Finding Fulfillment: Balancing Ambition and Joy in Your Daily Life

In this heartfelt interview, we hear from Megan Crocetto who has redefined success and fulfillment on her own terms. From learning to embrace the simple joys to finding community and encouraging others to take bold steps forward, her insights offer a powerful reminder that living a life you love starts with being true to yourself.

What does it mean to you to live a life that you love?

To me, it’s really important to work toward a life that you love. That should be your top goal—whether it’s having a slow, calm life or doing the things that bring you joy. That’s the kind of life worth striving for.

Right now, for me, that means living more simply. I’ve spent time building my career and achieving the things I wanted professionally, but these days, my focus has shifted. My goal is to enjoy those quiet mornings with my children and find happiness in the little things.

How do you balance ambition with living a life you love?

Honestly, I’m still figuring that out. I’m not great at balance yet. But if I want something, I go for it. I don’t spend time worrying about what could go wrong. I just try. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll deal with that when the time comes.

Right now, I just keep moving forward. I don’t have it all together—I’m learning as I go. I try to enjoy the simple moments, even on long workdays. Maybe I’ll go home and cook with the kids or do something small and special together.

How has community helped you—whether during your time in the NICU or while building your business and nonprofit?

Through everything—from a great pregnancy to a traumatic loss, infertility struggles, and then eventually motherhood—I’ve learned how important community really is.

Back then, I kept everything to myself. I didn’t talk about what I was going through. When I was on bed rest, I listened to other people’s stories online, but I didn’t feel brave enough to share my own or ask for help. That time in my life felt very sad and lonely.

Now that I talk about it, it’s helped me heal. I’m in a healing phase right now, and having a supportive community makes such a difference. Whether someone is going through infertility, IVF, miscarriage, or just struggling in general, being surrounded by people who care and understand is powerful.

The world can feel cruel sometimes, but when you build the right kind of community, it changes everything. That safe space—where people care and lift each other up—is what’s helped me the most. Sharing our stories gives others hope. And that, to me, is everything.

What habits help you stay grounded and keep moving toward the life you love?

I’ve been practicing The Artist’s Way, where you write freely every morning about whatever you’re feeling. Some days are hard, but writing it out helps me recognize all the things I’m grateful for—things I once dreamed about that are now part of my life.

That mindset shift keeps me grounded. I also try to eat healthy and live a balanced lifestyle. Each year, my perspective shifts a little. Lately, what’s really made me reflect is watching my daughter mimic my habits—ones I wasn’t even aware of. It reminded me that people are always watching, especially our children.

That’s why I want to be a good reflection, a positive role model. I want my kids to see me being kind, speaking kindly about myself and others, and choosing to live with intention. We may not change the world, but we can absolutely influence our own small communities. That’s my motivation right now: to be a better person, year after year.

There are so many things I can improve, but I’m learning to be gentle with myself. What matters most is being kind and showing up as someone my kids—and other women—can look up to.

How do we help more women and girls take risks and feel confident in stepping forward for opportunities?

Don’t worry about what others think. Don’t compare yourself to anyone else. If you’re passionate and willing to work hard, just go for it.

Stop overthinking the “what ifs.” If you don’t take the risk, you’ll never know what could have been. Anyone can create the life they want—they just have to be willing to take that uncomfortable first step.

If you could rewrite a rule that’s been placed on women, what would you change?

Honestly, I don’t follow those rules. I believe everyone should write their own. Of course, there are universal rules—right and wrong—but when it comes to what a woman is supposed to do with her life? I reject that.

You should decide what’s right for you. There shouldn’t be any limitations on what you want to pursue.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?

I would tell my younger self that everything is going to be okay. Every challenge, every setback—it’s all part of the learning process. Just be grateful. Everything you’re going through is shaping you.

What is the legacy you hope to leave?

I hope people remember that I cared and that anyone who meets me walks away feeling better. By simply being kind, I hope I bring value to people’s lives.

I don’t really see myself as a leader or even a great boss—I care too much. But I hope I’m remembered as someone who made a positive difference, even in small ways. A smile, a kind word, a moment of joy.

I’m not trying to change the world. I just want to make a difference in my own little corner of it—especially for my family. That’s the legacy I want to leave.

Megan Crocetto is the founder of Nova and Nadia’s Closet. After losing her son Nathan because of an incompetent cervix, Megan’s twin daughters Nova and Nadia were born at just 26 weeks, spending 115 days in the NICU. This experience inspired Megan to create Nova and Nadia’s Closet, providing clothing and support to NICU families. Megan is also the owner of Chameleon Day Spa in Media, Pennsylvania.

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Hi, I’m Jessi

I created Habituelle Life and Leadership Coaching so that ambitious women can see that finding fulfillment in their personal and professional lives is possible. Redefining success in my own life has allowed me to help others do the same.

I’m here to support you in this journey of evolving identities, inner criticisms, and competing societal messages. We aren’t meant to do this life alone.