Reflect on What You’ve Given Up for Success. Consider the parts of your life you may have sacrificed while pursuing career success. What dreams or desires did you leave behind? What did you give up that you used to find joy in? These sacrifices can reveal what your heart still longs for.

As a part of this series I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Gina Maier Vincent.

Gina Maier Vincent is a visionary thought leader, master motivator, inspirational speaker, author, podcaster, TV host, and empowerment entrepreneur with a vivacious love for inspiring positive change in others. She guides people around the world to design and claim the future they desire and live exquisitely aligned.

Thank you for making time to visit with us about the topic of our time. Our readers would like to get to know you a bit better. Can you please tell us about one or two life experiences that most shaped who you are today?

Thank you, it’s truly my pleasure. I’ve faced challenges that at times felt insurmountable. Yet, each one became a defining moment, teaching me the power of resilience, clarity, and courage. My journey as an empowerment entrepreneur isn’t just about survival; it’s about uncovering the lessons that now help other high-achievers break free from ‘underliving’ and thrive.

Growing up as the child of an immigrant, marrying an immigrant, and adopting an immigrant, I gained a unique perspective on perseverance and what it means to keep moving forward. In my late twenties, I made the difficult choice to call off a wedding, freeing myself to live a life aligned with my truth. Later, I married Mark, the right man, and together we navigated family life’s highest highs and lowest lows — natural childbirth, international adoption, and my role as an advocate for his life during his health crisis.

Life has thrown me curveballs, and each one taught me how to rise.

We all have myths and misconceptions about success. What are some myths or misconceptions that you used to believe?

While my husband Mark was recovering from a double organ transplant, the economy was collapsing. We were forced to face the short sale of one of our executive rental homes, which pushed us to completely redefine what success meant for us. Earlier, I shared how I called off a wedding, and this — along with the challenges of short-selling a property — proved to me that society’s version of success wasn’t going to be my version anymore. This experience taught me that true success isn’t about external measures; it’s about aligning with what’s truly meaningful to us.

How has your definition of success changed?

When watching your spouse face a life-threatening illness, everything that truly matters comes sharply into focus. Society’s checklists faded, and we became deeply anchored in what really held meaning for us — the authenticity, depth, and richness of all aspects of life, including relationships and experiences. This was my new definition of success. This shift was already in motion for me as I started my journey with yoga, just as Mark’s health was declining. For a high-achieving New Yorker like me, strengthening my spirituality was the missing piece. Thankfully, I’d begun this path before it became our lifeline.

Today, I define success as aligning with my soul-level truths, heartfelt desires, and using my gifts in a way where I can help others do the same. That’s how my business was born, in the love of helping others live a life on purpose and “Exquisitely Aligned.”

The pandemic, in many ways, was a time of collective self-reflection. What changes do you believe we need to make as a society to access success post pandemic?

The pandemic left many of us wondering, Is this really all there is? People started realizing that life has so much more to offer beyond the conventional definitions of success. I believe that our definitions of true success must embrace our personal “More.” What’s right for you may not be right for me, and that’s the beauty of it. For far too long, we’ve been guided by societal, ancestral, and cultural beliefs — what I call the Conformity Trap. Now it’s time to step away from those inherited scripts. It’s time to define and design a future that aligns with our deepest, often unspoken, desires — the ones we’re afraid to voice out of fear of judgment.

If you feel that something crucial is missing in your life, know that it’s not because you’re ungrateful or selfish. It’s not a matter of ego or materialism. You feel that pull for “More” because your exquisitely aligned future is calling you. You’re listening to that inner calling because you sense that there’s something you haven’t yet achieved, something that feels essential. It’s time to heed that call.

What do you see as the unexpected positives in the pandemic? We would love to hear a few of your stories or examples.

Although the pandemic was tragic, it has shifted the mindsets of many–which is something I am overly passionate about.

I believe many have had their eyes opened, the same way I did while I was alongside Mark during his health crisis. For instance, I now have a lot of clients coming to me to find purpose in their profession, passion in their relationships, meaning in their life, and balance so that they can experience the things that light them up from the inside out.

Let’s face it… we live in a world begging for us to conform and asking us to play by the rules. We seek instant gratification–like a shot of caffeine, sugar, or dopamine–influenced by advertising, social media, and our dear friends at Starbucks. However, our “More” and the future we desire or deserve, isn’t about instant gratification. Rather, it’s about the long term, legacy building, and lifelong bliss.

I believe the pandemic has afforded many a new perspective, one where they are starting to realize that life is precious and that how they spend their time, money, and energy truly matters.

We’re all looking for answers about how to be successful now. Could you please share “5 Ways To Redefine Success Now?”

So many professionals reach a point where they’ve checked all the boxes — thriving careers, financial stability — but something is still missing. What’s missing is their “More”, their unique dreams, passions, and experiences that make life truly fulfilling. When you discover and pursue your “More”, you’re not only honoring your truth, but you’re also empowering yourself to live a life that feels genuinely aligned with who you are.

Here are 5 ways to redefine success and discover your desire for “More”:

1 . Reflect on What You’ve Given Up for Success

Consider the parts of your life you may have sacrificed while pursuing career success. What dreams or desires did you leave behind? What did you give up that you used to find joy in? These sacrifices can reveal what your heart still longs for.

Tom sacrificed family time and his well-being to build a thriving career and provide a luxurious lifestyle for his family of four. We began working together as he approached retirement; he felt unmoored, uncertain of what his next chapter would hold. Together, we uncovered his desire to rekindle the spark with his wife of over 40 years and reclaim his health. Today, Tom is thriving — taking pickleball lessons, organizing active adventures with his wife, and rediscovering the joy that comes from prioritizing himself and his relationships. His next chapter is no longer uncertain; it’s vibrant, intentional, and deeply fulfilling.

2 . Identify Your Unfulfilled Dreams

What are the dreams or goals that you haven’t yet achieved but still feel called to? Whether it’s traveling to a new destination, building a meaningful relationship, or starting a new project, let your “More” be the things that excite you from the inside out.

My client Celeste gave up traveling during her marriage because her husband didn’t see its value. When we began working together, she was navigating the emotional challenges of a divorce. As we uncovered her passion for international travel, it became clear this was something her soul craved. Within a year, she has reignited that passion — taking her daughter to the Caribbean, her son on a mission trip to Guatemala, and next, taking the entire family to Europe to experience the Christmas markets.

3 . Move Beyond the Work-Life Balance Myth

Rather than separating work and life into two distinct categories, seek a more integrated approach where your career, relationships, health, and passions coexist in harmony. True fulfillment comes when every area of life is aligned with your personal values.

Sara, a journalist, came to me completely burned out, stuck in a relentless cycle of deadlines and exhaustion. Her energy was drained, her health was suffering, and she was falling ill every few months, leaving her unable to meet her professional commitments. Together, we identified the habits and “energy leaks” that were keeping her stuck and created room for what truly nourished her. Sara began reconnecting with friends she hadn’t seen in months, rediscovered the joy of hiking with her husband, and finally embraced a long-held dream of taking painting classes. Today, her life isn’t just balanced — it’s vibrant, with each piece working in harmony to support her well-being and reignite her passion for both life and work.

4 . Use Envy as a Guide

Envy can be a signpost for your own desires. Instead of feeling guilty about it, ask yourself what the person you’re envious of has that you want for yourself. This can reveal desires you’ve suppressed or ignored.

My client Lisa often felt envious of her college friend’s thriving interior design business. At first, she brushed it off, but as we dug deeper, she realized it wasn’t the business itself — it was the freedom and creativity she craved.

For years, Lisa had ignored her love of design while working a corporate job she didn’t enjoy. Inspired by her friend’s example, she started offering weekend design consultations. Now, she’s building a business that aligns with her passions and values. That envy became the guide she needed to uncover her true desires.

5 . Permit Yourself to Dream Big

Stop minimizing your dreams and let your imagination soar! Your “More” can be as bold or simple as you desire — it’s about honoring what truly matters and taking the first step. When you embrace your dreams, you stop chasing fleeting rewards and start living with purpose, tapping into your unique gifts and values.

Julie came to me during one of the darkest periods of her life — disconnected, unfulfilled, and stuck in a job that paid well but left her feeling empty. She’d dreamed of starting her own business but felt lost after trying coaching programs that only deepened her confusion. Together, we uncovered her true passions: storytelling and authentic connection.

Now, Julie is writing her first romance novel and launching a wedding content business, blending her love for writing and creating meaningful moments. “Aligning with my purpose was just a two-degree shift, but it changed everything,” she shared.

Your “More” won’t look the same as anyone else’s, and that’s a good thing. By honoring your desires and taking aligned actions, you bring the greatest version of yourself into the world. When you partner with your “More,” you claim the freedom to shape your future in a new, more deliberate way.

An exquisitely aligned life is a life where your heart-centered desires are prioritized and realized.

How would our lives improve if we changed our definition of success?

Imagine a place where your potential knows no bounds, and where limits are set only by the expansiveness of your dreams. This is where the magic happens. This is your life. Life is too short for accidental living.

What’s the biggest obstacle that stands in the way of our redefined success? And what advice would you offer about overcoming those obstacles?

Judgment.

We’ve all felt the sting of judgment — from authority figures, friends, or even family. It can make sharing our personal desires feel risky, pushing us to hide parts of ourselves or bend to others’ expectations.

Yet judgment is always rooted in fear or jealousy — neither of which is truly about you. The real difference between those who create their definition of success to live an exquisitely aligned life and those stuck in the Conformity Trap is the willingness to embrace the discomfort of change. Transitioning from the old to the new takes courage, especially when it means living outside the one-size-fits-all mold.

When you choose to live on your own terms, you start turning dreams into reality, sharing your gifts freely, and saying no to anything that doesn’t align with your vision. Some people will cheer you on, while others may resist or criticize your choices. Remember: their judgment is a reflection of their fears, not your worth.

Let go of the weight of judgment, whether it’s from others or from within. Imagine living in a judgment-free zone where every decision is celebrated. Life becomes much lighter and more joyful when you’re free from the opinions that no longer serve you.

Where do you go to look for inspiration and information about how to redefine success?

I’m all about the inside journey. I believe that our soul carries truths written deep within, which I call soul-level truths. Along with these truths, we also carry desires that, when tapped into, make our hearts beat faster. When we align with our soul-level truths and heartfelt desires, we effortlessly redefine success — on our own terms, not based on societal expectations.

As for where I find my inspiration, it’s simple. I sit quietly, meditate, spend time in nature, walk, or paddleboard. These are my moments of clarity. This is also the approach I use with my high-achieving, success-driven clients — because when we connect to what truly matters, everything else falls into place.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US, with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He, she or they might just see this if we tag them.

Without a doubt, Drew Barrymore. She’s been a favorite of mine for years, and it would be an absolute honor to meet, dine, and share a heartfelt conversation with her. Drew’s journey from a child star navigating Hollywood’s ups and downs to becoming a beloved talk show host and producer is both inspiring and relatable. Her authenticity, warmth, and ability to connect with people on such a genuine level are unmatched.

I recently celebrated the 100th episode of my Exquisitely Aligned podcast and launched the Exquisitely Aligned TV Show. Meeting someone like Drew, who champions authenticity and inspires others to embrace their unique path, would be a dream come true. Who knows, maybe Drew would fall in love with my book and share it with her audience! Check it out here: https://exquisitelyaligned.com/book/

How can our readers further follow your work online?

Connect with me and explore my work on Instagram @exquisitelyaligned, or visit my website at www.exquisitelyaligned.com. You can also find me on LinkedIn as Gina Maier Vincent. For insightful conversations and expert guidance, check out the Exquisitely Aligned TV show at www.expertsandauthors.tv and on Apple Podcasts. Plus, don’t miss my book, Exquisitely Aligned: A Pocket Guide to Your Magnificent Future, available now on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this. We wish you continued success and good health.