Throughout my career, I have learned the invaluable lesson that success is not always defined by awards or recognition, but by the difference we make in the lives of others.

Two moments stand out in particular that exemplify the power of positive feedback and the impact of my work, especially when it has helped individuals in ways that go far beyond metrics or accolades.

The first involved the launch of VisitNunney.com, a voluntary project I launched with a passion for showcasing the local history of Nunney, a small village with a moated, medieval castle in Somerset, England.

What began as a personal exploration of the heritage e rich history of this charming location quickly grew into a site that would go on to win multiple awards, gain recognition from experts in the field, and even be twice named as a runner-up for UK Website of the Year in the prestigious Good Web Guide Awards.

Despite these achievements, I was met with a strange kind of criticism, one that left me wondering about the nature of public perception. Some people in the local community, unfamiliar with the depth of my commitment, dismissed the entire project.

Rumours swirled that I was only doing it as a tax write-off to offset earnings in my day job. The assumption that I could not possibly be genuinely interested in the history of a village without some ulterior motive was disheartening, to say the least.

Perception can carry more weight than achievements

It’s easy to brush off such criticisms, particularly when they come from people who don’t have the context or the knowledge to understand the real purpose behind the work. But the reality is that public perception can sometimes carry more weight than actual achievements.

The praise from experts at the British Museum and the Holburne Museum in Bath couldn’t fully counterbalance the local gossip that painted my efforts as something shallow or self-serving.

While I did receive recognition from experts in the field and multiple awards, one piece of feedback stood out as truly meaningful. A friend of mine, who was receiving palliative care at the time, took the time to write to me and express his enjoyment of the local heritage research I had published on the site.

His words resonated with me deeply, not because of the praise, but because it highlighted the real-world impact my work had on someone going through an incredibly difficult time.

That one note, from one person, reminded me of the true purpose behind what I do: creating something meaningful that can offer comfort, insight, and connection to those who need it most.

Trying to make a positive difference in people’s lives

In a similar vein, my work on trauma-informed content has been shaped by the same sense of purpose, to make a positive difference in people’s lives. While I’ve encountered criticism and dismissal from some quarters, what has kept me going are the voices of those who have found value in the work I’ve done.

One such instance was when victim support organisations praised my trauma-informed content, stating that they had no suggested changes and describing it as “excellent”.

These words, coming from professionals dedicated to supporting individuals through some of the most traumatic experiences imaginable, reaffirmed that I was on the right path. I could see that my work was truly making a difference, helping to create content that was empathetic, sensitive, and, most importantly, effective.

Another source of encouragement came from Kristina Halvorson, a leading figure in the content strategy world, who reached out to me directly on LinkedIn after reading my articles on the intersection of AI and trauma-informed content.

Kristina’s words were a much-needed reminder that, despite some colleagues’ dismissals, my work was not only valuable but also groundbreaking. She called my articles “outstanding” and “just excellent work!”, words from someone I respect and admire deeply. It was a moment of validation that reinforced my belief in the potential of AI to support ethical and compassionate content design. 

What makes me tick

This week, I received confirmation that Kristina’s Button blog will publish my article on trauma-informed content and AI this month. It’s not just a career moment; it’s a life moment.

Because here’s the truth: I haven’t had a “real” job in two years. My last meaningful piece of work was writing the national drink and needle spiking advice and information service for the Metropolitan Police and Police.uk.

Since then, I have dealt with my dad’s illness. Bereavement. Caring for others, struggling to find work across borders. I kept showing up for family, for love, for life, but not for work.

And yet here I am, finding language for the very things that silenced me. Exploring how AI can help us “design with care” instead of just scale with speed. Turning grief, transition and displacement into insight.

This article doesn’t just say what I believe. It marks my return to work that matters, to a field I’ve helped shape and to the voice I thought I’d lost.

If you’re in the in-between too: take heart. Purpose waits for no job title.

The real measures of success

These experiences, from a personal note of gratitude to professional validation, have reaffirmed the power of focusing on the positive impact of our work. When others may dismiss or misunderstand what we’re doing, it’s important to remember the people whose lives we truly touch. That is what meaningful work means to me.

It’s the feedback from victims of violence, small business owners struggling to navigate crisis grants, or someone just trying to make sense of a confusing government process. These are the real measures of success. The impact of our work goes beyond the accolades, and when we’re able to make a tangible difference to just one person, it’s worth all the effort.

Of course, success isn’t always easy, and it often comes with its fair share of setbacks and negativity. But in those moments, I’ve learned to shift my focus toward the positive feedback and meaningful interactions that remind me why I do what I do.

Every piece of feedback that highlights the value of my work, every person who takes the time to express gratitude or share how my content has helped them, serves as a powerful reminder that the work is worthwhile.

If my content can make a difference to just one person, whether it’s a victim of spiking who finds solace in my guidance, a business owner struggling to stay afloat who benefits from trauma-informed grant applications, or a young woman who can now register as a childcare provider because the process was made clearer and more accessible, then it has been a success.

These are the meaningful work moments that matter, and they should be the ones we celebrate.

Creating content that helps others

So, rather than focusing on the dismissive voices or the moments of doubt, I choose to focus on the individuals who are positively impacted by my work. After all, it’s their lives that are transformed by the content I create.

Whether it’s giving someone the tools to navigate a traumatic experience or making complex information accessible in a way that supports their goals, every step forward is a step in the right direction.

Ultimately, the work I do is about more than just personal achievement or recognition. It’s about creating content that helps others, whether that’s by offering a sense of connection, providing clarity, or empowering people to take control of their circumstances. That’s why I continue to write, to create and to share my work with the world: because I believe in its potential to make a positive difference, one person at a time.

So, when you encounter setbacks or criticism, remember this: celebrate the positive impact you’re making. Celebrate the feedback from those who truly benefit from your work. And always, always focus on the good that comes from what you do because, in the end, that’s what truly matters.