What does it mean to have it all?

We’ve all heard the phrase “having it all.” It suggests a life of perfect balance—a successful career, a happy family, fulfilling relationships, financial stability, and personal happiness. But what does it really mean to have it all? And more importantly, can you truly have it all?

Instead of asking whether you can have it all—an often elusive and overwhelming notion—consider reframing the question. Here are three important questions to ask yourself:

• Am I happy with the current life and choices I have made?
• Am I living a meaningful life that aligns with my core values, priorities, and purpose?
• Am I being true to who I am?

These questions help you shift the focus from achieving an impossible standard to a more personal and meaningful assessment of your life. When you take time to reflect, you may find that your version of “having it all” is very different from society’s or even what you once imagined for yourself.

Stop Chasing “Having It All”

Many people waste time and energy trying to achieve an ideal that doesn’t exist—a life where everything is perfectly balanced all the time. The truth is, “having it all” is subjective and constantly evolving. Your definition of what “all” means today may change tomorrow. What feels important to you in your 20s will likely look different in your 30s, 40s, and beyond.

As the renowned author and life coach Tony Robbins once said, “Success without fulfillment is the ultimate failure.” Chasing external success without internal happiness and fulfillment is a recipe for burnout and dissatisfaction. Instead of striving for an unattainable ideal, check in with yourself regularly and assess whether any area of your life needs more attention or nurturing.

Life Is About Choices and Trade-offs

A meaningful life often requires making choices and trade-offs. You can’t always have everything at once, and that’s okay. For example, you may choose to focus on advancing your career, which might mean sacrificing some personal time in the short term. Or, you may decide that prioritizing family is more important than working long hours at your job. The key is to make intentional decisions based on what matters most to you at this stage of your life.

Oprah Winfrey famously stated, “You can have it all. Just not all at once.” This acknowledges that while you may eventually achieve many of your dreams and desires, they often come in phases rather than all at once. And that’s perfectly normal.

Redefine “Having It All” On Your Own Terms

If you can define having it all in a way that is grounded, realistic, and reflective of your current life circumstances, then you can have it all. The process begins with clarity. Get clear on who you are, what you truly want, and the kind of life you want to create. This clarity will help you make choices that align with your values, and when you do that, you’re already on your way to having your own version of “all.”

Sometimes, “having it all” might just mean having inner peace, health, and the ability to spend time with the people you love. Other times, it might look like hitting big career goals or achieving financial independence. It’s your life, and you get to decide what having it all means for you.

Conclusion: You Define Your “All”

Ultimately, having it all isn’t about checking off a list of societal expectations. It’s about living a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling to you. It’s about understanding that your “all” will change as you grow and evolve, and that’s the beauty of life. If you are happy with the life you’re living and the choices you’ve made, then congratulations—you already have your “all.”

Now it’s your turn. What does having it “ALL” mean to you?

Please share your thoughts in the comment section below. Let’s continue the conversation and learn from each other’s perspectives!