Sustainable Success
Cultivating Well-Being as the Foundation of Sustainable Wealth
We often associate wealth with tangible assets:
a full bank account,
an impressive home,
or a prestigious career.
But I hope we all know— true, lasting wealth extends far beyond material possessions.
Even as this might be known we might not give as much attention and intention to building success on well-being, joy, and purpose—the stability that allows us to not only create financial security but to sustain it across a lifetime and beyond.
Measure of Wealth
In a society that emphasizes external material represented success, it’s easy to measure wealth solely by financial gains. But the deeper truth is this: true wealth is created through the harmony between financial stability and well-being. It is the ability to enjoy what we build, to appreciate success with dignity and integrity, and to pass that prosperity forward in a way that enhances not only our lives but the lives of those around us.
Reflecting on my own journey, I see a pattern. The most rewarding moments were not defined by income alone but by the alignment of my skills, joy, and purpose. Launching my photography business in a new market during a recession was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it gave me resilience and the ability to build wealth on my own terms.
Similarly, producing a bridal event in collaboration with local vendors didn’t just serve my business; it created a ripple effect. It fostered opportunities for others, strengthened community ties, and brought joy to countless couples. These successes were about more than money; they were about creating something sustainable, something that carried forward beyond the immediate gains.
The Front Porch Project: A Case Study in Purpose-Driven Wealth
The Front Porch Project was a perfect example of wealth created through alignment. At the start of the pandemic, uncertainty loomed over small businesses. A colleague approached me with an idea, a movement she had seen elsewhere, believing I could bring it to life in our community. Together, we shaped a project where photographers documented families at home, capturing moments of resilience, and in return, families paid it forward by supporting other local businesses.
The project grew exponentially. Over three months, nearly 40 photographers participated, and we estimated that $1.28 million was reinvested into local economies. But the true wealth generated was not just financial. It was the sense of community, the joy of creating, and the knowledge that we had built something bigger than ourselves.
This experience reinforced what I know to be true: wealth is more than financial gain.
Wealth, when used intentionally for impact, connection, and to pass prosperity forward, we are open to create joy, fulfilled purpose, and well-being in all aspects of life.
Lessons Learned About Sustainable Wealth
Building sustainable wealth requires more than financial strategies. It demands an approach that values stability, well-being, and self-leadership. Here are the principles that have shaped my understanding of true wealth:
Clarity of Vision: Wealth begins with knowing what you want to create and why. Without clarity, it’s easy to chase goals that do not truly fulfill you. I could write a book on this statement alone!
Structure and Flexibility: Just as financial success requires careful planning, sustainable wealth requires a framework that allows for growth while adapting to change. I could instruct a two-hour (or longer) workshop on this statement!
Alignment with Well-Being: Wealth is meaningless without the ability to enjoy it. Prioritizing health, joy, and personal peace is not an indulgence—it is the foundation of everything we create. I have a toolkit full of ways to support others in prioritizing life.
Community and Collaboration: Wealth expands when shared. When we build something greater than ourselves, we create lasting impact and prosperity that extends beyond one generation. I have a book proving this theory!
Creating a Life of Alignment and Abundance
One of the most profound realizations I’ve had is how interconnected my personal well-being and professional success truly are. When I care for my body, my mind, and my surroundings, I see those same principles reflected in my business. And when I neglect those areas, I feel the effects ripple outward. A cluttered space, scattered thoughts, or ignoring my rest always finds its way into how I show up in my work and relationships.
But this is not about perfection. It is about choice. There have been many moments when I’ve experienced burnout, self-doubt, or anxiety. Each time, I had a choice: to disconnect and ignore my needs or to realign, prioritize my well-being, and take meaningful action. Sometimes that action was as simple as allowing myself to rest. Other times, it was journaling, organizing my thoughts, or taking one small step forward—even if that step is rest.
Sustainable wealth is not a rigid path; it is an ebb and flow, a rhythm of self-awareness and movement. Some days, the right choice is rest. Other days, it is action. But the real power comes from knowing that wealth is something we cultivate, not just something we acquire.
An Invitation to Redefine Wealth
As I look ahead, I want to show you that sustainable wealth isn’t just about securing income. It’s about securing your peace, your joy, and your sense of purpose. By aligning your vision, strategy, and well-being, you can create a life that is not only prosperous but deeply fulfilling.
So, I invite you to reflect:
What inherited skills or abilities can you use as a foundation for wealth? How can you cultivate those, level them up, and use them to your advantage?
Are there areas of your life that feel misaligned with this definition of prosperity? Where is there a disconnection? Or even, where can you strengthen the connection?
What small steps can you take today to create stability, abundance, and joy? Steps like rest, showing appreciation for yourself or others, acknowledging the choices made along your path, or making space and time for clearing clutter—whether physical or mental.
When we cultivate well-being as our foundation, wealth becomes not just something we attain but something we sustain.
