by Ana Vargas

Que lo que, mi gente,

We’re stepping into May—a month that often feels like a bridge between the blooming of our environment, ideas and often leads to emboldened actions. It’s the perfect time to slow down and reflect on a question that often simmers beneath the surface:

What does success actually look like for you?

“The wisdom of life consists in the elimination of non-essentials.”
— Lin Yutang

This quote hits especially hard for me as someone who has spent years striving, climbing, pushing. However, along the way I’ve learned that redefining success often requires subtraction, not addition. It’s not about chasing more, but curating better. It’s not about pleasing everyone, but honoring what truly matters.
Un plato lleno no hay que hay que comérselo entero. Sometimes, fam, you have to walk away from the table and leave the meal untouched.

That’s why I’ve been thinking about essentialism lately. Maybe you’ve heard of it—maybe you haven’t. It’s the idea that success is found when we live by design, not by default. Instead of reacting to life’s demands, we pause to decide what stays, and what has to go.

“Essentialism is a disciplined, systematic approach for determining where our highest point of contribution lies.”
— Greg McKeown, Essentialism

Success, then, becomes less about doing it all, and more about identifying the few things that move the needle in our lives—the values, relationships, and projects that allow us to thrive. We get to make one powerful decision that saves us from a thousand reactive ones later.

And yes, this goes deeper than to-do lists. For me, it was saying no to certain work that misaligned with my energy. It was choosing presence over performance. And it was choosing to parent, partner, and build a life that reflected my definition of joy, legacy, and contribution.

So let’s reframe the conversation around success this month. Not “Are you doing enough?” but “Are you doing what aligns?”

Let’s Reflect:

• What aspects of your current definition of success need refining?
• Where might you need to sit on the rock, breathe, and rest from the constant climb?
• What goals or responsibilities require discernment—what stays, what shifts, what aligns?

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Commitment Challenge:

Drop one word in the comments that defines what success means to you right now.
Let this be your touchstone for the rest of the month.

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Sabiduría & Wisdom: Align. Nourish. Thrive.