CONTACT

How I Reclaimed Happiness: A Journey from Perfectionism to Purpose

blog leadership development personal growth & mindset success & happiness women in leadership workplace well-being
How I Reclaimed Happiness: A Journey from Perfectionism to Purpose

For years, I thought happiness came from achievement. If I worked hard enough, pushed myself further, and checked every box, then surely, I’d feel fulfilled.

But I didn’t.

I spent my early years chasing perfection—straight A’s as a student, 50-60 hour workweeks as a professional, and trying to balance it all. I built a career in Human Resources on Wall Street and thrived in many ways. Yet, despite my outward success, something was missing.

Then came a turning point—one I didn’t expect.

When Everything Changed

After my divorce and a series of personal losses, I found myself questioning everything. Had all my sacrifices been worth it? Why did I feel so disconnected from joy?

The answer was simple but profound: I had been searching for happiness in all the wrong places.

A coach changed my life when they told me:
👉 “You’re looking outward when you need to look inward.”

That moment sparked a transformation. I realized happiness wasn’t something I had to earn—it was something I could cultivate from within.

Happiness is a Skill—Not a Destination

I’ve learned that happiness is a skill, not a reward. It’s not something that magically appears when you get the promotion, hit the milestone, or achieve external success.

Instead, true happiness comes from:

Letting Go of Perfectionism

✔ Choosing self-compassion over constant self-criticism
✔ Allowing yourself to be a work in progress instead of chasing unrealistic standards

Creating Habits That Nurture Joy

✔ Prioritizing small moments of happiness daily
✔ Developing routines that promote well-being and reduce stress

Aligning Your Life with What Truly Matters

✔ Defining success on your own terms
✔ Saying no to what drains you and yes to what fulfills you

That shift led me to leave corporate America and build a coaching business that empowers women leaders to thrive—without burnout. I no longer believe that stress and success have to go hand in hand.

The Mindset Shift Every Leader Needs

Leadership isn’t just about driving results. It’s about creating environments where people can thrive—starting with yourself.

That’s why I created Happiness On Purpose—a program designed to help ambitious women redefine success, cultivate happiness, and step into leadership with confidence and authenticity.

This isn’t about toxic positivity. It’s about real strategies that help you:

✅ Lead with joy and resilience
✅ Reduce stress and find fulfillment in your work
✅ Create a culture where happiness and success go hand in hand

Your Happiness Transformation Starts Here

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or disconnected from joy, I see you. I’ve been there.

But I also know that change is possible. You don’t have to choose between success and happiness—you can have both.

If you're ready to start your own transformation, I’d love to support you.

📢 We took a deep dive on this topic in a recent webinar, catch the replay and learn how to create sustainable success through happiness!

WATCH NOW

 

My heart to yours,

selected

 

Let’s Connect On Linkedin

If you’re a leader who values employee happiness and wants to make your company the most amazing place to work, I’d love to connect with you on LinkedIn.

👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephaniestrozak/

Let’s share ideas and support each other in building companies that inspire joy, growth, and fulfillment for everyone involved. Looking forward to connecting!

 selected

YOU MIGHT also like...

Leading With Emotional Intelligence: How EQ Transforms Leadership

Mar 20, 2025

Empowered Women, Empowered Teams: The Heart of Leadership and Culture

Mar 13, 2025

The Science of Happiness: Why It’s a Leadership Superpower

Feb 27, 2025