Episode 33

full
Published on:

19th Jun 2025

From Status Symbols to Personal Fulfilment - Reflections on Success

The meaning of "success" is highly personal and can change over the course of our lives. In this episode of The Year of Being 70 podcast, hosts Lisette and Lucy discuss their evolving definitions of success - from the external markers of achievement to the internal sense of fulfilment. In the year of their 70th birthdays, they reflect on how success has taken on new meanings for them.

Key Highlights

• The distinction between outward "success" and inner "fulfilment" - Lisette and Lucy explore how success is often associated with external accomplishments, while fulfilment comes from a more intrinsic sense of purpose and contribution.

• Overcoming self-doubt and the tendency to undervalue our own achievements - The hosts acknowledge the "feminine" tendency to downplay one's successes, and challenge the idea that we should judge ourselves solely on external measures.

• The role of parental expectations and the "eldest daughter effect" - As the eldest daughters in their families, Lucy and Lisette discuss how they often felt the need to please their parents and live up to certain standards of success.

• Helping others achieve their goals as a source of fulfilment - Both hosts find great satisfaction in supporting and enabling the success of others, whether through mentoring, coaching publishing, or facilitating new ventures

• The enduring importance of our parents' approval, even in our 70s - Despite their age, Lisette and Lucy still feel a desire for their late parents' pride and acknowledgment of their achievements.

Why You Should Listen

This conversation offers a refreshing perspective on success and fulfilment at the age of 70. By delving into their personal experiences and reflections, Lucy and Lisette encourage listeners to redefine success on their own terms, embrace their inner strengths, and find joy in supporting the growth of others. This episode will resonate with anyone seeking a more holistic and empowering understanding of what it means to live a successful life.

Join The Conversation

What does success mean to you – how would you define it? Is it more to do with outward markers, or internal feelings? Tell us what achievements, are your greatest successes. If you have children, do you consider them successes of you as a parent? Do you hanker for your parents approval, whatever your age? What gives you your greatest sense of personal fulfilment?

Tell us in the comments – we’d love to hear your thoughts and views.

Watch/listen to our full playlist (The Year of Being 70): https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzDmlsx6mhXmqlFJFZEEvaOwytbeAMFCm

If you enjoyed this discussion of an engaging subject, as well as the personal journeys of these old (in every sense) friends, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and tap the bell icon to stay updated on new episodes of The Year of Being 70. Subscribe now and join the journey!

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About the Podcast

The Year of Being 70
Two childhood friends who turned 70 in 2024 look back on their lives, their journey, and their busy lives at 70t
Lucy McCarraher and Lisette Schuitemaker are childhood friends. Born one month apart in 1954, they both hit 70 in 2024. In this podcast they take the long view of their experiences, the changes that have taken place through their 70 years of existence in their own lives, their families, their countries and the world. Lucy is British; Lisette is Dutch. Both are authors, eldest daughters and founders of businesses. Every week they check in on each other, recall their younger selves, discuss an important issue, and laugh a lot.
You'll love this podcast if you enjoy:
* Honest discussions between good friends
* Social history from the 1950s to present day
* Memories of growing up in the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s
* Living and working through the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s
* Hearing about families and relationships
* Entrepreneurship and business
* Writing and reading books
* A bit of politics from a personal point of view
* Women's issues and the changing face of feminism
* What it's like to be 70 in the 2020s

About your host

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Lisette Schuitemaker