We all have goals — objectives that we want to achieve in the office, in our romantic lives, or at the gym. Maybe you’re striving towards a promotion, or simply want to dedicate more time to self-care. Either way, we can all agree that achieving success can be tough at times.
It’s also hard to focus on all your goals at once. Think of it this way: you’re a watering can, and you must water multiple plants. Each plant is a different aspect of your life. They're all important. The water is the time and energy you devote to growing them.
Once you’re empty, you have to replenish with rest and relaxation. You could water all your plants at once. But if you do this, each will grow more slowly by the time you need to rest. And if you prioritize just one, you may have to sacrifice growth in other areas of your life.
This is why success tips are so important. Sometimes, you need a little extra advice to help you prioritize the right goals and stay focused.
We've rounded up some of our favorite tips: they're doable and make a difference. The tips below offer straightforward advice to get started. They can help you move forward and achieve your goals, without sacrificing your growth.
Success tip: create your own definition
First things first: Take a deep breath. Find some quiet time to practice reconnecting with yourself. Building your self-awareness is foundational for setting goals that matter to you and setting yourself up to achieve them.
Grab a pen and paper (or open a new doc on your computer), and prepare to brainstorm what success means to you.
Start with your passions. Try to remember those moments where you felt inspired. Maybe you were lost in a hobby, were making crafts with your kids, or took the lead on a project at work. List them quickly, without overthinking and without judgement. This will give you a sense of where you find energy. Doing something that you love for work will help you feel like you’re already succeeding.
Imagine where these pieces fit in your life. Maybe you need a job with a better work-life balance, or perhaps you’re thinking about starting a family. Visualize what your day-to-day could look like when you prioritize different goals.
You might love multiple things, and that’s okay. Focusing on one area doesn’t mean neglecting another. But if you can’t strike the right balance, you might have to take turns between priorities. For example, many young people choose to travel the world before committing to a university degree or career so they can focus on each.
Assess your current situation. Think about where you are now and where you’d like to be. Maybe you need a flexible job or to be your own boss. You may even choose to stop working altogether. There’s no correct answer here — only what’s right for you.
Have a plan. Now lay out the steps to achieve your goal. You might need new skills to land a dream job, or you may need to pay off your house before quitting altogether. And if you’re married or have a partner, how do they fit into your plan?
You don’t have to do this alone. If you need extra support, consider trying out BetterUp. You can review your skills, life goals, and make an actionable plan to achieve your dreams.
15 rapid-fire success tips for life
These tips can apply to your personal life, career, relationships — anything. Keep them in mind as you plot your road to true success.
- Be observant about what you like and don’t like as well as your strengths and weaknesses
- Don’t be afraid to be different from your family and friends
- Keep a journal or a diary to process your thoughts and feelings
- Watch 80 percent less TV — you can use all that extra time for your goals
- Be kind and courteous to everyone
- Be intentional with your money and learn how to manage it
- Always be patient
- Celebrate and appreciate others
- Challenge the status quo (when it needs challenging)
- Be a problem solver, not a complainer
- Let your imagination fly
- Do more with less
- Meditate — you’ll be amazed by the change it can make in your life
- Get used to being uncomfortable
- Don’t take anything for granted — always be grateful
7 success tips for your career
If your career is a major priority, there’s no shortage of wisdom on how to be successful. Here are success tips for entrepreneurs and employees alike.
1. Begin at the beginning
This might sound silly, but you need to put your ego aside and start with small milestones. You might feel like you deserve that managerial role, but it’ll take time to prove it. Take it one step at a time, build your skills, and keep the right mindset while you’re completing the early, menial tasks.
This strategy can also alleviate some anxiety. Career goal-setting is exciting but scary. For now, you only have to worry about the step that’s in front of you.
2. Practice perseverance
There will be hiccups along the way, so don’t give up. Take a step back, evaluate where you went wrong, and improve on your weaknesses. Your hard work will pay off.
3. Avoid procrastination
Take control of your schedule. Successful people complete tasks on time. That means cutting out things like social media and extra TV. Many, many studies show that social media is linked to procrastination, so cutting down on this is a great tip for success.
You may need to wake up early if that's what it takes to avoid distractions.
4. “No” is a complete sentence
Many people overwork themselves to seem like better employees. But, in reality, this only works against them. They’re more tired and more likely to make mistakes. Be mindful of your capacity. Perform your current tasks well before taking on more work.
5. Declutter your workspace
While you’re at it, close all those tabs in your web browser. Your space is an extension of your mind. If it’s too crowded, you’re less likely to perform at your best.
This is also a great working-from-home success tip. Cleaning your desk at the end of the day will reset your space and mind for tomorrow.
6. Do a little every day
Big goals take time. Break them down into small parts and complete one daily task. Even the most minor bits of progress add up.
7. Frequently revisit the plan
Situations change, and that’s okay. Just make sure to revisit your career plan and adjust accordingly. You may want to add some steps, change your timelines, or set completely new goals.
7 success tips for your personal life
Of course, work isn’t everything. Here are some additional tips for a successful life.
1. Find the balance that works for today
Work and life are both demanding. Figure out what you need to do to de-stress. Regularly include time in your schedule to build skills to manage stress and keep checking in on whether the balance feels healthy for you.
For example, if you’re an introvert, you might need alone time in the evenings. Extroverts, on the other hand, may unwind better with friends. You might need a mix of both or something completely different. Find your thing, and don’t let it fall by the wayside.
2. Focus on positive relationships
There are two types of people in the world: those who give you energy and those who take it away.
Make time for the people that fill you up. These are the folks who make you laugh, who are there when you need them, and with whom you can be yourself. Toxic people will only hurt your self-confidence and self-esteem.
3. Be brave
Following your heart can be tough, especially when it feels like the world doesn’t want you to. It takes bravery to step out of your comfort zone and live your best life. Don’t be afraid to believe in yourself. Research even shows that courage in the workplace can help you perform better and help your company, too.
4. Never stop learning
Keep an eye out for life’s many lessons. Usually, these lessons present themselves through what seems like a failure. But they’re also present in moments of joy, peace, and self-reflection. These lessons will help you on your path to success.
5. Have fun
Living is hard enough without carrying the world on your shoulders. Let go of the things you can’t control, and have fun doing the things you love.
6. Practice optimism
It’s okay to feel sad when things don’t go your way. But don’t let it linger. Remember that the future is full of potential and that there are many things to be hopeful about. This reminder to have a positive mindset is one success tip that can transform your life.
7. Challenge your perspective
Read books and articles you’ve never considered before. Listen to podcasts with exciting topics. Approach new ideas with an open mind. Decide how these things fit within your worldview. You will have gained a fresh perspective on the world no matter what.
Don’t forget your mental health
Pursuing your goals can be taxing, so make sure to check in with yourself. Look for signs of anxiety or depression. These are common conditions in people who are overworked and need to take steps to recover from burnout.
You may think that sacrificing your health and well-being shows how committed you are to your goals. If you are pushing too hard, you actually become less effective. And remember why you are pursuing these goals.
The bottom line
Popular culture often paints a distorted picture of success. It shows us large houses, fancy cars, and expensive jewelry. But the truth is much simpler: success in many areas of life is what makes you happy. With these success tips, you’re well on your way.
Find out what moves you, and go from there — and remember, BetterUp can help you along the way. You won’t regret prioritizing your success and happiness.
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