Your success story: what’s your definition of success?

Julie Murphy • December 1, 2011

When it comes to success, we all have a different meaning of it in our own lives. And we all want to have something in our lives that make us a success. It could be being a parent, having a certain home, boasting a certain dollar amount in savings or a pursing career that we love.

That certain thing that makes you feel like a great success can also make you feel incredibly unsuccessful. And I think this happens when we put caveats on our success. We will be successful when something happens that isn’t happening now.

“I’ll be a successful at my job when I get the next promotion…”

“I’ll have a successful home life when I buy my next house in a better area…”

“My parenting will be a true success when my kid gets the lead in the school play…”

Any of these sound familiar? So many of us lose sight of the lives are living and the successes we are achieving at that very moment because we’re too busy chasing after the next success. And this is the same mentality we have with money.

“I’m not really a successful investor until I’ve made X amount.”

Sometimes, our negativity about the situation is more subtle. But still there.

“I just started saving, so hopefully a year from now I’ll have the amount I want in the bank.”

Translation: I’m not a good enough until something more happens.

Do you tell yourself variations of these statements? These negative reinforcements about the positive steps we’re taking in our successful lives undermine our hard work. Instead of celebrating what we’re creating – and consistently creating positive change in our lives does makes us successful – we disregard where we’re at in hopes of being better.

Striving for more is an excellent trait. Disregarding our current success as “not good enough” because we’re not where we want to be isn’t. It’s time to reevaluate our idea of what success really looks like in our lives. Instead of viewing success as a far-away process, look at it as a right-now goal. Choose to empower yourself instead of undermining your progress.

Choosing to be successful right now is empowering. Celebrating your current successes while pursuing future ones is empowering. Cheering on others as they walk in their success journeys is empowering.

So, what’s your definition of success?

Think about the things in your life that would make you feel successful right now and the things that think will make you more success in the future. Then write down three things you tell yourself that undermine the success you have right now.

When you’re ready, write down three counter statements that reinforce the positive actions you’re taking in your life. Remember, success is an everyday process. Celebrating each positive thing you’re doing in your life is a success in and of itself.

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How to End the Year Like the Wealthy Do

By Julie Murphy • December 10, 2025

Reset Your Money Energy for 2026 Every December, we all feel that pull, the desire to “be better with money next year.” But here’s the secret I’ve seen again and again after nearly three decades of walking alongside people from all walks of life: Financially wealthy people don’t just plan their next year — they energetically complete the one they’re leaving. They close loops. They clear emotional residue. They realign their energy field before they set a single goal. And you can absolutely do the same. As I share in The Emotion Behind Money , wealth is never created by logic alone. It comes from managing the emotions behind your money and understanding that money itself is energy. And in Awaken Your Wealth , I remind readers that energetic shifts begin when you consciously picture yourself stepping into a new reality, while compassionately acknowledging the one you’re standing in now. So let’s walk through the simple year-end process I teach my clients — one that spiritually, emotionally, and financially resets your money field for a powerful 2026. 1. Review Your 2025 Wins & Losses With Compassion Before you step into the new year, look back with the most loving, nonjudgmental eyes possible. I call it neutral observation . Wealthy people don’t spiral into shame when something didn’t go perfectly. They get curious. Ask yourself: Where did I expand financially this year? Where did I contract emotionally or economically? What choices were truly aligned with my values? Which ones came from fear, scarcity, or old patterns? In Awaken Your Wealth , the “Accepting Reality and Awakening” step of PACT teaches that awareness without judgment is how we break old money patterns for good. So breathe. Notice. Write it down. No shame. No spiral. Just truth. 2. Forgive Any Money Mistakes Here’s a truth most people never consider: Every financial mistake carries emotional weight and emotional weight blocks money flow. From my work in The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money , we know that your heart’s energy is more powerful than your brain’s logic, and intention is what redirects energy back into alignment. Forgiveness, of yourself, your past self, or others involved, releases stagnant money energy. Try this: Write down any money decisions from 2025 that still feel heavy. Place your hand on your heart. Say: "I forgive the version of me who made this choice. She/he did the best they could with what they knew at the time.” Forgiveness isn’t about letting mistakes slide. It’s about resetting your emotional money field so you can co-create something new. 3. Create an Energetic Closing Ceremony for the Year This is where wealthy people truly separate themselves; they honor the transition. You can create your own year-end ceremony using whatever resonates from your spiritual toolkit. Here are a few ideas inspired by the intention-setting and clearing practices throughout my work: Light a candle Symbolize releasing the old year and calling in the new. Write a “completion list” Include everything you’re ready to release: debts you’re no longer carrying shame over, relationships you’re energetically cutting cords from, patterns you’re finished reenacting. Burn or bury the list This physical act tells the Universe: “I’m done living from this version of myself.” In The Emotion Behind Money , we explore how inherited beliefs and emotional patterns repeat until they are consciously released. This ceremony is your line in the sand. End with intention Close with one powerful intention for 2026, aligned from your heart: “I choose a new flow of abundance.” “I trust that money comes to me with ease.” “I allow myself to receive the wealth I’ve been working toward.” As The 4 Spiritual Laws of Money reminds us: “The Universe responds to action.” Your ceremony is your spiritual action. Ready to Step Into 2026 Aligned, Clear & Empowered? If you’re craving deeper support with your financial reset, join me for my Emotions Behind Money Workshop in January. If you’ve been feeling the nudge to recalibrate your relationship with money, this is your moment. Let’s make 2026 the year your inner wealth and your financial reality finally match. You deserve abundance and you’re closer than you think. With love, alignment & a whole lot of possibility, Julie ✨