Finding your version of success: 29 tips to

accomplish your goals

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.

1. Be observant about what you like and don’t like as well as your strengths and
weaknesses
2. Don’t be afraid to be different from your family and friends
3. Keep a journal or a diary to process your thoughts and feelings
4. Watch 80 percent less TV — you can use all that extra time for your goals
5. Be kind and courteous to everyone
6. Be intentional with your money and learn how to manage it
7. Always be patient
8. Celebrate and appreciate others
9. Challenge the status quo (when it needs challenging)
10. Be a problem solver, not a complainer
11. Let your imagination fly
12. Do more with less
13. Meditate — you’ll be amazed by the change it can make in your life
14. Get used to being uncomfortable
15. 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

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

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.