Redefining Success: How I Built a Life That Feels as Good as It Looks

I shared how a spark of curiosity led me to train as a systemic coach. But if I’m being honest, that spark didn’t just appear out of nowhere—it was the result of a much deeper journey of self-discovery and recalibration.

At one point in my career, I found myself deeply unfulfilled—not just at work, but in life as a whole. The contrast became crystal clear during my first-ever surf camp. My daily life felt like a never ending to-do list: draining and disconnected. But on that surfboard, even as an absolute beginner, I felt something I hadn’t in a long time: pure joy.

Taking the Leap: A One-Way Ticket to Change

Coming back from that vacation, I did what most of us do when we feel stuck—I tried small changes first. I took on new tasks at work, explored different career opportunities, and hoped something would click. But that nagging sense of unfulfillment didn’t go away, and no opportunity felt quite right.

So, I made a bold decision: I let go of my job, packed my bags, and set off on a solo trip around the world.

That journey wasn’t just about travel—it was about reconnecting with my unique path and finding balance in my life. I began looking at my life differently, organizing it around five core pillars that still guide me today:

The Five Pillars That Changed Everything

1. Self-care & health – Prioritizing my well-being, from movement to mindfulness.

2. Social relationships – Nurturing meaningful connections with family and friends.

3. Work & purpose – Seeking alignment between my career and what truly fulfills me.

4. Material & financials – Creating stability and freedom through intentional choices.

5. Places – Recognizing how my environment influences my energy and happiness.

   
   

These pillars were inspired by The Big 5 for Life by John Strelecky and the Five Pillars of Identity by psychologist Hilarion Petzhold. They helped me to reconnect with myself, my own personal journey and rebuild a foundation that felt steady, joyful, and fulfilling—not just professionally, but in every aspect of my life.

Why Coaching? Paying It Forward

Here’s the thing: I didn’t navigate this alone. Along the way, I had the incredible privilege of working with coacheswho helped me:

• Unravel limiting beliefs that were keeping me stuck.

• Clarify my values and what truly mattered.

• Face uncertainty with confidence.

Their support was transformative, and that’s what ultimately inspired me to become a coach myself—to help others create the same clarity and balance in their own lives.

The Journey Continues…

The photos below capture part of this story:

📸 Me at my first surf camp in 2016, where I reconnected with pure joy.

📸 Me in September 2024, in the north of Spain, where surfing has become an integral part of my life.

North of Portugal, near Aveiro at my first surf camp in 2016

North of Spain, near Comillas, 2024

These days, I make ample space for what brings me energy and fulfillment, and—surprise!—it has made me more effective than ever in my professional roles, including my work at C40 Cities.

Looking back, I realize that my path wasn’t about finding one perfect answer—it was about creating a framework that allows me to grow, adapt, and stay connected to what truly matters. These five pillars continue to shape my decisions, giving me both stability and flexibility as life unfolds.

Coaching has become a way for me to pass on what I’ve learned, supporting others in building a life that feels aligned, fulfilling, and uniquely their own. Because at the end of the day, it’s not about having everything figured out—it’s about having the tools and mindset to navigate change with confidence.

What about you? If you took a step back and looked at your life, what are the pillars that guide you?