Most of us have been taught that career success is all about goals. Climbing the ladder, reaching the next title, or hitting a certain salary have long been seen as the true markers of achievement. But here’s a thought: what if focusing so intently on a specific goal actually limits our potential for real growth?
Maybe it's time to rethink success and shift our focus from goals to growth. This change in perspective can be surprisingly empowering, leading to a more resilient, adaptable, and fulfilling career.
Traditionally, setting and achieving goals has been the main approach to career success. Goals, while essential for providing direction, can sometimes create tunnel vision. We may overlook valuable experiences or new skills simply because they don't fit into our "career plan."
Think about it—how many times have you passed up opportunities because they didn’t align with a particular goal? This narrow focus can limit our potential, especially if we define success solely by titles or salaries.
A growth-oriented mindset, on the other hand, prioritises learning, adaptability, and skill acquisition over simply reaching a destination. Research shows that employees focused on growth tend to be more resilient, innovative, and engaged. Instead of feeling pressured to achieve a certain title or position, they see each step in their career as an opportunity to learn and expand their capabilities.
Ask yourself: How much have you grown in the last year? What new skills or experiences have broadened your perspective? When we measure success by our growth rather than by milestones, we open ourselves to new possibilities, making career paths feel more dynamic and rewarding.
So, how can you start embracing a growth-oriented approach? Here are some ways to prioritise learning and adaptability:
Focus on Skill Development: Instead of only aiming for promotions, think about the skills that will be crucial in the future. Where can you upskill or cross-train?
Embrace Lateral Moves: Lateral shifts may not come with a new title, but they can offer experiences and learning opportunities that a promotion might not. Sometimes, moving sideways can move you forward in unexpected ways.
Seek Regular Feedback: Growth thrives on feedback—honest conversations with mentors, peers, and managers can reveal insights you may not see on your own. Embrace constructive feedback as a tool for development rather than as criticism.
Challenge yourself to explore one skill or role that’s outside your comfort zone. How might pursuing it change your career trajectory?
Consider this example: someone sets a clear goal to climb as quickly as possible to a management position. Along the way, they realise that to succeed at the next level, they need skills they hadn’t focused on before—like data analysis or public speaking. Embracing a lateral role provides them with the chance to develop these skills. Later, when a management position opens up, they’re prepared and succeed in ways they hadn’t expected. This “detour” becomes one of the most valuable steps in their career journey.
Reflecting on your own career, has a side-step ever given you insights or skills that you wouldn’t trade for anything?
The long-term resilience and adaptability that come with a growth-oriented mindset prepare us for career transitions, industry changes, and even setbacks. By prioritising growth, we become better equipped to navigate a constantly evolving job market and find satisfaction in what we’re learning and contributing at every stage.
Imagine what your career might look like if, starting today, you measured success by how much you learned rather than by your title or income. This perspective doesn’t just redefine success—it creates a fulfilling career that’s adaptable, sustainable, and ultimately more meaningful.
By embracing a growth mindset, we create careers with more resilience, adaptability, and genuine satisfaction. It’s a shift in thinking that can open up powerful conversations about what career success truly means.
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