Success, Rewritten
How media gets into our dreams

What comes to mind when picturing success? Most people envision the same thing – a carefully curated image of wealth, status, and luxury. It’s no surprise, given that media constantly reinforces this highlight reel, shaping perceptions of what it means to “make it.” But is that truly the definition of success, or is there more to it?

The following are our honest suggestions, no affiliate links or kickbacks apply. 

How Media Distorts Success

From TikTok’s luxury unboxings to the main characters of TV shows past and present, being broke while renting lavish apartments in NYC and wearing designer brands (we see you, Carrie Bradshaw AND Emily Cooper), the message is clear: success = money, fame, and prestige. And it’s everywhere:

📱 71% of women compare themselves to images in the media, often negatively.

💸 60% of millennials say social media influenced their career choice.

The result? Pressure to chase careers that look good on paper (or social media) but may not align with what truly fulfills us.

 Breaking Free: Redefining Success for Yourself

➡️ Test Your Interests IRL

Before committing to a career because it “sounds successful,” try it out! Intern, freelance, or shadow someone in the field.

➡️ Build a Network That Supports Growth

Surround yourself with people who value fulfillment over status. 

➡️ Define Your Own Success

Ask yourself: What excites you? What kind of impact do you want to make? 

💡 RoadMap Tip: Success is personal. The sooner you stop measuring it against someone else’s feed, the sooner you’ll find a career that brings real happiness.

Gen Z conquers the Grammys

Ann Powers

Gen Z continues to redefine success and took center stage at last night's Grammy Awards, signaling a shift in the power dynamics of pop music. Sabrina Carpenter kicked off the night with a dazzling, Old Hollywood-inspired performance before winning Best Pop Vocal Album, setting the tone for the rise of a new generation.

While Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar claimed top honors, the night's energy belonged to a new wave of artists spanning rap, rock, country and R&B. Standout performances by Benson Boone, Doechii and Chappell Roan showcased a new breed of confident, fully formed stars ready to define the future of pop. Roan, the night's Best New Artist, delivered a rousing speech in support of musicians' rights, reinforcing Gen Z's fearless push for change.

With these rising stars blending showmanship, activism and genre-bending innovation, the Grammys made one thing clear: the next era of pop has arrived.

5 no-nonsense ways to start redefining success

We know that talking about finding your own meaning of success can get a little too abstract. So let's bring it back down to earth: 

1️⃣ Unfollow & Mute Freely

If someone on your feed makes you feel like you’re falling behind, just unfollow. It might not be the most emotionally intelligent move, but sometimes you need to prioritize your mental state first.

2️⃣ Stop Romanticizing Hustle Culture

Working 80-hour weeks and burning out isn’t a flex. If you’re exhausted all the time, it’s not success, it’s just unsustainable.

3️⃣ Do Something You Suck At (Just for Fun)

Not everything you do needs to be profitable or productive. Paint, dance, bake, remind yourself that joy isn’t tied to achievement.

4️⃣ Stop Taking Advice from Strangers on the Internet (Including This, If It Doesn’t Fit You)

Not everything applies to your life. If someone’s definition of success doesn’t align with your reality, you don’t have to take it seriously.

5️⃣ Celebrate Any Progress

Made your bed today? Sent that scary email? Took a step toward something that actually matters to you? That’s success. Count it.

RoadMap is a private network for recent college grads embarking on their job search and early career journey.

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