St. John’s COO urges people to slow down, set goals, and build a quieter kind of success from within
D.C., US, 10th November 2025, ZEX PR WIRE– In a culture that often equates success with hustle, titles, and public recognition, Preston Cherouny is inviting people to think differently.
“Success, to me, is in the process—not the outcome,” said Cherouny, Chief Operating Officer at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. “It’s not about a paycheck or a title. It’s about doing the work with intention.”
After decades of professional and personal experience, Cherouny is using his platform to advocate for a more grounded definition of success—one that starts with presence, not performance.
“Too many people think they need to prove themselves to the world in big, loud ways,” he said. “But I’ve found the most fulfilling path is often the quietest. It’s writing your goals down, showing up every day, and forgiving yourself when you fall short.”
A Call for Self-Forgiveness and Balance
Research backs up his philosophy. According to the American Psychological Association, self-compassion and self-forgiveness have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve decision-making, and increase long-term resilience. Yet only 19% of Americans say they regularly practice self-forgiveness.
Cherouny believes that needs to change.
“You can’t move forward if you’re stuck blaming yourself,” he said. “The turning point in my life came when I realized I had to forgive myself. That’s when I started building again—with more care and more purpose.”
He also highlights balance as a key ingredient to long-term success: “Without balance, everything starts to fall apart,” he said. “If you don’t protect your time and your values, no achievement will feel like enough.”
Grounded in Habit, Not Hype
Cherouny encourages others to build daily systems that support clarity and focus. One of his practices? A simple Sunday night reset.
“I take 30 minutes to ask: what worked this week, what didn’t, what’s coming,” he said. “It’s low-tech but powerful. You don’t need a fancy system—you just need to reflect and adjust.”
He also recommends goal tracking, regular movement, and protecting time for solitude. For him, golf is where he resets.
“It’s not about the score. It’s about the rhythm. That’s where I breathe again,” he said.
What People Can Do Today
Cherouny’s message isn’t about following someone else’s path. It’s about rethinking your own. He encourages anyone feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or lost to try three things:
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Write down one short-term and one long-term goal—not for others, but for yourself.
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Start a weekly reset habit—10 minutes is enough. Reflect, refocus, and plan.
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Practice self-forgiveness—let go of a recent mistake and commit to one small step forward.
“You don’t have to fix everything overnight,” he said. “Just stay present. That’s the real work. That’s where success lives.”
About Preston Cherouny
Preston Cherouny is the Chief Operating Officer at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Washington, DC. A graduate of Skidmore College and Avon Old Farms School, he has spent his career building systems, supporting communities, and leading with quiet integrity. He lives in Washington with his wife, Merrell, and is an avid golfer and longtime supporter of education and community development.
