
The truth is, you're not broken. The definitions are.
Chasing outdated versions of success can leave us burned out, disconnected, and stuck in cycles of self-doubt — even triggering an identity crisis.
So What Do We Do Instead?
If you’ve been around here for a while, you probably know what I’m going to say:
It's time to create a definition of success that’s personal and true to YOU.
And one of the most powerful ways to do this is through CREATIVITY.
Creativity helps us strip away the noise of "shoulds" and "supposed-tos."
Helping us to get back home to our true selves, reconnecting us to what we value, love, and truly lights us up.
By approaching success creatively, you give yourself permission to dream, imagine, and define success in a way that honors:
Your personal values (What’s truly important to you?)
Your real needs and energy (especially honoring your neurodivergent rhythms)
Your multiple passions and interests (instead of feeling forced to "pick one thing" forever)
A Creative Challenge for You
If you’re ready to start redefining success on your own terms, here’s a simple (and fun!) invitation:
Create a visual symbol for your new definition of success.
It could be:
A doodle
A collage
A dance or body movement
A playlist
A made-up word that captures the feeling
Ask yourself:
What does success look like and feel like for me?
What would make me feel deeply successful — not just in the eyes of others, but in my own soul?
Then let whatever comes through, come through. No rules. No limits.
The Recap
Today, we explored:
Where mainstream ideas of success come from (and why they often don’t fit us)
Why clinging to outdated definitions can leave us feeling stuck, burned out, and ashamed
How creativity can help you to reconnect to your own vision of success, based on who you truly are
The Key Takeaway
If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this:
It’s okay to outgrow the dreams you once thought you had to chase.
You get to define success for yourself — and it gets to feel like freedom, not pressure to be like everyone else
Creativity is your ally in rediscovering your path, your desires, and your truth.
Until next time, STAY CREATIVE
Renata is a creativity coach empowering neurodivergent and multi-passionate women of color, to use creativity as a tool for self-discovery and healing, so they can let go of feeling inadequate and insecure and start experiencing more confidence and self-acceptance. She’s currently offering a free copy of her therapeutic art making workbook when you sign up for her email list. Sign up here to get your free copy.
