What Thriving Really Means (And Why You Should Define It for Yourself)
Everyone wants to “thrive.” It’s one of those words that gets tossed around on podcasts, Instagram captions, and wellness product labels.
But have you ever stopped to ask yourself: What does thriving actually mean—to me?
Not to the algorithm. Not to your peers. Not even to your mentors.
Just you.
Because here’s the truth: if you don’t define thriving for yourself, the world will do it for you. And odds are, their version won’t fit your values, your pace, or your purpose.
The Danger of Default Definitions
In today’s culture, thriving is often equated with:
Bigger income
Flashier houses
Exotic vacations
Hustle that never stops
And listen—we’re not here to knock growth. We love goals, wins, and building something that lasts. But when success is measured only by speed and scale, we lose something more important: alignment.
You weren’t built to burn out trying to live someone else’s dream.
You were built to thrive in the life you choose.
Signs You’re Thriving (Even If It Doesn’t Look Loud)
You might be thriving already—and not even realize it.
Do you feel calm when you wake up?
Are your decisions rooted in values, not just opportunity?
Do your relationships feel more aligned than they did a year ago?
Are you building momentum without constantly feeling behind?
These are signs of thriving. So is leaving work early to coach your kid’s team. Or choosing a smaller deal that gives you peace instead of stress.
In our business, some of the most “successful” storage operators we know aren’t the loudest or largest. They’re the ones who sleep well, treat their team with respect, and build slow, strong, and smart.
Define It, Then Defend It
If you want to live by your version of thriving, you need two things:
Clarity – Write it down. What does a thriving week look like for you? A thriving year? A thriving exit strategy?
Boundaries – Say no to things that don’t align—even if they’re impressive on paper.
That deal that sounds like a win but comes with a toxic partner? Not worth it. That marketing strategy that requires 90-hour weeks and a fake persona? Pass.
Thriving is sustainable. Thriving is honest. Thriving feels like you.
Thriving in Business: The Trifecta
At Boring & Co., we’ve learned that thriving isn’t just about numbers. It’s about:
Mind – Are we thinking clearly and making long-term decisions?
Body – Are we building something we can physically sustain?
Spirit – Do we feel aligned with our mission and the people we serve?
When all three are working together, business gets smoother. Decisions get easier. And life gets better.
Final Word: Choose Your Own Metrics
There’s a freedom that comes when you stop chasing the world’s definition of thriving.
You stop comparing. You stop performing. You start living.
You build your business your way. You raise your family your way. You invest, lead, and serve in a rhythm that works for you.
That’s what thriving really looks like. And if you’ve never defined it—this is your sign to start.
