"Redefining Success"

Written by RJ Baney, 2026 Spring Intern for The Sustainability Alliance

As I move through my last semester of college, I’ve found myself thinking a lot about success. The real world feels closer than ever, and with it comes this quiet pressure to have a plan, land the right job, make the right moves, and climb the right ladder.  

As graduation gets closer, I’ve been thinking more seriously about what comes next. But the version of success we’re chasing is built on a system that was never designed for balance. It moves fast. It rewards productivity over rest, consumption over contentment, constant growth over stability. It advertises more is better and that slowing down means falling behind. 

And if sustainability is about long-term balance, about protecting what we have so it can last, shouldn’t our definition of success reflect that too? 

Sustainability is usually framed as something environmental. But at its core, it’s about longevity. It’s about creating systems, habits, and ways of living that can endure. It extends beyond ecosystems to the way we work, the systems we participate in, how we rest and recharge, and the way we define a life well lived.  

The version of success we’ve inherited is part of the problem. It’s loud, messy, and exhausting, and yet somehow, we're told it's what we should be chasing. Though, it's not shocking that a system built on endless growth in a world with finite resources was never meant to feel grounding. If success requires burnout or disconnection, then it was never sustainable to begin with. 

So, what would success look like in a truly sustainable world? 

Maybe success wouldn’t be about having the most. Maybe it would be about needing less, about building connections that last, being part of communities that support each other, and making choices that leave space for life itself. 

Over the years, I’ve noticed a small, but steady shift in how younger generations think about success and what matters. A slow social movement that rethinks the “more is better” mentality, valuing thoughtful choices and meaningful experiences over constant consumption. A simpler, more intentional way of living compared to the generations before, and I think part of that comes from the cracks we’re noticing in the system: cities and communities that aren’t built for everyone, routines that leave little room to breathe, and expectations that push us to keep moving without ever pausing to actually live.  

But another part comes from the collective choices we make as a generation. Valuing thrifting and secondhand shopping, choosing quality over quantity, prioritizing experiences over stuff, supporting small brands instead of mass production, and paying attention to our health and wellness. Habits that reflect intentionality over predefined milestones.  

That doesn't mean success has to disappear, but rather reimagined. Of course, I don't have the answers, but success should be measured in the balance we find—between our lives, our communities, and the world around us. Between people and the organisms we share this planet with, between our choices and the ecosystems that sustain us, between the rhythms of work, rest, and living fully. Success should be the harmony we create when all these connections are nurtured.  

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Introducing RJ: Our New Intern

rj@thesustainabilityalliance.org

We are excited to welcome RJ, our new intern for the spring practicum at The Sustainability Alliance! A senior at Northeastern State University majoring in Advocacy and Justice Studies, RJ focuses on environmental advocacy and brings a strong interest in sustainability and conservation.

Growing up in Tulsa and a graduate of Booker T. Washington High School, RJ is passionate about local environmental initiatives. His studies at NSU have covered biodiversity, environmental change, and community engagement, reinforcing his commitment to a sustainable future.

RJ is particularly focused on urban sustainability and how organizations can adapt to create resilient, community-oriented solutions. During his practicum, he aims to gain hands-on experience in event coordination and member engagement with our network.

We look forward to RJ’s contributions to our team, including monthly newsletter segments, "Future Forward: Next Gen Perspectives". Please join us in welcoming RJ to The Sustainability Alliance!