Growing up, many of us were told that we could “have it all.” We were encouraged to believe that with enough hard work and determination, we could build a life where we succeed in every area—career, relationships, family, personal health, social life—without having to sacrifice one for the other. It’s an enticing idea, and for years, many of us have chased this version of success. But somewhere along the way, most of us hit a wall. We realize that trying to “have it all” isn’t just difficult—it’s exhausting, and often impossible.

Instead of feeling empowered, we’re left overwhelmed and wondering what went wrong. The myth of having it all is deeply ingrained in our culture, but it’s time to take a step back and question whether this ideal is actually achievable—or even desirable.

The Pressure to Be Perfect

The idea that we should “have it all” places an incredible amount of pressure on us. It suggests that to be successful, we need to excel in every role we play in life. We need to climb the corporate ladder while maintaining a perfect home, nurturing strong friendships, raising a family, staying fit, and making time for self-care. If any one of those areas isn’t thriving, we can feel like we’re failing.

This pressure is intensified by the way social media presents life. We scroll through carefully curated feeds where it seems like everyone else is juggling their careers, personal goals, and relationships effortlessly. What we don’t see is the behind-the-scenes reality: the compromises, the struggles, the sacrifices. The truth is, no one is truly “having it all” in the way society portrays. This constant comparison often leads to feelings of inadequacy, as though we’re falling behind or not measuring up.

The Hidden Costs of Chasing “Everything”

Trying to live up to the myth of having it all doesn’t just create stress; it comes with real consequences. When we push ourselves to be everything to everyone, something has to give. We may neglect our own well-being, sacrificing sleep, relaxation, or personal interests in favor of getting one more thing done. Relationships can become strained as we prioritize productivity over meaningful connection. And instead of finding fulfillment, we often end up feeling depleted, chasing after the next goal without ever truly enjoying the progress we’ve made.

What’s more, trying to excel in every area of life often leads to burnout. We can only push ourselves so far before our mental, emotional, and physical health starts to suffer. The constant hustle culture tells us to keep going, but at what cost? Instead of feeling like we “have it all,” we’re left juggling too much and never feeling like we’re doing enough.

Redefining Success on Your Terms

So, if the idea of having it all is a myth, what does success actually look like? The answer is deeply personal. Success shouldn’t be about checking off a list of achievements that society tells us we need. Instead, it should be about living in alignment with our own values, priorities, and passions.

For some, this might mean focusing on career growth for a period of time, while allowing other areas of life to take a backseat. For others, it might mean prioritizing family or personal health, and being okay with letting go of certain external expectations. The key is to understand that balance doesn’t mean doing everything all at once; it means focusing on what matters most to you at any given time.

To start redefining success, ask yourself: What truly brings you joy and fulfillment? What do you value most in life? When you focus on these questions, you can begin to shift away from the need to “have it all” and start building a life that feels meaningful to you.

Letting Go of Perfection

In addition to redefining success, it’s essential to let go of the idea that we need to be perfect in everything we do. Perfectionism is one of the biggest obstacles to feeling satisfied with our lives. When we expect ourselves to excel in every area, we set ourselves up for disappointment. The truth is, no one can give 100% of themselves to every aspect of life simultaneously—and that’s okay. Embracing imperfection doesn’t mean lowering our standards; it means acknowledging that life is messy, and it’s perfectly fine to prioritize certain things while others take a backseat.

It’s also important to recognize that balance will look different at different times in our lives. There will be seasons where work requires more of our energy, and times when our relationships or personal growth need more attention. The key is to be flexible and compassionate with ourselves as we navigate these shifts.

Moving Forward with Compassion

Ultimately, the myth of having it all is just that—a myth. It sets us up for unrealistic expectations and unnecessary stress. Instead of striving for perfection in every area of life, it’s time to redefine success in a way that feels authentic and fulfilling. This means setting boundaries, prioritizing what truly matters, and being kind to ourselves along the way.

At Liv Better, Luv Better, we believe that true fulfillment comes from embracing balance and living in alignment with your values, not from trying to meet society’s impossible standards. Success isn’t about doing everything perfectly—it’s about finding joy and purpose in the things that matter most to you.

Are you ready to let go of the pressure to have it all and start living a life that feels true to you? Reach out to us at Liv Better, Luv Better for a 1:1 consultation, and let’s work together to create a life that’s centered around your unique goals and aspirations.