essay about how to achieve success in life

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How to Be Successful in Reaching Your Goals

9 Psychological Strategies to Get Ahead in Life

Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

Rachel Goldman, PhD FTOS, is a licensed psychologist, clinical assistant professor, speaker, wellness expert specializing in eating behaviors, stress management, and health behavior change.

Build a Growth Mindset

Improve your emotional intelligence, develop mental toughness, strengthen your willpower, focus on intrinsic motivations, set achievable goals, nurture traits linked to high potential, cultivate strong social support, avoid burnout.

Success is often defined as the ability to reach your goals in life, whatever those goals may be. In some ways, a better word for success might be attainment, accomplishment, or progress. It is not necessarily a destination but a journey that helps develop the skills and resources you need to thrive.

At a Glance

There are many different tactics for how to be successful in life, but the strategy that works best for you may depend on what success means to you . If you think of success as doing well at work or earning a high salary, your professional goals and accomplishments will take priority.

While professional success can be one piece of the puzzle, it leaves out many other important areas of life. Family, romantic relationships, academics, and athletics are just a few areas where people may strive for success. Your definition of success may vary, but many might define it as being fulfilled, happy, safe, healthy, and loved.

While there is no single right way to be successful, you can improve your chances by building a growth mindset, improving your emotional intelligence, developing mental toughness, and strengthening your willpower, among other strategies.

Because goals are self-created, what people view as success can vary depending on their needs, goals, and situation. There may not be a perfect combination of ingredients that can guarantee success. Still, there are some basic steps you can follow that can improve your chances of being successful in life, love, work, or whatever happens to be important to you.

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Research by psychologist Carol Dweck suggests that there are two basic mindsets that influence how people think about themselves and their abilities: the fixed mindset and the growth mindset .

People who possess a fixed mindset believe that things such as intelligence are static and unchangeable. Those with a fixed mindset believe that success isn't a result of hard work—it's simply a consequence of innate talents.

Because they believe that such talents are something people are either born with or without, they tend to give up more easily in the face of a challenge. They quit when things do not come easily because they believe that they lack the inborn skills needed to excel.

Those who have a growth mindset, on the other hand, feel that they can change, grow, and learn through effort. People who believe that they are capable of growth are more likely to achieve success. When things get tough, they look for ways to improve their skills and keep working toward success.

People with a growth mindset believe that they have control of their life, while those with a fixed mindset believe that things are out of their control.

What can you do to build a growth mindset?

• Believe that your efforts matter . Rather than thinking their abilities are fixed or stuck, people who have a growth mindset believe that effort and hard work can lead to meaningful growth.
• Learn new skills . When faced with a challenge, they look for ways to develop the knowledge and skills that they need to overcome and triumph.
• View failures as learning experiences . People with growth mindsets don't believe that failure is a reflection of their abilities. Instead, they view it as a valuable source of experience from which they can learn and improve. "That didn't work," they might think, "so this time I'll try something a little different."

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Overall intelligence has long been believed to be one factor contributing to success in different areas of life, but some experts suggest that emotional intelligence may actually matter even more.   Emotional intelligence refers to the ability to understand, utilize, and reason with emotions. Emotionally intelligent people are able to understand not only their own emotions, but those of others as well.

To improve your emotional intelligence:

• Pay attention to your own emotions . Focus on identifying what you are feeling and what is causing those feelings.
• Manage your emotions . Step back and try to view things with an impartial eye. Avoid bottling up or repressing your feelings, but look for healthy and appropriate ways of dealing with what you are feeling.
• Listen to others. This not only involves hearing what they are saying, but also paying attention to nonverbal signals and body language.

Mental toughness refers to the resilience to carry on and continue trying even in the face of obstacles. People who possess this mental strength see challenges as opportunities. They also feel that they have control over their own destiny, are confident in their abilities to succeed, and are committed to finishing what they start.

What can you do to improve your mental toughness and increase your chances of being successful in life?

• Believe in yourself . Cut out negative self-talk and look for ways to stay positive and self-encouraging.
• Keep trying . Even when things seem impossible or setbacks keep holding you back, focus on ways that you can develop your skills and keep soldiering forward. One of the key habits of successful people is always looking at setbacks or failures as learning opportunities.
• Care for yourself . Staying strong also means that you treat yourself with kindness. Check in with yourself regularly to ensure you have the things you need to thrive.
• Look for growth opportunities . Learning more about yourself and challenging yourself to try new things can provide opportunities for self-discovery.

In a long-running longitudinal study, psychologists followed a group of children who were identified by their teachers as highly intelligent. As they compared how these subjects fared throughout childhood and into adulthood, researchers found that those who ultimately were the most successful in life shared some key characteristics, including perseverance and willpower.  

These characteristics tend to be part of an individual's overall personality, but they are also something you can improve. Delayed gratification , learning to persist in the face of challenges, and waiting for the rewards of your hard work can often be the key to success in life.

Strategies you can use to improve your willpower include:

• Distraction . For example, if you are trying to lose weight but are having a difficult time staying away from your favorite snacks, distracting yourself during your moments of weakness can be an effective way to avoid giving in to temptation.
• Practice . Willpower is something you can build, but it takes time and effort. Start by making small goals that require will power to achieve, such as avoiding sugary snacks. As you build your ability to use your will power to achieve such small goals, you may find that your willpower is also stronger when working on much larger goals.

What is it that motivates you the most? Do you find that the promise of external rewards keeps you reaching for your goals, or is it the more personal, intrinsic motivators that keep you feeling inspired? While extrinsic rewards such as money, awards, and praise can be helpful, many people find that they are most motivated when they are doing things for personal satisfaction.

If you are doing things because you enjoy them, because you find them meaningful, or because you enjoy seeing the effects of your work, then you are driven by intrinsic motivations. Research has shown that while incentives can be a better predictor of some types of performance, intrinsic motivators tend to be better at predicting performance quality.  

While it is often the external motivators that get people started, it is the internal motivators that kick in and keep people going in order to maintain those new behaviors.

What can you do to boost your sense of intrinsic motivation?

• Challenge yourself . Pursuing a goal that is achievable but not necessarily easy, is a great way to increase motivation to succeed. Challenges can keep you interested in a task, improve your self-esteem, and offer feedback on areas you can improve on. Choosing a slightly challenging task will help motivate you to get started—it feels exciting!
• Stay curious . Look for things that grab your attention and that you want to learn more about.
• Take control . It can be difficult to stay intrinsically motivated to pursue a goal if you don't feel that you have any real influence over the outcome. Look for ways that you can take an active role.
• Don't fear competition . There might be other people trying to reach the same goals as you, but this doesn't mean you should give up. Don't compare your progress or journey to anyone else's. You can look to others for motivation and inspiration, but remember that we all have different paths.

Successful people know that they need to start by having attainable goals to achieve. These goals are not necessarily easy to reach, but by having something to aim for, you will be better able to move forward and overcome obstacles.

When setting goals :

• Be as specific as possible : Choosing a goal like "I'm going to spend 20 minutes a day learning a new language" is more achievable than setting a general goal like "I'm going to learn French."
• Break your goal into smaller steps : Even if you select a specific goal, it can often seem difficult to achieve. Try breaking it into smaller steps that allow you to focus on moving forward without becoming overwhelmed.
• Reward progress : Recognize your successes along the way and allow yourself to enjoy your accomplishments.

One of the biggest reasons people don't follow through on their goals [is] because they aren't what THEY want to do. Make sure your goals align with your personal values and needs, not what you 'think' you should do.

Psychologists have long attempted to link specific traits or personality characteristics to success in life and work. The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is one widely used assessment that is often utilized by businesses to screen job candidates. However, research often fails to show that the MBTI actually correlates to performance.  

According to some more recent research, there are certain traits that tend to be consistently tied to success.   Researchers Ian MacRae and Adrian Furnham have identified six key traits that can play a role in how well people do at work.   However, they note that there are optimal levels of these traits. Too little of these characteristics can hinder success, but so can having too much.

If you are trying to learn how to be successful in life, consider what you can do to nurture these key traits:

Conscientiousness

Conscientious people consider the effects of their actions. They also consider how other people will react and feel. You can nurture this trait by:

• Thinking about the consequences of actions
• Considering other people's perspectives

Accepting of Ambiguity

Life is full of situations that are not always clear. People with a great deal of potential for success are better able to accept this ambiguity. Rather than being rigid and inflexible, they are ready to adapt when the unexpected comes their way. You can learn to embrace ambiguity by:

• Challenging your perspectives and considering opinions and ideas other than your own
• Not fearing the unfamiliar
• Being willing to change
• Valuing diversity

Capable of Adjustment

In addition to being able to accept ambiguity, success often hinges on the ability to quickly adjust to change. You can nurture this ability to adjust by:

• Reframing difficult situations, to see them as opportunities to learn and grow rather than simply obstacles to live through
• Being open to change; when plans or situations change, step back and look at ways to cope

The world's most successful people often exemplify great courage. They are willing to take risks, even in the face of potential failure. Research suggests that courageous people utilize positive emotions to overcome fear.   You can improve your tolerance of risk by:

• Quelling negative emotions and focusing on more positive feelings
• Balancing risk with common sense; being cautious and pragmatic can also pay off, depending upon the situation

People who are successful tend to be curious about the world around them. They are always eager to learn more, including new knowledge and skills. You can cultivate your sense of curiosity by:

• Relating tasks to your interests: If you find filing boring, for example, look for a more efficient way to categorize the information to play to your strengths as an organizer.
• Learning new things

Competitiveness

Successful people are able to utilize competition to motivate, but avoid falling prey to jealousy. You can nurture a healthy sense of competition by:

• Focusing on your own improvements; rather than worry about being the best at something, pay attention to your progress
• Being happy when others succeed

Some personality traits and types may be better suited for certain jobs than others. However, no specific personality trait can guarantee success, nor can being low in that trait doom someone to failure.

While there are differences in opinion on just how much personality can be altered , nurturing some of these high potential traits might help you develop skills that can serve you well in many different aspects of your life.

Doing things alone can be difficult, but having a strong social support system can make things easier. Different types of social support can be important for success.

• Emotional support can provide the comfort, security, and empathy you need as you face challenges.
• Esteem support can boost your confidence and encourage you to keep going.
• Informational support can provide mentorship, advice, and other necessary resources to reach your goals.
• Tangible support can help you in active and practical ways. This might involve someone helping you perform a task or taking care of the task for you.

Having even one close person in your life that you feel you can go to in any circumstance is more helpful for your relational well-being than having 10 friends who are surface level. It's about quality, not quantity.

Mentors, friends, co-workers, and family members can cheer you on when things get tough and even offer advice and assistance that can help you improve your chances for success.

Burnout can happen when you are exposed to chronic stress . It can seriously impede success and lead to exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced performance.  

Reduced motivation makes it harder to stick to your goals and can make you feel apathetic and uninterested.

Self-care strategies, such as getting enough sleep and engaging in healthy eating, can relieve some stress. But addressing burnout often requires getting to the bottom of the issue that is causing the problem.

Sometimes, this might mean reassessing your goals. If your goals are creating too much stress or if you are trying to achieve too much too fast, it can be a recipe for burnout. Look for ways to reduce stress, whether that involves shifting your goals, changing your plans, or even doing something more significant like moving somewhere else or changing jobs.

Keep in Mind

There is no single measure of success, and certainly no single answer for how to be successful in life. Yet by looking at some of the habits of successful people, you can learn new tactics and strategies to implement in your own daily life. Cultivate and nurture these abilities, and over time you may find that you are better able to reach your goals and achieve the success you want in life.

Dweck CS, Yeager DS. Mindsets: A view from two eras . Perspect Psychol Sci. 2019;14(3):481-496. doi:10.1177/1745691618804166

Urquijo I, Extremera N, Azanza G. The contribution of emotional intelligence to career success: Beyond personality traits . Int J Environ Res Public Health . 2019;16(23). doi:10.3390/ijerph16234809

Giles B, Goods PSR, Warner DR, et al. Mental toughness and behavioural perseverance: A conceptual replication and extension . J Sci Med Sport . 2018;21(6):640-645. doi:10.1016/j.jsams.2017.10.036

Shoda Y, Mischel W, Peake PK. Predicting adolescent cognitive and self-regulatory competencies from preschool delay of gratification: Identifying diagnostic conditions .  Developmental Psychology. 1990;26(6):978-986. doi:10.1037/0012-1649.26.6.978  

Cerasoli CP, Nicklin JM, Ford MT. Intrinsic motivation and extrinsic incentives jointly predict performance: A 40-year meta-analysis . Psychol Bull . 2014;140(4):980-1008. doi:10.1037/a0035661

Pittenger DJ. Cautionary comments regarding the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator .  Consult Psychol J Pract Res. 2005;57(3):210-221. doi:10.1037/1065-9293.57.3.210 

Komarraju M, Karau SJ, Schmeck RR, Avdic A. The big five personality traits, learning styles, and academic achievement . Pers Indiv Differ . 2011;51(4):472-477. doi:10.1016/j.paid.2011.04.019

MacRae I, Furnham A, Reed M. High Potential: How to Spot, Manage, and Develop Talented People at Work . Bloomsbury; 2018.

Eagleson C, Hayes S, Matthews A, Perman G, Hirsch CR. The power of positive thinking: Pathological worry is reduced by thought replacement in generalized anxiety disorder . Behav Res Ther . 2016;78:13-18. doi:10.1016/j.brat.2015.12.017

Maslach C, Leiter MP.  Understanding the burnout experience: recent research and its implications for psychiatry.   World Psychiatry . 2016;15(2):103–111. doi:10.1002/wps.20311

Crum AJ, Salovey P, Achor S. Rethinking stress: The role of mindsets in determining the stress response. J Pers Soc Psychol. 2013;104(4):716-733. doi:10.1037/a0031201

McLain DL, Kefallonitis E, Armani K. Ambiguity tolerance in organizations: Definitional clarification and perspectives on future research . Front Psychol . 2015;6:344. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00344

Mussel P. Introducing the construct curiosity for predicting job performance . J Organ Behav . 2012;34(4):453-472. doi:10.1002/job.1809  

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd Kendra Cherry, MS, is a psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, psychology educator, and author of the "Everything Psychology Book."

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Finding Success Starts with Finding Your Purpose

• John Coleman

It’s never too early — or too late — to ask the big questions.

Many people work their whole lives to achieve material success only to find their happiness and sense of purpose wanting when that success comes. They often spend their later years looking for purpose in their lives in order to feel a sense of meaning. Searching for meaning late in your life is a missed opportunity. Success without significance — purpose, service, and meaningful relationships — is not really success at all. It’s important to properly reflect on how you can live a life imbued intensely not just with the superficial trappings of “success” but with deep purpose and joy in all we do — starting now. Ask yourself:  What is the core purpose of my work and the ways in which it makes the world better? Who are the key relationships in my life, and how can I deepen them? What more can I do at work, at home, and in my community to serve others? How am I becoming better each day?

In 1995, Bob Buford wrote the bestselling book Halftime , which popularized the concept of “moving from success to significance” in the second half of life. Buford realized that many businesspeople work their whole lives to achieve material success only to find their happiness and sense of purpose wanting when that success comes. And he rightly encouraged those people to seek out meaning and impact in their later years.

• JC John Coleman is the author of the HBR Guide to Crafting Your Purpose . Subscribe to his free newsletter, On Purpose , follow him on Twitter @johnwcoleman, or contact him at johnwilliamcoleman.com.

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✍️Essay on Success in 100,150 and 200 Words: The Power of Positive Mindset

• Updated on  
• Oct 26, 2023

The concept of success is very simple; if you invest your time wisely and work hard, you will achieve success in no time. But success is not as simple as it sounds; what might sound like success to one might not be the same for another person. It embodies the realization of one’s goals, aspirations, and desires, often accompanied by a sense of accomplishment and fulfilment.

Success is manifested in different aspects, such as career achievements, personal growth, or even the pursuit of happiness. It is a journey filled with determination, perseverance, and often a willingness to learn from both triumphs and setbacks. Ultimately, success is a subjective pursuit that reflects the unique path and definition of achievement for each person.

Table of Contents

• 1 What Makes a Person Successful?
• 2 Essay on Success in 100 Words
• 3 Essay on Success in 150 Words
• 4 Essay on Success in 200 Words

What Makes a Person Successful?

Being successful is very subjective and can vary from person to person. Therefore, here are some common factors which contribute to the success of a person.

• Hard Work and Persistence: Success requires effort and dedication and one has the ability to face challenges.
• Setting Clear Goals: It is very important for one to have specific and attainable goals which will provide direction and motivation. 
• Networking: The person should have the capability to build relations and at the same time be open to opportunities which strike. 
• Time Management: Managing time effectively and priorities is essential for productivity and progress. 
• Self-Discipline: One should be very focused and maintain self-control which will help them achieve long-term goals. 
• Management of Finances: Having a basic understanding of finances and managing them wisely is also very important for attaining financial success. 

Also Read: Essay on Water Conservation

Essay on Success in 100 Words

Success is the culmination of dedication, hard work, and determination. It is not merely the achievement of material wealth, but the fulfilment of one’s goals and aspirations. Success varies from person to person; for some, it’s a thriving career, while for others, it could be having a harmonious family life. 

To attain success, individuals must set clear objectives, persevere through challenges, and learn from failures. Success often involves learning, adapting, and embracing change. It’s the result of resilience and the willingness to keep pushing forward. Ultimately, success is a personal journey, and its definition is unique to each individual.

Essay on Success in 150 Words

Everybody wants to be successful in life, but are they willing to put in all their efforts? Success is not solely measured by wealth or fame but by achieving one’s goals and finding fulfilment. True success is often the result of determination, hard work, and resilience. Setting clear, achievable objectives and being persistent through challenges are crucial components.

Education is a common path to success, providing knowledge and skills that open doors to opportunities. Embracing failure as a stepping stone, learning from mistakes, and adapting to change are essential to achieving success. However, it’s important to recognize that success is subjective and can encompass a broader spectrum of achievements beyond material possessions.

Personal growth, happiness, and a sense of purpose are all part of success. Balancing personal and professional life is key to sustaining it. Ultimately, success is a journey, not a destination, and it’s about realizing your full potential and making a meaningful contribution to the world.

Also Read: Essay on Nature: In 100 Words, 200 Words, 300 Words

Essay on Success in 200 Words

Success is a multifaceted concept, often defined by achieving one’s goals and aspirations. It is a subjective and deeply personal notion, as what constitutes success varies from person to person. However, a common thread in success is the continuous pursuit of one’s ambitions, combined with determination and hard work.

Success is not solely measured by material wealth, but rather by the fulfilment and satisfaction that comes from reaching one’s objectives. It is the result of setting clear goals, developing a plan, and facing all the challenges. The road to success is rarely smooth; it is often marked by setbacks and failures. These obstacles are crucial for personal growth, teaching valuable lessons that contribute to success in the long run.

Moreover, success is not an endpoint; it is a continuous journey. It requires adaptability and the willingness to learn and evolve. Success can be found in various aspects of life, from career achievements to personal relationships and self-fulfilment. It is the balance and harmony between these different facets that lead to a truly successful and meaningful life.

In conclusion, success is a complex and individualized concept, rooted in determination, hard work, resilience, and personal growth. It is not defined solely by external markers but by the fulfilment and happiness, one derives from their accomplishments and the journey to achieve them.

Related Articles

Writing an essay on success requires you to describe this multifaceted concept. Success is achieved when one’s goal and objective is attained. Those who are successful, have fulfilled their highest ambitions in life and work, or are actively striving towards doing so. 

Happiness does not follow success. Contrary to popular belief, living a life that makes you happy can help you achieve your goals and be content. 

You gain from success because it gives you the things you want or need. Setting and achieving attainable goals results in a feeling of well-being. 

For more information on such interesting topics, visit our essay-writing page and follow Leverage Edu ! 

Malvika Chawla

Malvika is a content writer cum news freak who comes with a strong background in Journalism and has worked with renowned news websites such as News 9 and The Financial Express to name a few. When not writing, she can be found bringing life to the canvasses by painting on them.

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Success Essay for Students and Children

500+ words essay on success.

Success Essay- In today’s world everyone wants to be successful but what is a success. The perspective of success varies from person to person. For the record, the people before us have a different view on success and the person after us will have a different view on success.

Moreover, people compare different people performance to evaluate their success. But success is not something that you can copy from others. You have to make your own path to achieving success. In modern-day, people are obsessed with success because of the glamour and lifestyle of successful people .

What formulates a person successful?

There are many ways in the world to be successful. But most people think of celebrities, artist, politicians, and businessmen whenever they heard the word success.

Moreover, they think doing what they will make you successful but that not the case. They forget the most basic thing that makes a person successful that is their hard work, dedication, and the desire to achieve their dream. More importantly, they what they like to do not what that others told them to do. Successful people do what they like to do also they do what they feel correct for their business.

If you look in the dictionary for the meaning of the word success then you will find that it means the achievement of one’s goal or aim . So, basically, anyone can achieve success by simply achieving their aim or goal.

What is the harm of success?

We all knew that we can’t achieve something without sacrificing something. Success also demands various things from you. But these sacrifices will not go in vain if you achieve your goal.

Certainly, many people achieve professional success but in doing so they fail in achieving mental, social and physical success. The tension of lacking behind in other things pulls them apart.

Also, there are cases where people became so obsessed with success that the people around them start to feel uncomfortable around them. In some cases, they have gone mad. Apart from that, people also get depressed if they can’t achieve success like others. So, we can say that there is much harm to success.

Get the huge list of more than 500 Essay Topics and Ideas

Success and hard work

It may sound unfit to some peoples but success depends a lot of hard work. Without it, you can’t become successful. Hard work does not mean that you do laborious work or the work that make you sweat. Hard work means having a healthy body, strong mind, willpower and positive attitude towards things. And for all those things you need energy. So, be attentive to your body and soul.

Besides, do not just work on your program, push your limit, take charge of other things, improve your skills and most importantly keep learning. Apart from that, be with positive peoples, develop positive habits, and do exercise not only for the body but also for your mind.

To sum it up, we can say that success is like a seed that needs a balanced proportion of all the elements of life. And no one can achieve success in a day they have to go through and face different conditions in life for being successful. Above all, success is the feeling of fulfillment that you feel when you achieve your goal.

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Success: How Do You Define It? Essay

• To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
• As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
• As a template for you assignment

Introduction

The meaning of success.

Success is a word that all the human beings use a number of times during their social life. It is been used, discussed and researched frequently by the social scientists and psychologists. In this world so many people have been trying hard for success, many are achieving success, and others are not fortunate. They are doomed and buried in their endeavors to accomplish success. Many unfortunate have been perusing success for long years, but some are getting it almost suddenly without much hard work. Success is the very concept upon which many wars have been fought between countries and many innocent were killed.

Success to one man may be the dominion over another; to another man it may be his internal gratification. Often we consider the word success as the binary opposite of failure, and success of a person is measured largely based on the failure of someone else. Since all the words are only symbols and meaning is added to it later by general consensus, the word success also gets several meanings according to the context in which it is used.

The etymology of the word success says that it is derived from the Latin word ‘successus’ which means ‘an advance, succession, happy outcome’, and it is first recorded in 1586 (*5). The Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary defines the term success as “the achievement of a desired aim, or of fame, wealth or social position” (*1). Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary gives the definition “favorable or desired outcome; also: the attainment of wealth, favor, or eminence” (*2) Other dictionaries define success as “The achievement of something desired, planned, or attempted [or] The gaining of fame or prosperity” (*3), “An event that accomplishes its intended purpose”, “A state of prosperity or fame” (*4) etc. so, all the dictionary meanings directs us to the meaning that success is achieving something; that may be money, fame or prosperity.

Many of the successful men in the world have endeavored to define the term success. Bessie Stanley defines success as follows:

He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often and loved much; who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of little children; who has filled his niche and accomplished his task; who has left the world better than he found it, whether by an improved poppy, a perfect poem, or a rescued soul; who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it; who has always looked for the best in others and given them the best he had; whose life was an inspiration; whose memory a benediction. (*6)

Here Stanley’s definition gives a big list as the parameter of success. Thoreau’s strong belief in self-reliance made him say that “I have learned that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours. (*6). Thoreau is so much confident about the world and the capability of the human beings to advance steadily in life with their will power. Michel Korda echoes Thoreau when he says “To succeed, we must first believe that we can”. Ralf Emerson also thinks in the same line when he says “Self-trust is the first secret of success” (*6).

As we mentioned earlier, the meaning of success will be different to different people. It comes in many forms with many definitions. What an individual is searching in life, in business, or in business defines success for him. A sports star may have one definition of success, and a house wife staying at home may have quite a different definition. A film director seems to count his success by his film becoming a huge hit in the theatres, and a doctor may consider success from a surgery that succeeded. It largely depends on what perspective of life one has.

But apart from all definitions and quotes, success can be said as something that is formed as the finishing point of all the dreams. All the dreams make its end in success. Success cannot be treated as a mere word. For some people, it is all about fulfilling it in life. In the past, success of a person is counted in terms of his or her growing bank balance only, but today all those old concepts have changed. The all-inclusive materialistic mantras have given way to a holistic and positive attitude to life. Success is counted as a result of the synergy of various factors such as material, economical and spiritual satisfaction.

Abraham Maslow was a psychologist who tried to synthesis a large body of research on the topic, motivation. Maslow’s theories posited a hierarchy of human needs, which was divided into two sections; deficiency needs and growth needs. According to Maslow, the individual is ready to act upon the growth needs only after meeting the deficiency needs. The individual attains self actualization when all his growth needs are fulfilled. Maslow says that self-actualization is the ultimate aim of all the individuals’ life. Maslow’s self-actualization can be seen as another word for success.

Maslow’s self-actualization includes both material and spiritual concepts of success. A general misconception about success is that it encompasses only material prosperity. People think that the shortcut to success is to work hard, make a lot of money, and neglect or negate the inner life. Being successful spiritually doesn’t mean success. Instead, it is only a way to sainthood. Both these thought patterns leads someone to go astray.

Some cultures, for example Ancient Indian Culture, gave importance to spiritual success, and the result was growing poverty in the nation. The modern world with its globalization and modernization spirits gives importance to material success and the result is growing dissatisfaction and insecurity feelings even among these successful people. The ideal successful life is defined by many Ancient Indian philosophers as fullness in the outer, material world with that much fullness in the inner, spiritual world each reflecting, considering and supporting each other. So, an amalgam of these two patterns will give real success to a man.

It is not always what someone achieved decides how successful he or she is. In some cases those who are considered by the society as rich or successful may not consider themselves as successful. Rather than how much one has, it is ones attitude towards what he has decides his level of success. Some people think about their inferior sides only and consider themselves as total failures, however superior they are in other areas. A rich man having all the abundance in life may be thinking sadly about his children who are not brilliant enough to manage his wealth, or he may be worrying about his poor health. This is a peculiarity of the human mind. He will not be satisfied with anything in life. So, in this way no one will be labeled as successful.

From the experience of those who were successful in life, modern success trainers have deduced many tips to become successful in life. The first step to become successful in life is to identify ones heartfelt needs versus fantasies. Then focus on one thing at a time, and always be willing to admit need. One should show a strong commitment to accomplish that need. The next step is to prioritize the needs. One way to prioritize ones needs is to make a list of the things that one may do if one has only two days to live. Then think logically and set up a time limit for the most important things in the list.

Using visualizations of the set goals will increase the rate at which enthusiasm is generated in the mind. Cutting pictures related to the goals and putting them on the pin up board will help to boost enthusiasm. This enthusiasm changes the whole body chemistry, breaking down all mental blocks. Having a staunch belief in God will help to achieve goals and to be successful. One should have a willingness to receive ever without doubting ones worthiness is a quality that one should cultivate in their lives. Always ask to oneself “what should I do today to ahead towards my goal”. This conversation with one’s heart will help to create a strong mental energy to be successful in the deeds that one is involved in. The final tip for success is to surrender one’s little self to the true self, and go on with the plan.

Whatever definitions the word success has, or whatever ways are there to achieve it, true success is the achievement and realization of a valuable ideal that your heart has desired for and is connected to. It can be called as ones birth passion or success passion. People often tend to die for such passions. This is why some people explode out and do their maximum and come back successfully in life, and some others struggle all their life for it without any achievement. These two categories are operating two different spheres of success and action. Success is double and highly spirited when it is filled with emotion, boosted by passion, controlled by destiny and created with the fire of the heart. So, there is no success like the success where the heart is connected to it with the flames of passion.

• *1. Oxford Advanced Learner’s Dictionary Oxford University Press, Oxford, 1997.
• *2- Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary. Web.
• *3- TheFreeDictionary. Web.
• *4- Worldweb Online. Web.
• *5. Online etymology dictionary. Web.
• The Webster School District Technology Plan
• Self-Actualization: Interpersonal Communication
• Theme of Religion in Webster's and Milton's Texts
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• Successful Life and High Status in Society
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• Chicago (A-D)
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IvyPanda. (2021, August 16). Success: How Do You Define It? https://ivypanda.com/essays/success-how-do-you-define-it/

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1. IvyPanda . "Success: How Do You Define It?" August 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/success-how-do-you-define-it/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Success: How Do You Define It?" August 16, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/success-how-do-you-define-it/.

How to Set and Achieve Life Goals The Right Way

So, can we take this premise and apply it to the biggest, most meaningful objectives we could possibly set for ourselves—our life goals?

And what would that really mean, in terms of planning and getting on with it?

Locke’s seminal research has given us a good deal to go on when it comes to effective goal-setting. But understanding goal-setting theory is only one step toward crafting personal life goals. In this article, we’ll take a closer peek at some ideas and resources that will help you set out on the right path, and stick at it for success.

Whether you’ve got no clue what you want, or you have a mile-long bucket list, hopefully, there will be something in here to get you motivated.

Before you continue, we thought you might like to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free . These detailed, science-based exercises will help you or your clients create actionable goals and master techniques to create lasting behavior change.

This Article Contains:

What are life goals, why should we set goals in life, 5 examples of setting life goals, life goal ideas: a list of goals to achieve in life, the process and steps of setting life goals, how to find and determine personal goals in life, healthy goal setting objectives and guidelines, planning life goals and how to prioritize them (incl. planner), 5 worksheets for creating and setting life goals (incl. pdf), how to track and evaluate the status of your life goals: the role of accountability, 11 strategies and techniques for achieving success, a look at life without goals, 3 life goal apps, 6 books on the topic, 17 inspiring quotes, a take-home message.

Life goals are what we want to achieve, and they’re much more meaningful than just ‘ what we need to accomplish to survive ’. Unlike daily routines or short-term objectives, they drive our behaviors over the long run. There’s no single psychological definition for them, and they aren’t strictly a clinical construct, but they help us determine what we want to experience in terms of our values .

And because they are personal ambitions, they can take many different forms. But they give us a sense of direction and make us accountable as we strive for happiness and wellbeing—for our best possible lives.

Lots of us have dreams. We know what makes us happy, what we’d love to try out, and we may have a vague idea of how we’d go about it. But setting clear goals can be beneficial in several ways, above and beyond wishful thinking: here are a few.

1. Setting Goals Can Clarify Our Behaviors

First and foremost, Locke’s Theory of Goal-Setting puts intentions squarely at the center of our behavior (Locke, 1968). The act of setting goals and the thought we put into crafting them directs our attention to the why, how, and what of our aspirations. As such, they give us something to focus on and impact positively on our motivation.

Of course, there are limitations to the generalizability of this finding—simply setting goals won’t drive the actions that lead us to success.

We’ll look at this shortly, but for now, suffice to say that they give us something to commit to. It may not be easy to switch careers, but acknowledge that it’s your goal and you’ll at least be able to choose some appropriate actions (Ajzen, 1991).

2. Goals Allow for Feedback

If and when we know where we want to be, we can assess where we are now, and essentially, we can chart our progress. This feedback helps us adjust our behavior accordingly (and when it’s rewarding feedback, our brains release dopamine, e.g. Treadway et al., 2012). By allowing for feedback, goals let us align or re-align our behaviors, keeping us on track with our eyes on the prize.

3. Goal-setting Can Promote Happiness

When our goals are based on our values, they are meaningful. Meaning, purpose, and striving for something ‘bigger’ is a key element of happiness theory in positive psychology, and the ‘M’ in Seligman’s PERMA model (Seligman, 2004).

Along with positive emotion, relationships, engagement, and accomplishment (which goals allow for), it makes up what we’ve come to known as ‘The Good Life’.

In other words, life goals represent something besides the daily grind. They allow us to pursue authentic aims of our own choosing and enjoy a feeling of achievement when we get there. That said, even striving to be the very best we can sometimes lead to happiness in itself, according to eudaimonic wellbeing research (Ryan & Huta, 2009; Huta, 2016).

4. They Encourage Us to Use Our Strengths

When we consider what matters the most to us, we can get more attuned with our inner strengths as well as our passions. Charting a course for ourselves is one thing, but using our strengths to get there comes with a whole set of other benefits.

Studies show that knowing and leveraging our strengths can increase our confidence (Crabtree 2002), boost our engagement (Sorensen, 2014), and even promote feelings of good health and life satisfaction (Proyer et al., 2013).

Using them in pursuit of our goals, therefore—even discovering what they are—can be a good thing for our wellbeing.

As you may have seen elsewhere in our goal-setting articles, positive psychologists tend to draw on (at least) four main findings from his original work and the literature that followed (Locke & Latham, 2002; 2006).

We can then take a ‘nice idea’ and create some examples of setting goals from it. Let’s assume, therefore, that Jamie wants to set goals based on her passion – teaching.

• The more difficult Jamie’s goal, the greater the accomplishment. Challenge, in other words, is important. Jamie could approach her goal-setting with an easy task like “ Helping my brother with his homework “, but she will derive a greater sense of achievement if she sets the bar a bit higher. An example here would be, “ Become a certified teacher ”. At the other extreme, she might try to avoid overly excessive and potentially unattainable goals, like “ Starting my own boarding school by the end of the year .”
• The more explicit Jamie’s goal, the better she will be able to regulate her performance. Here, she could specify exactly what she wants to achieve in greater detail: “ Become a certified K1 teacher for asylum seekers in Svenborgia ”. With more precise details, Jamie can get more explicit feedback on her progress and align her performance accordingly—helping her on the path to achievement.
• High goal commitment comes from setting important, attainable goals. At this point, Jamie has addressed challenge and clarity (or difficulty and specificity) (vanSonnenberg, 2011). She will need to reflect on whether it really matters to her and whether it’s realistic. This is more of a principle and less of a ‘step’. Does she understand what it involves and does it align with her values?
• Jamie needs to ensure she can get feedback to stay motivated. In other words, she needs to be able to look at where she is along the way and compare that to her goal. Has she enrolled in the relevant academic pathway? Has she signed up for professional experience? Or has she achieved those and now she’s getting her Svenborgia work visa? Even better, she could see if someone might mentor her, allowing her more regular feedback on her progress.
• Jamie’s goal should not be overly complex. As life goes on, our goals may change. Jamie might realize at teacher’s college that she wants to redefine the goal. Maybe she now wants to teach in another country and decides to learn another language. Although there’s no harm in reassessing her goals, the main takeaway is that she should not increase the difficulty of her task(s) beyond what is achievable or realistic—or she may become overwhelmed.

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Inherently, life goals need to be meaningful, and meaning is subjective. In that respect, it’s probably more useful to think about categories or types of life goals before reeling off potential bucket list objectives.

According to Kasser and Ryan (2001), therefore, there are two types of life goals, and these relate to our wellbeing in different ways:

• Intrinsic goals relate to emotional intimacy, personal growth, and helping others. They are believed to be aligned with our needs as humans, reflecting our inherent desire for self-knowledge and more fulfilling relationships (Maslow, 1943).
• Extrinsic goals  are more culturally defined and less about our nature as human beings, encompassing things like our physical appearance, social standing, status symbols, and wealth.

Research suggests that intrinsic life goals are related to greater happiness, self-actualization, vitality, and satisfaction with life, compared with extrinsic life goals (Ryan et al., 1999; Niemiec et al., 2009).

But at the end of the day, evidence also shows that the content of our goals may be less important to our wellbeing than our reasons for pursuing them. Having the ‘right’ reason for goal pursuit—irrespective of the aspiration itself, that is—has been found to contribute to our wellbeing, and the opposite applies (Carver & Baird, 1998).

Intrinsic Life Goals

These satisfy the needs that stem from being human—including our psychological and self-fulfillment needs, as shown below in Maslow’s Hierarchy (1943).

Life goals based on the former might include:

• Having a loving marriage or a trusting relationship with your significant other;
• Finding and keeping a healthy work-life balance, with time for friends and family;
• Living with integrity, being honest and open with others;
• Inspiring others through your beliefs and actions;
• Being a great listener so that others can turn to you; or
• Becoming an expert in your field and helping others.

Self-fulfillment needs-based goals could entail:

• Coming up with a new invention that reflects your creative abilities;
• Being a successful entrepreneur and running your own business;
• Creating your own personal brand for your work;
• Graduating with a Master’s or Ph.D. in something;
• Learning a new language; or
• Picking up a ‘hard skill’ and mastering it.

Extrinsic Life Goals

Extrinsic goals aren’t necessarily material, but because they are generally ‘wants’ rather than human needs, they are easier to come up with. They require less self-reflection, for example:

• Owning the very latest Tesla;
• Becoming a millionaire;
• Getting a big promotion or being in a senior position at work;
• Starring in a movie;
• Having your own workshop/studio or
• Visiting every country in Europe.

At the end of this article, I’ve also included some recommended books on setting life goals. Miller and Frisch’s Creating Your Best Life , for one, has many more examples that you’ll hopefully find useful.

You can (and easily will) find countless models for goal setting in the self-help literature. But what does positive psychology say about the process and steps of goal-setting? The following framework is taken from the well-known psychological capital intervention (PCI), and it uses three steps: goal design, pathway generation, and overcoming obstacles (Luthans et al., 2006).

1. Goal Design

The first step is to design our goals. When crafting goals, we need to remember the key premise of goal-setting theory—that they are intentions which guide our behavior. They are “targets for mental action sequences” (Synder, 2002: 250).

Ideally, by design:

• Goals should be concrete endpoints. That is, we should be able to measure our success because they are clear and detailed;
• They should be approach-based. This means we should easily be able to focus on moving positively towards their accomplishment, rather than on away from negative outcomes. (“Working toward” rather than “avoiding” something) (Coats et al., 1996); and
• We should be able to break them down into sub-goals if necessary so that we can celebrate little successes along the way (Snyder et al., 1991).

2. Pathway Generation

We now have personally meaningful life goals designed and we can start thinking about different potential pathways for achieving them. Luthans and colleagues’ PsyCap Intervention invited participants to brainstorm multiple pathways without worrying at first about their feasibility. ‘As many possibilities as they could think of’, essentially, and not unlike ‘there are no bad ideas in brainstorming’.

Participants then invited others to weigh in and add to their potential pathways. In the same way, you might ask friends, family, or someone in a mentor-like position to help you come up with ideas on how to pursue your goals. What possible pathways might Jamie take to become a certified K1 teacher for asylum seekers in Svenborgia, for example?

The last part of pathway generation considers inventory pathways: what resources will you need to pursue pathway A, B, or C? Essentially, we refine our potential pathways—we think carefully about what we can realistically expect, and this leaves us with fewer, more viable options (Luthans et al., 2006).

3. Overcoming Obstacles

We have inherent beliefs about our ability to use pathways for goal success—our agency—and these are accordingly termed ‘agency thought’ (Snyder, 2002). This kind of thinking plays a particularly important role when we come up against obstacles, especially unexpected ones, as they can determine whether we pick ourselves up or just disengage.

When setting life goals, therefore, it helps to consider the possible barriers that might arise. Independently, we can self-reflect, thinking about our potential pathways as well as our strategies we might use to deal with them (Luthans et al., 2006). We might do this alone or with others, like in the pathway generation stage, and our focus here is to ready ourselves for contingencies.

Put differently, “ What might prevent me from achieving my goal? ” and “ How could I work through or around this? ”

We’ve put it further into context using Maslow ’s Needs Hierarchy, and we’ve laid out a 3-step positive psychology framework for the process of life goal-setting, so now it’s about self-reflection.

You will definitely be able to find inspiration all over the place for different possible goals, but because meaning is intrinsic, your answers will be unique.

With the aim of discovering your own values and inspiration, have a look at these self-reflection exercises and see what the right questions might be for you personally.

No matter what you’ve set as your life goals, adopt some best practice guidelines to make the whole journey a positive experience. Based on what we have looked at so far, we can draw a few objectives to keep in mind.

• Be realistic. Try to keep things in perspective both when designing your goals and as you work toward them. Research indicates that the best goals are challenging, yet achievable (Locke & Latham, 2002).
• A healthy goal is a positive ‘approach’ goal . Rather than setting negative, avoidance goals that have us working away from certain harmful, averse, or unpleasant outcomes, set yourself positive targets. Depending on whether they are intrinsic or extrinsic, therefore, they might be desirable, enjoyable, or ‘good’ in a deeper sense (Coats et al., 1996).
• Be ready to fail along the way…but don’t let it stop you . Resilience is the capacity to persevere in spite of setbacks, and obstacles are inevitable in some form or another. So as well as accepting this inevitability first up, resilience is a useful skill to develop throughout your journey. How do you plan to overcome obstacles? Can you brainstorm some alternative pathways?
• Involve others . As we’ve discussed earlier, family and friends can be invaluable. Not only do they help us generate ideas, but they are social resources that we can reach out to for support along the way.
• Break them down where possible . Celebrating our wins along the way is the same as celebrating our progress towards a larger life goal. Whether that celebration takes place on a monthly, weekly, or even daily basis will depend on your unique aims and the pathway you choose to follow. Nonetheless, research shows that they are critical for momentum and motivation (Amabile & Kramer, 2011).

So, do you have a million things you want to accomplish? Or even just a couple of goals, but lots of milestones along the way? We don’t really need statistics to understand why writing them down adds some organization to the whole thing, but active planning can also boost our motivation.

Personal Strategic Planning

According to Brian Tracy, author of Goals! , getting from A to B is about personal strategic planning. Quite simply, his suggested approach takes organizational management principles and applies them in the personal realm.

Rather than aiming to maximize return on investment (ROI) as we would in corporate settings, we aim instead to boost our efficiency by reducing the physical, mental, and emotional energy we might waste on the journey. He calls it ‘return on energy’ (ROE).

The idea is to think in terms of human capital. If you like, we can think back to the generating pathways step we described earlier in Luthans et al.’s 3-pronged framework. When refining our pathways, we can think beyond just what’s feasible to reflect on what might also maximize our return on energy (ROE).

Unless walking to every EU country is a life goal in itself for you, might it not be more efficient to fly or take a train? Or, could you take a few extra days on your next business trip? Two very logistics-based examples, but hopefully they illustrate the premise of personal strategic planning.

Prioritizing Life Goals

Prioritization is about identifying the most personally important life goals you’ve designed and written down. The following might help (Collingwood, 2018):

• After you’ve formalized them by writing them down, rank them on a scale of 1-5 or 1-10, or whatever works for you. As long as you systematically apply the same ranking system to all of them, the most important ones should stand out.
• An alternative would be to categorize them first into whatever domains work best for them, then rank within each category. What’s your most important health goal? Career goal? The PDF goal-setting worksheets below are full of categories you might find useful, but you are unique, and there’s no one best way to go about it.
• Is it feasible or realistic to focus on the top five goals? Or is three a more viable figure? Highlight, circle, or pick out the ones that are most worthy of your energy—what would make you happiest? What’s most meaningful to you personally, in terms of your values? (Interestingly, billionaire Warren Buffet would have you stick to the top five and avoid the rest.)
• Get planning. What are the sub-goals you’ve identified? What resources will you need for each stage, and when will you need them? ‘Reverse engineering’ goals and working backward from the finish line is helpful for some people (Collingwood, 2018).
• Find a good, but not necessarily the best time to start, as the latter might never come around. Then, use a planner to work it all out. When you’re scheduling, don’t forget celebrations as well as milestones.

Some useful planners include:

• LifeTick – a free or paid online planning calendar;
• GoalScape – which allows you to share your goals and create projects;
• This free PDF , which is more of a planning tool than a calendar; or
• Any of the free Full PDFs here from Passion Planner.

These life goals worksheets will hopefully be useful to you as a means of getting started.

1. Workbook for Goal-setting and Evidence-based Strategies for Success

Put together by Caroline Miller, The Ultimate Life List Guide author, this is an entire workbook about setting goals and staying on track. It is based on six concepts that come together as a strategy for designing goals and creating optimal conditions for success:

• Finding what enables you to create a happy life;
• Envisioning your best potential self, an intention which will motivate your actions;
• Designing short- and longer-term life goals;
• Cultivating an environment that facilitates your success;
• Developing willpower and habits that support this; and
• Encouraging a mindset conducive to long-term change.

3 particularly useful worksheets in here include:

• The Mission and Purpose Worksheet – this guides you through creating your own personal purpose statement (p. 36);
• The Evaluating Goals Worksheet – over several pages, you can assess how or whether your life goals meet certain criteria for success (p. 40); and
• The Ifs, Ands, and Buts Worksheet – which focuses on overcoming obstacles (p. 67).

2. Goal Exploration Worksheet

Breaking down life goals into different areas can be helpful, and this Goal Exploration exercise provides you with 7 different categories that might stimulate your thinking. With useful prompts, a few tips, and some examples, the layout of this sheet includes spaces for 5-year, 1-year, and 1-month goals.

• Social goals;
• Career goals;
• Physical goals;
• Family goals;
• Leisure goals;
• Personality goals; and

3. Goal Setting Workbook

Starting on Page 7 of this Citrus College workbook , you’ll find useful information about long- and short-term goal-setting. There are brainstorming exercise and categories for your inspiration, such as:

• I want to be…
• I want to learn…
• I want to give…

This is followed as you progress by questions about your goals:

• “Are they achievable?”
• “Does the goal come with an alternative?”
• “Do I want to do what’s necessary to accomplish it?” and
• “Is the goal compatible with my values?”

We write down our goals to formalize them in one respect, and in another, to give us a sense of personal accountability for their outcomes (Schlenker & Weigold, 1989). If we share those goals with others, we create even more accountability, as we’re ‘answerable’ to more than one person (Schlenker et al., 1994).

The first kind of accountability is internal, and psychologists suggest it motivate us to keep going if these goals are aligned with our personal values (Rutledge, 1998). This is all well and good, but how do we track and evaluate our progress?

Tracking Your Life Goals

First, as discussed, we can identify our goals and create clarity around them. Prioritizing them allows us to channel our focus on the top important goals, and one or more of the planners above will hopefully be useful for this.

We can then break down our larger, key goals into smaller sub-goals or objectives. These might be step-wise milestones, or we might have several alternative pathways running concurrently, but breaking down these goals allows us to plan better.

If you want to set deadlines or time frames for accomplishing each small sub-goal, feel free—this adds another layer of personal accountability and is commonly used in project management contexts.

Set realistic, sufficiently challenging time frames, and you’ll also benefit from a healthy amount of pressure— eustress , in other words (Brulé & Morgan, 2018; Mills et al., 2018).

When you have time-bound goals, therefore, you can better evaluate your progress. And from here, we can adapt or adjust our generated pathways accordingly to maximize our chances at success (Snyder, 2002).

Why the secret to success is setting the right goals – John Doerr

If it’s all a lot of information to take in at once—or if you’ve skipped ahead—here’s a neat recap. These goal-setting strategies and techniques draw from the literature we’ve mentioned already, starting with Locke and Latham’s work and moving on to what we know about motivation.

Let’s cover the techniques within the three-pronged strategy we discussed earlier for maximum relevance.

Goal Design

Based on what we know, the following techniques help us craft well-designed goals.

• Set intrinsic life goals as well as extrinsic ones . This requires self-reflection on your personal values, as well as your psychological and self-fulfillment needs as a human being (Maslow, 1943). Aligning your goals with what you really consider important will make them more meaningful (Kasser and Ryan, 2001), and meaning is considered a key part of happiness in positive psychology (Seligman, 2004).
• Set approach, rather than avoidance goals . Aim for positive outcomes rather than focusing your psychological, emotional, and physical energy on avoiding negative ones (Locke, 1968; Tracy, 2003; Locke & Latham 2006).
• Make them clear and actionable . Ideally, you should be easily able to break these down into sub-goals after some thought on potential pathways. If you can create concrete steps that lead toward a positive vision of the future, it will be easier to start thinking about resources you might need (Luthans et al., 2006).
• Make them challenging, but keep them realistic . When it comes to outcomes, excessively easy goals won’t motivate you enough and could be boring. Overly challenging aspirations, on the other hand, can lead to stress and overwhelm you (Locke, 1968; Luthans et al., 2006). Similarly, don’t rush yourself in terms of getting started if it’s not necessary, but don’t wait until the time is perfect, either.

Generating Pathways

These include some brainstorming techniques and ideas about creating the ideal conditions that support your goal pursuit (Miller & Frisch, 2009).

• Brainstorm as many alternative pathways as you can . Think about all the potential ways you might go about achieving your goal and don’t be too quick to discount them. Give your creative brain a workout and record them as you go. This will keep you from forgetting them later down the line.
• Identify the resources you’ll need . What is absolutely necessary for each step along the way? Then, what will make things easier for you? Consider people who might support you as well as more tangible resources (Emmons, 2003).
• Plan out your progress if it helps . Think motivation and accountability, this time applying the eustress principle to the goal pursuit process rather than its outcomes (Frink & Ferris, 1998). Use a planner, an app, or whatever else you find most valuable, and don’t be afraid to adapt your pathway if it’s necessary.

Overcoming Obstacles

Here, some planning techniques and useful resources from elsewhere on this site, to help you stay on track.

• Plan for potential obstacles . Part of being realistic means planning for contingencies (Luthans et al., 2006). What might stop you from pursuing one pathway and force you onto another? How can you avoid or overcome obstacles through proactive strategizing?
• Use positive self-talk . Our self-talk is very powerful. Preparing proactively for worst-case scenarios helps counter pessimistic self-talk, but your perceived self-efficacy is also critical to goal accomplishment (Schunk, 1990). Hope is very important and positive self-talk plays a key role in overcoming obstacles (Snyder, 2002).
• Develop resilience . Setbacks can take their toll emotionally and lead to disengagement (again, if we let them). It’s possible to develop your capacity to deal with setbacks through resilience training and exercises, so why not try some of these approaches ?
• Evaluate your progress . Remember that your priorities might change along the way, so evaluation is not necessarily about success or failure. If you like, tweak your goals—make them more or less challenging, or change their nature as you see fit.

But while there are real benefits to goal-setting, is the absence of goals really so terrible?

Essentially, this dives into a more complex philosophical debate. To put it succinctly, though, we can think of happiness as both subjective wellbeing ( SWB ) and eudaimonic wellbeing ( EWB )—or hedonic vs eudaimonic happiness .

The first is related to feelings of life satisfaction and the predominance of positive over negative affect, the second premises that life is about the pursuit of virtue and fulfillment of one’s own potential (Ryan & Deci, 2001; Diener et al., 2002).

What do you think?

Some apps will help you store your short-term goals in one place, and can be pretty handy if you’ve got objectives you’d like to stay on top of daily.

Goalify is an Android and iOs app that lets you log and review your objectives regularly. As well as sending you updates and reminders, you can compare your accomplishments against friends with identical goals. With this app, you can categorize, tweak, and get tips on how to better accomplish them. And let’s face it, gamification has its merits.

2. Coach.me Habit Tracker

This nifty app lets you do more than just list your goals—it’s pretty effective at keeping you accountable and is simple to use. You can log your targets and view your stats, ask questions of the community, and sync it with other gizmos. The free version is enough if you simply want to start creating a habit, but paid users can also get advice from pro coaches.

It’s only available for iOs devices, but Strides is quite popular nonetheless. This lets you stay on top of your progress for short-term or daily goals, with a calendar function and some more sophisticated stats. If you want to see your progress as averages or celebrate the small wins with time-bound targets, they are all easily accessible from one straightforward dashboard.

Here are some of the titles we have already mentioned, as well as a few more books that you might find insightful. Some are more ‘how to’-focused, and others cover the psychology of goal-setting theory.

• Creating Your Best Life: The Ultimate Life List Guide by Caroline Adams Miller and Dr. Michael Frisch ( Amazon )
• Think Small: The Surprisingly Simple Ways to Reach Big Goals by Owain Service and Rory Gallagher ( Amazon )
• Goals!: How to Get Everything You Want – Faster Than You Ever Thought Possible by Brian Tracy ( Amazon )
• A Theory of Goal Setting & Task Performance by Edwin Locke, Gary Latham, Ken Smith, and Robert Wood ( Amazon )
• New Developments in Goal Setting and Task Performance by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham ( Amazon )
• Goal Setting: A Motivational Technique That Works! by Edwin Locke and Gary Latham ( Amazon )

17 Tools To Increase Motivation and Goal Achievement

These 17 Motivation & Goal Achievement Exercises [PDF] contain all you need to help others set meaningful goals, increase self-drive, and experience greater accomplishment and life satisfaction.

Created by Experts. 100% Science-based.

If you want to live a happy life, tie it to a goal, not to people or things.

Albert Einstein

By recording your dreams and goals on paper, you set in motion the process of becoming the person you most want to be. Put your future in good hands — your own.

Mark Victor Hansen

What would you attempt to do if you knew you could not fail?

Robert Schuller

The only limit to the height of your achievements is the reach of your dreams and your willingness to work for them.

Michelle Obama

Destiny is no matter of chance. It is a matter of choice. It is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved.

William Jennings Bryan

You are never too old to set a new goal or to dream a new dream.

C. S. Lewis

If something is important enough, even if the odds are against you, you should still do it.

You don’t have to be a fantastic hero to do certain things – to compete. You can be just an ordinary chap, sufficiently motivated to reach challenging goals.

Edmund Hillary

A goal is a dream with its work boots on.

Rachel Hollis

You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.

Wayne Gretsky

Goals transform a random walk into a chase.

Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi

The important thing isn’t where you’ve been, or where you are, but where you want to go.

Dean Bokhari

Goals are the road maps that guide you to your destination.

Roy Bennett

An aim in life is the only fortune worth finding.

Robert Louis Stevenson

When you know what you want and you want it bad enough, you’ll find a way to get it.

The question I ask myself like almost every day is, ‘Am I doing the most important thing I could be doing?’

Mark Zuckerberg

It doesn’t matter where you came from. All that matters is where you are going.

Brian Tracy

We all have dreams, but some merit more of our energy than others. When we reflect on the second type of aspiration along with our personal values, we’re already on the way to setting life goals. In this article, we have considered goal-setting theory and some actionable strategies that use positive psychology concepts to frame the whole concept.

We’ve also looked at how human nature leads to intrinsic goals, and how the whole idea fits into wellbeing. Have you discovered any ideas that you find useful? Or how do you motivate yourself to keep on track?

More importantly, why not share some of your life goals with us in the comments? Let’s get those ideas flowing!

We hope you enjoyed reading this article. Don’t forget to download our three Goal Achievement Exercises for free .

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• Niemiec, C.P., Ryan, R.M., & Deci, E.L. (2009). The path taken: Consequences of attaining intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations in post-college life. Journal of Research in Personality, 43 , 291–306.
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3 Goal Achievement Exercises Pack

Essay On How To Be Successful In Life

Table of Contents

short Essay On How To Be Successful In Life

Success in life is a journey, not a destination, and it can mean different things to different people. However, there are some common traits and habits that successful individuals tend to have, which can be learned and applied.

• Setting clear goals: Successful individuals have a clear sense of what they want to achieve in life, and they set specific, measurable, and achievable goals. This helps them stay focused and motivated, and provides a roadmap for their journey to success.
• Hard work and determination: Successful individuals are not afraid to put in the effort and work hard to achieve their goals. They have a strong work ethic, are persistent, and do not give up easily when faced with obstacles.
• Time management: Successful individuals are skilled at managing their time and prioritize their tasks effectively. They understand that time is a limited resource and use it wisely to maximize their productivity and achieve their goals.
• Continuous learning: Successful individuals never stop learning and seeking new knowledge and skills. They understand that success is a journey and are always looking for ways to improve and grow.
• Positive mindset: Successful individuals have a positive and optimistic outlook on life. They focus on the opportunities, not the obstacles, and believe in their ability to achieve their goals.
• Strong relationships: Successful individuals understand the importance of building strong relationships and have a supportive network of friends, family, and colleagues. They are kind, compassionate, and good communicators, and they cultivate positive relationships that help them in their journey to success.
• Adaptability: Successful individuals are flexible and able to adapt to changes and challenges. They understand that success requires adapting to new situations, learning from mistakes, and finding creative solutions to problems.

In conclusion, success in life requires a combination of clear goals, hard work and determination, time management, continuous learning, a positive mindset, strong relationships, and adaptability. By applying these traits and habits, anyone can achieve success and fulfill their potential.

Long Essay On How To Be Successful In Life

We all dream of being successful, but what does it really mean? In this article, we explore the different components that make up a successful life, and how to go about achieving them. From setting goals to understanding the power of positivity, find out how to be successful in life with this comprehensive essay.

Introduction

In order to be successful in life, it is important to have a clear and defined goal. Once you have a goal, it is important to develop a plan and take action steps towards achieving that goal. Additionally, it is essential to continuously work hard and never give up on your dreams. Finally, remember to enjoy the journey and stay positive throughout the process!

Identifying Your Goals

How will you know if you are successful? This is a question that you should ask yourself frequently. Your answer should be based on your goals. By having a clear understanding of your goals, you increase the chances of achieving them.

To identify your goals, ask yourself the following questions:

– What do I want to achieve in life? – What are my short-term and long-term goals? – What is important to me? – What do I value most in life? – What makes me happy?

Once you have answered these questions, you will have a better understanding of what success means to you. From there, you can begin setting goals that align with your definition of success. Remember, your goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound. By following these guidelines, you increase your chances of achieving your goals and becoming successful.

Overcoming Obstacles

In life, we will all face obstacles. Some obstacles will be big and some will be small, but each one presents a challenge that we must overcome if we want to be successful.

The first step to overcoming an obstacle is to identify it. Once you know what is standing in your way, you can develop a plan to overcome it. Without a plan, it will be much harder to make progress.

Once you have a plan, the next step is to take action. This means putting your plan into motion and working towards your goal. Overcoming an obstacle takes time and effort, but it is worth it when you reach the other side.

If you find yourself struggling, don’t give up. Remember why you are doing this and keep moving forward. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to learn and grow. Embrace the challenge and use it to become even stronger.

Developing Good Habits

How often have you heard someone say that they wish they had developed better habits when they were younger? It seems that every successful person has a few key habits that they credit with helping them achieve their goals. The good news is, it’s never too late to develop good habits!

Here are a few tips for developing good habits:

1. Start small. Trying to change everything at once is overwhelming and usually leads to failure. Pick one area of your life that you want to improve, and focus on developing a good habit in that area. Once you’ve mastered that, you can move on to another area.

2. Set realistic goals. Don’t try to change your entire lifestyle overnight. Set small, achievable goals that you can gradually work towards.

3. Be consistent. Habits take time to form, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately. The key is to be consistent in your efforts and eventually the results will come.

4. Get support from others. Tell your friends and family about your goal of developing good habits and ask for their support and encouragement. Having people cheering you on will help you stay motivated and on track.

Networking and Self Promotion

In order to be successful in life, it is important to network and self-promote. Networking can help you meet new people who can help you further your career. Self-promotion can help you get ahead by making sure that your skills and accomplishments are known.

Taking Risks and Creating Opportunities

In order to be successful in life, it is important to take risks and create opportunities. By taking risks, we are able to learn and grow from our experiences. Additionally, by taking risks we are able to create new opportunities for ourselves. Creating opportunities allows us to have more control over our lives and our destiny.

There are many ways to take risks and create opportunities. One way is to start your own business. This can be a risky venture, but if you are successful it can lead to a great deal of personal and professional success. Another way to take risks is to pursue new relationships or ventures. These might not always work out, but if you don’t take the risk you’ll never know what could have been.

The most important thing is to not be afraid of failure. Failure is a part of life and a natural part of taking risks. If you never fail, it means you’re not taking enough risks. Embrace failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. It’s through taking risks and embracing failure that we become successful in life.

Making Smart Decisions

Decision-making is a key life skill that you need in order to be successful. It is important to be able to make good decisions, and to do so quickly and confidently. Below are some tips on how to make smart decisions:

1. Be well-informed Before making any decision, it is important to gather as much information as possible. This will help you to weigh up the pros and cons of each option, and to make the best choice.

2. Consider all options Don’t just go with the first option that comes to mind – consider all of the potential choices before making a decision. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each option? Which one will help you to achieve your goals?

3. Think long-term It is important to think about the long-term implications of your decisions. Will this choice lead you closer to your desired outcome? Or will it have negative consequences further down the line?

4. Trust your gut instinct Sometimes, despite gathering all the facts, you will still feel unsure about which choice to make. In these cases, it is often best to trust your gut instinct and go with your gut feeling.

5. Be decisive Once you have considered all of the above factors, it is time to make a decision! Sometimes people can get stuck in “analysis paralysis” – they spend so long considering their options that they never actually end up making a choice. If you find

Staying Organized and Motivated

There are a few key things to remember when trying to stay organized and motivated while working on your essay. First, make sure to keep a clear and concise outline of your essay. This will help you stay on track while writing and ensure that your essay flows well. Secondly, try to set aside specific times each day or week to work on your essay so that you can stay focused and avoid getting overwhelmed. Lastly, make sure to reward yourself for completing small tasks so that you stay motivated throughout the process.

Working Hard and Being Disciplined

There’s no one answer for how to be successful in life. However, if you asked 100 different people how to achieve success, a majority of them would say that working hard and being disciplined are two major keys.

Some people are born with a strong work ethic. They understand the importance of putting in the long hours and they’re willing to do whatever it takes to get ahead. For others, it’s something that has to be learned. Regardless of where you fall on the spectrum, there’s no doubt that hard work is a major ingredient for success.

In addition to working hard, being disciplined is also critical for achieving success. This means being organized, setting goals and sticking to them, staying focused, and avoiding distractions. Again, some people naturally have these qualities while others have to learn them. But regardless of your starting point, developing discipline can help you reach your goals.

So if you’re wondering how to be successful in life, remember that hard work and discipline are two essential ingredients. Combine them with other important factors like talent, passion, and perseverance, and you’ll be well on your way to achieving success.

Prioritizing Time and Resources

In order to be successful in life, it is essential to prioritize time and resources. This means that you must use your time wisely and efficiently in order to achieve your goals. It is also important to allocate your resources effectively so that you can achieve the most with what you have.

One way to prioritize time is to create a schedule and stick to it. This will ensure that you are using your time wisely and not wasting it on activities that are not productive. It is also important to set deadlines for yourself so that you stay on track and do not procrastinate. Another way to use your time wisely is to delegate tasks so that you can focus on the most important things.

It is also crucial to allocate resources carefully in order to be successful in life. This means that you should invest in things that will help you achieve your goals. For example, if you want to start a business, you should invest money into marketing and research so that you can attract customers and grow your business. You should also invest time into networking so that you can meet people who can help you achieve success.

Living a Balanced Life

It is said that the key to a successful life is balance. What does that mean? Balance doesn’t mean that you have to do everything perfectly or that you can never enjoy yourself. Instead, balance means creating a healthy lifestyle for yourself which includes work, play, and rest.

Creating a balanced life begins with taking a good look at your current lifestyle. How do you spend your time? Do you spend more time working than you do relaxing or engaging in activities you enjoy? Are there areas of your life where you feel out of control or like you’re not doing enough?

Once you take a close look at your current lifestyle, it’s time to start making some changes. If you find that you’re working too much and not taking enough time for yourself, try setting aside one day each week as “me time”. This is time when you can do whatever you want without obligations or commitments. Maybe you want to spend this time reading, exploring nature, or taking a yoga class.

If there are other areas of your life where you feel out of control, such as your finances or health, make it a priority to get these under control. You may need to set some goals and create a plan to reach them. For example, if your goal is to get out of debt, make a budget and track your spending so that you can see where your money is going each month. Then create a plan to pay off your debt.

The point of creating a balanced life is to make sure that you’re taking care of all the different aspects of your life, including work, play, and rest. This will help you create a lifestyle that is sustainable and enjoyable.

We hope this essay has been helpful in providing some tips and advice for succeeding in life. There are no guarantees, but by setting goals, forming good habits and taking action to realize your dreams, you can give yourself the best chance of being successful. Don’t forget that there is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to success – everybody’s journey is unique and what works for someone else might not work for you. The important thing is to keep trying and never give up on your aspirations!

Manisha Dubey Jha is a skilled educational content writer with 5 years of experience. Specializing in essays and paragraphs, she’s dedicated to crafting engaging and informative content that enriches learning experiences.

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Essay on How to be Successful in Life

Every person in this world wants to attain something in life. It might be that somebody wants to become a dancer, singer, environmentalist, banker, etc. The choices vary according to the individual. It is easy to dream and imagine being successful in our life but the journey of this victory is really a challenging one. There are many successful people in the world but every one of them has infinite effort and dedication in becoming successful.

Short and Long Essay on How to be Successful in Life in English

The most important question that arises in our minds is how we can be successful in our life. This is a commonly asked topic in exams for writing an essay on it. Many students find it difficult in writing essays on this topic. In the same reference, I have provided essays on this topic. I think it might benefit the students in getting an idea about writing an essay, project, or assignment on this topic.

10 Lines Essay on How to be Successful in Life (100 – 120 Words)

1) Success is something everyone strives for to get a good life.

2) Hard work will help you to achieve success in life.

3) Confidence is another factor that will help you to be successful.

4) To be successful in life, you should not fear failure.

5) Determination and dedication are required to be successful.

6) You will achieve success if you don’t lose sight of your goal.

7) Keep trying and never quit to reach success.

8) You will be successful in life if you believe in yourself.

9) Continuous practice and patience will help you to become successful.

10) Motivation is required at every step to reach the peak of success.

How to be Successful Essay – 250 Words

Introduction

We all have some goals in our life. Success is the ultimate thing that we require in any work that we do in our life. This can be achieved only with hard work and determination. Success gives us immense pleasure and satisfaction in our life.

Success requires sacrifice

We all want to be successful in any work that we do in our life. Success gives great pleasure and contentment to us. The process of being successful is not as easy as it is to say. It requires great sacrifice and hard work. We need to reduce our comforts and work with greater determination to attain success in our life. The most important thing that we need to inculcate in our lives is time management that helps us in doing our work on time. It is always said in order to gain something in life we have to lose something. The desire for success becomes more interesting when it starts giving challenges to us. Later when we become successful we feel that the struggle that we have done earlier is now fruitful. Being successful is one of the most beautiful experiences of life.

Failures should never be treated as hindrances in the path of success

We all make effort to be successful in accomplishing our goals in life. This makes us happy and provides encouragement to move forward in our life. Many times it happens that people face failure in their first step of success. It does not mean that we should stop doing efforts and become hopeless. The act of being hopeless and depressed takes us far away from success. Failure always states that there is a mistake in our effort and therefore we must learn from our failure instead of making it a hindrance in the path of success.

Success requires patience as it is not attained in a short period of time. We must believe in doing an effort and results will surely be fruitful.

How to be Successful Person – Long Essay (1100 Words)

We all are attracted by people achieving success in different fields. Many of the successful people are also the role models for many people and students in the society. The act of being successful is not as easy as it is in saying or seeing others. It is only we who can make our way towards becoming successful in our life.

What is Meant by Success?

Success is something that is can be achieved by making the best use of our abilities and the resources that we have. Success isn’t very easy as spelled but requires greater patience. It totally depends upon us that how we want to shape of life and carrier. Every person in this world has a different opinion regarding the word success in his/her life. It is the real satisfaction and happiness that one gets after achieving the goal of life. Success brings happiness to our lives and motivates us to do our best. We all dream of becoming successful in life, but success is only achieved by people who are really concerned about it.

Few Ways of becoming Successful in Life

We all are born with some purpose in our life. It is because life without a significant goal is meaningless. We all understand ourselves and our abilities in a better way than anyone else. The utilization of our own ability in getting our goals accomplished makes us successful in our life. Here are some tips that can help you in becoming successful in your life.

Recognize your passion or goal – Everybody in this world is born with a unique talent. It is most essential for you to recognize your passion. Passion in doing any work gives you inner happiness and satisfaction. If you identify your passion and work accordingly the path of your success becomes clear. For example, if you have a talent for dancing and want to make it your carrier then you need to focus on polishing your dancing skill. This can only make you a successful dancer in your life. In other words, it can be said that it is essential to recognize the goal of your life and work upon it till it makes you shine.

Have the courage to accept failure – There are many challenges in the way of success. The people who are really serious about their passion or dreams make their way by facing challenges. It may happen that you might face failure in life while proceeding towards being successful. You must not lose hope but try to find out your mistakes that had been behind getting failure. According to our former President Dr. Abdul Kalam, the word FAIL means First Attempt in Learning. Failure is always accompanied by success. It makes you realize and learn from your mistakes. It is necessary that you must never panic about failure and have the courage to accept it. Success is a long process and therefore you need to have patience in you. This will surely make you successful in your life.

Hard work – It is always said that there is no substitute for hard work in getting success. People who are talented from birth also need to work hard in their life to become successful. Hard work helps you sharpening your passion and skill. You really have to become extraordinary for becoming successful in your life.

Stay motivated – In no condition, you must forget about your goal in life. As you have seen a spider even after the destruction of its web it again starts weaving a new one without losing hope. There must be something in your life that might remind you about your goal every time. This will make you more motivated for doing hard work for achieving your goal. The picture of your goal must be in front of your eyes every time either you are slept or awake. You may write some quotations or draw and paste them on your room wall so that whenever you enter your room you must get energized once again. Motivation is a very essential key factor for becoming successful in our life.

Be disciplined and time-bounded – Discipline and time management is most important for attaining success in life. Living a disciplined life helps you to concentrate towards the goal of your life. After deciding on your goal you need to do proper planning for accomplishing it. You have to make time management for everything you do in your life. It is because time is most precious and if lost can never be regained. Opportunity only knocks once and you must not let it go in vain. Therefore the right decision at right time can only make the journey of life a successful one.

Does being Successful mean being Able to Earn a Lot of Money?

Money and success both are important for an individual. We all have some goals in our life and after accomplishing them we get a good carrier and earn a good amount of money. It is true that money is necessary for everything in your life but only money can never provide you happiness. In my opinion, every highly earning person is not really a successful one. The real meaning of being successful is getting happiness and satisfaction in life after being able to do that what you love to do in life.

A child getting good marks in the examination is a success, getting your dream job is a success, being able to fulfill your dreams is a success. The act of fulfilling your dreams makes you very happy and is the real meaning of success. There are many people in this world who earn money by wrong means and therefore they are rich enough. It does not mean that they are successful. Thus there is a great difference between being able to earn a lot of money and being successful. Richness is not the right way of measuring success. Successful people can earn good money along with respect in society.

Success is aspired by everyone in this world but only a few people become capable of tasting real success. Everything is possible in this world and people are making it happen. In the same way, becoming successful is difficult but not impossible. It requires several sacrifices, hard work, dedication, time management. The people who are focused and have a keen desire to make their dream come true can surely become successful in their life.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions

Ans . Real success means fulfilling your dream goal of your life that you love doing.

Ans . The habit of being honest with oneself is most important for becoming successful.

Ans . We have to leave our comforts and concentrate on our aim for being successful in life.

Ans . Success is important because it gives us self-confidence and hopes to move to the next level in life.

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Success in life essay 15 models

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Success in life essay contains many wonderful ideas on how to achieve success in all areas of life. Success is the ambition of every human being who always seeks to achieve it. All of this will be found here through Success in life essay in English.

Success in life essay

No one likes failure, but on the contrary everyone is always striving for excellence and success, but why can not we all achieve success ?! This is what we will learn here where success has several factors you will find here on Success in life essay.

Success, the dream of every person in this life, and a wish that everyone seeks to reach. Success is a major reason for sustaining life with great motivation.

To succeed in life must succeed in all areas, in study, work, social life, human relations, and in our relationship with the Creator; because all things of life depend on each other.

Reasons for Success in Life;

Belief in God: A man needs in his instinct to God, Without realizing this instinct, man remains confused. And belief in God earns man comfort and tranquility. 

Setting specific goals:  Successful man has specific goals to be achieved in the short and long term, and is required to achieve.

Short goals are usually mini-targets to reach the larger goal,  For example, obtaining a doctorate in English literature requires several goals, the least of which is to obtain a bachelor’s degree, and then master.

 These goals require a set of other objectives, such as passing exams, preparing reports, Thus, a person feels a goal in his life that seeks it, which gives him motivation for progress and achievement.

Continually developing skills:  Our world is witnessing many different aspects of development. The devices and inventions are renewed every day, Therefore, man must be aware of these inventions,  As well as skills development in various aspects, such as communication skills, language learning and others.

Optimism and self-confidence: One of the most important factors that help to succeed is the confidence of the person in himself, in addition to being optimistic about the positive outcome.  If he fails, he must try again, not surrender, and work hard to correct the mistakes he has made to avoid failure.

Being with the Successful:  The companion has the greatest impact on human ambition .  Escorting the losers increases human frustration and pessimism, while accompanying the successful increases hope, motivation, and self-confidence.

  Assistance other people: The help of others brings inner satisfaction and psychological comfort, which sharpens the spirit of man, and pays him to give more to himself and to others, And thus becomes more productive, as it receives the satisfaction of God and the love of people, which means success in social and religious life.

Avoid vanity:  Humans should enjoy humility no matter how high they are,  When a person is tempted by himself, and thinks that he has reached a great amount,he does not continue in the achievement and giving,  Thus others develop and perform ,and he will remain where he is, and gradually turn into a failed person.

How to be successful in life essay

There is no doubt that everyone aspires to succeed in life and achieve the goals that he wants to achieve. To succeed in life, steps are studied from the experiences of men who were able to overcome all obstacles and succeed in a remarkable and honorable manner.

It can be said that the most important factor a person needs to succeed is faith in his dream. Anyone can dream, plan, set goals, and work with great effort and sincerity in his work.

But the most thing that makes a lot of business or plans fail is to stop believing in a dream, to stop getting up every day in a lively, energetic and passionate way to achieve this dream. Once they go through some hardships, many give up on their dream.

Then comes the importance of good planning and thoughtful management of any goal. Planning in advance can save you a lot of time, so it is difficult to get distracted, as happens with many people.

How to achieve success in life essay

Undoubtedly, life does not give many golden opportunities. I’m absolutely sure of this, I can see a lot of people around me regret missing the golden opportunities that were offered once in their lives.

So I made two plans for myself, which I strive to achieve:

Diligence in studying, excelling, and working as a lawyer, I find that this specialization has a very brilliant future and achieves great financial benefits, in addition to the benefits of public relations and getting to know others.

Therefore, I set a plan to strive with all my energy to achieve this goal and work to increase my focus. In addition to participating in some quick wit classes to improve my intellectual level and increase awareness. Of course, I am still in an early stage of education, but it is good to have a goal to achieve.

second plan

I find that participating in sports is something that has a bright future. So learning it from now and improving and developing my skills and maintaining my physical fitness, will certainly guarantee me a good chance to achieve this goal. There are many people who have been able to succeed through one of the sports such as football or basketball.

My plan is to combine a popular sport and art, to ensure several plans that help me succeed. Therefore, I think that I am striving to achieve success and must continue on the path that I am following.

Topic About Success

Every success in life has good planning, fatigue, effort and sacrifice. Nothing comes easily in the world, there are many success stories in life, but they always have another side that no one knows about.

Like someone who succeeded in designing an invention at the age of 50, although he started with this idea 25 years ago, but he did not give up. So no one looks at how his life is and has he practiced the activities he loves enough or not, has he gone out and faced life like others or not, so I say that success is the price of sacrifice.

Many believe that success is the result of effort and adherence to a dream only, but this is not true. In order to succeed, you must harness everything in your life to achieve this success, from waking up early every day, working on improving and constantly planning for the dream you have in mind, expanding relationships and trying to involve people who support the idea, whether morally or financially and to sacrifice all distractions and live for your dream only until it comes true. This is what it takes to succeed from my point of view.

Essay on success in life

The real success in life is the possession of health along with good planning for how to live and maintain it, money comes and goes, Therefore, it is great for a person to work on maintaining his health first and providing as much good external relations as possible, such as making good alms and relationships.

After that comes the role of money, how to spend it, good planning and continuous search for unique opportunities to increase money and form successful projects.

Now it has become easy to climb the ladders of fame and success, due to the great thirst for what is new, whether in the world of art, sports, or technology.

Therefore, the many opportunities around us have become accessible to everyone, through which success can be achieved. All it takes is to maintain the goals and strive to achieve them.

Essay about success in life

Success in life requires achieving goals, striving, diligence, holding on to your dreams, and having complete faith in yourself and your dream.

And no matter how circumstances around you change, you must still stick to your dream and strive to achieve it. This is how he achieves success in life, when a person arranges his priorities and sets a clear plan for how to use the time, he can achieve many achievements and gain a lot of experience.

When you set short-term goals, medium-term goals, and long-term goals, and then seek to achieve them and stick to these goals without distraction, you will definitely get satisfactory results or very close to what you expected.

And if you do not reach your goal, you will be close to it and have experience and knowledge of its requirements, and then you can stick to and continue to try until success is achieved.

Short essay on success in life

Success in life is the fruit of fatigue and effort from long days of staying up late or waking up early for study or training.

Life is not always generous and gives opportunities on a plate of gold, you must have the required skills first so that life gives you a chance. Such as having high skills in a sport such as soccer, basketball, or any other game.

Or getting tired and diligent in studying to a great extent so that you can get the first positions that will help you get a prestigious job.

Any golden opportunity requires that you be talented or have the skills for this job. Then comes the big prize, success in life. When you achieve your goal and get what you want, you have already achieved success in life.

The wonderful thing about diligence, fatigue, and improving a person’s abilities, is that self-confidence becomes greater. And he is very willing to face anything without fear and hesitation because he can rely on his abilities and talents and submit them. This guarantees him many chances of success.

Importance of success in life essay

Success in life, especially at an early age, helps to greatly benefit from what you have achieved. Whenever your success is great and you are young and have the health to enjoy it, only then will success have meaning for you.

As for those who achieve success to be immortalized after them or to leave it to their children, the success will certainly be great and appreciated as well.

The importance of success in life

1- Self-realization by bringing out his full capabilities and striving to achieve his goals and succeed in them.

2- Self-satisfaction, the more a person can succeed in life, the more he has self-confidence and he is able to deal differently and more confidently.

3- Benefiting society from its success, many people seek to achieve remarkable change and leave an unforgettable imprint in their history, so when a person invents something that benefits humanity, he leaves an imprint behind him that immortalizes his name and helps society to progress and improve.

Therefore, whatever your goal of success or the concept of success for you, in the end the benefit will accrue to you, whether material or historical benefit. It is wonderful if it is materialistic to be at an early age so that you can live and enjoy it.

How to become successful in life essay

Success in life requires perseverance, effort, patience, strength, and most of all, thoughtful future plans, and good money management. This is how a person achieves great success in life.

When you make future plans from a young age and strive to achieve them and strive for yourself, in addition to clinging to what you have and not giving up easily and giving up what you have for something that is not guaranteed, this helps to get closer to what you plan.

Self-confidence is gained from the experiences  that you gain from falling and getting up, as you benefit from it how to deal with all things.

After confidence comes striving and perseverance to achieve the goal, the more you stick to your dream and strive to achieve it, the closer you get to it.

Then comes the lessons learned from others, and you must take them into account, and do not ignore them, as often misplaced trust drops its owner.

My idea of success in life essay

My idea of ​​true success in life is to have health, good companionship, and true love from family and friends. All material things and others can be achieved, but if health is lost, it is difficult to obtain it again and replace it.

Therefore, success requires effort and continuous work to maintain health, follow a good healthy diet, a lot of exercise, and make sure to eat healthy foods free of any harmful substances.

Besides dealing well with others, and being the best person in all situations, no matter how much sacrifice or concession you require.

Nothing is permanent and friends and family may lose them at any time, so it is good to hold on to them and pay attention to what makes them happy, and avoid what grieves them.

So, from my point of view, this is how you  achieve success in life.

Essay on how to achieve success in life

Undoubtedly, there are many success stories surrounding us that have inspired many people to become like their starting point in their attempt to achieve success in their own lives as well.

But I see that real success in life does not need to follow the stories of others or try to imitate the steps, because I see that the real success in life is that you have your own inspiration, and your own life, and not look at the lives of others.

It does not matter how much money or friends you have, or acquaintances in prestigious places, it is enough to be happy and live in your way, and have health, and no matter what your food or what you have, a lot or a little, it does not matter, it is enough to be thankful and grateful for it.

This is the perspective of success in life from my point of view, it may change in the future, it may remain the same, I do not know what I will learn from life tomorrow. But I hope that my convictions will remain, in a sense of contentment with what I have.

Paragraph on success in life

Success in life requires a lot of fatigue and diligence, a lot of patience and planning, a careful study of goals and ambitions, a vision for the future, and an organized schedule with specific goals according to priority with close goals, medium-term goals, long-term goals,

Walking in this footsteps, not rushing, and trying to succeed quickly without building firm rules that maintain success, from my point of view, these are the basics that help in achieving success in life, and I follow them mainly in many important matters in my life.

Being successful in life essay

In order to become successful in life, I must set my goals and make plans for how to manage my life, and choose the appropriate ways and means for my personality, which make me progress in my life happily, and not waste my life without enjoying my life and having a good life and future.

Therefore, it is great to choose things that you love, whether in the academic aspect, hobby, or work. Forming advance plans for the implementation of these plans and setting up a model that defines the type of goal and the time required for its achievement .

Putting finished goals in a list and unfinished business in a list, allocating time for them and managing enough hours for rest, allocating time for study and development in any of the matters of life, until you reach a good result in all the things you do, and the formation of a strong personality and self-confidence that you can rely on in your next life.

Why you can succeed in life essay

It is wonderful that there are many successful experiences that surround us in life. You can see the success achieved by many people around the world, how to achieve this, and what ideas they took to achieve this success.

All of these things can be studied and benefited from their experience. In addition to reading and attending some lectures on human development and self-development, and reading about such matters.

Once you collect such things and information, you will find that you have a great opportunity to start preparing a plan for your future and your life.

And you can rely on many of the means and methods used by those before you and develop them by integrating them in several different experiences, and benefiting from them.

This is how I can succeed in life and make use of the time and spend all the time in carrying out good tasks and works that benefit me without wasting time.

How to become successful in life paragraph

Undoubtedly, there are many successful experiences that many people have presented before. We can see a lot of successful people around us.

If we look into everyone’s lives, we will find that everyone has a dream, and these people stuck to their dream, and tried to achieve it to benefit from it and benefit humanity.

And the greatest people who worked for the benefit of humanity, and we find in their stories a lot of fatigue and effort, and that they sacrificed pleasure and enjoyment all the time in their lives in exchange for presenting their dream to humanity.

Where they worked for hours and long years, trying to solve all the obstacles, and find appropriate solutions that could benefit humanity.

And use everything that is available to them, and strive to achieve more things that help them develop these dreams and bring them to light.

In the end, after studying and designing, holding on to the dream, a lot of patience, and a lot of completed tasks that they worked on, we find them to be a world famous in front of us today.

We are proud of them and we see the amount of success they achieved in their short life, but it lives for many years that cannot be counted.

We have provided you with success in life essay, and you can read more topics through the following link:

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Essay on How to get Success in Life

December 13, 2017 by Study Mentor Leave a Comment

We all work towards achieving our goals in order to succeed, to knock on the doors of success. Success can be described as the feeling of having achieved the desired goal and having accomplished the undertaken task.

Success can be attributed to many factors such as determination, dedication, sincerity, commitment, persistence, consistency etc. All of these factors, when applied in the right measure given success as the output. Whether luck has a role to play in one’s success purely depends on their own belief systems.

Table of Contents

Meaning of Success

When a child is born, he is given a name, he is slowly taught to walk on his own feet, sent to school, engaged in sports, in co-curricular activities, he is also sent abroad for his higher education. Right from the time the child is born till he develops his own niche to live independently on his own feet, he is mentored by his parents.

Why do the parents take so much care of their offspring, why do they think twice before choosing every step for their children? It is simply because parents dream of their children’s success. All parents simply wish and want to see their children becoming successful. So how exactly is success measured comes the next question?

Success means different things to different people. Some people might earn degrees with high percentages and then land in big, corporate jobs with hefty pay cheques. This could be the meaning of success in their life.

Another person may be quite happy with his job, but he thinks of success as getting married and settling down with his children in his own home.

According to this person, success has a different meaning. In both scenarios, people have reached an upper position which is somewhat recognized, probably it took a lot of efforts to reach that top spot, reaching that position higher up the ladder itself may have amounted to what they think as success.

General Perception

In general, if we see a person who is quite popular and is happy with his achievements, we call him a successful person. Any big actor or actress who has made a mark in films is said to be successful in life.

Usually people who have achieved laurels in their chosen fields are said to have emerged successful in life. What is that one factor in them that makes us call them successful people?

The fact that they are recognized, they are confident in their own fields and have achieved something and become extraordinary.

Between successful people and ordinary people like us, there is a thin line of difference. All of us have twenty four hours in a day. Beyond twenty four hours, nobody is granted even a second more on privilege. It’s the same with everyone and everywhere.

What sets successful people apart is their effective utilization if the same time. We may sit lazing around in our couches for hours together, but a person wanting to taste success would be working on his goal, trying to make it true. APJ Abdul Kalam was a very successful person in his life.

He achieved laurels as a scientist and also as the President of India. He was an extraordinary man. He rose from the ordinary but made his path special by showing a desire to make it big.

That inner desire creates a strong goal to be achieved. Then, the mind starts working and thinks of the dream all the time. Any hardships, any setbacks don’t bother the mind and its keeps moving forward to realize its dream. Once the dream is achieved, it has reached the level of success.

Attributes of Success

There are successful people in almost all areas and fields. People become successful in their ways, they show that they are able to do something which nobody does ordinarily, and they go a step ahead, push themselves towards the goal and never stop or look behind.

Supposing a school student wishes to see success in his exams, he puts a goal in front of him to achieve success in his final exams. What the guy does is, he first prepares a time table to organize his studies. In this way, he is able to break down his task so that it becomes easy to manage the study load.

After preparing the time table, next would be to effectively stick to the schedule given in the time table. The guy must make sure to complete the tasks mentioned in the time table. With each passing day, if he is able to complete the day’s tasks effectively, then he sure must have done a good preparation.

Good preparation translates into improved confidence. Next comes the tale of memory. Good memory helps in recalling the learnt matter and putting the content on paper. Presenting answers in the right way, to the right extent leaves a good impression on teachers. A good handwriting basically gives a good first look to the teachers.

Reaching Our Goal

So basically, as the saying goes, practice makes a man perfect. It is with everyday efforts, with sincerity and perseverance that anybody reaches success. Having a goal to achieve is one of the first steps to taste success in life. Without a goal, life goes haphazardly without direction.

A goal in life brings in a definite goal to work on. Goals create roads to walk on and make our dream come true. Determination and dedication are key words in the dictionary of success. We must be determined to reach the goal we have set.

If we have set a certain goal like cleaning the house in the evening, then it takes some efforts and determination to set out ourselves to do the task.

If we bring in our laziness and don’t stand up to do the task, it becomes a pending work and all the energy goes for a waste. If we channelize our energy and put it into effective use, then we can see amazing results.

Dedication towards our work calls for discipline in work. If we have decided to complete a certain chapter on a particular day, then it is our duty to make time for the task and achieve its completion. Consistency is another important word to reach the ladder of success.

We must be consistent in our efforts, in our performance to be able to rise up stairs in the ladder. Time management is the most effective tool and key for reaching success.

If we have organized our time effectively so that we can go that extra step and do something additional, then we have set ourselves different from the rest of the crowd.

Role of Hard Work

Finally, success relies on a lot of hard work. There is no success without hard work. If a man is rich and successful with a big bungalow to live in, lots of money, jewellery, high position, all this would be in his purse only because he would have worked hard to earn them.

Without a boat to sail on, we won’t reach our destination. Having the boat would be of no use if we don’t put efforts to sail in that boat. Hard work is like the base of a long pillar of success.

Success is like a ladder. It is a definitive spot at the top and the intermediary steps are all small achievable leading to the final destination of success. There may be many occasions when we would rise in happiness, but also certain other times when we may fall down due to various reasons.

There is no person who has tasted success without having fallen down in the process. Falling down may be a common thing, but the determination to stand up again gives the courage to move forward. Even with plenty of downfalls if we are able to rise up each time, then we become powerful from inside.

There is learning associated with each fall and that learning enables us to push ourselves further towards our goals. There are many successful people who spend sleepless nights in order to work towards their dream. That burning desire inside our bellies, the strength and courage to achieve our dream causes a fire in our minds.

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I Pursued My Passion Later in Life and Surpassed My Wildest Dreams—and You Can, Too

There’s no shortage of publications highlighting our youth— child prodigies , early entrepreneurs and the best 30 under 30 . That’s great, but that’s not me. Most of my success was achieved later in life, and I am certain it is the better one.

Being a late bloomer, most rites of passage were belated. I learned how to ride a bicycle at 24. I ran my first race at 38 and got published (outside of school papers) at 45. It’s never too late to do something you love . In fact, it’s sweeter when you wait for it.

A passion for writing

I wrote for school periodicals in college and loved it. I called myself “Scoop” and went around campus interviewing sources and writing about rare book rooms, educators and anything else I was assigned. I enjoyed meeting new people and figuring out ways to present their points of view. However, once I graduated, I gave it up. I felt I could never compete in the “real” world of writing. That was a place reserved for Ivy League graduates and people who quoted Shakespeare, not for a loquacious girl from Brooklyn. So I left it behind and pursued other interests.

At first, I tried to find other creative career paths like public relations and dot-coms. I eventually landed on teaching and wrote lesson plans instead of stories. But something was missing. I yearned to tell stories like I did in school. After all, Malcolm Forbes said it best in his 1988 Syracuse University commencement speech, which was featured in Onward!: 25 Years of Advice, Exhortation, and Inspiration from America’s Best Commencement Speeches : “You have to do, in your life and with your life, what turns you on. Anything else is a waste of time. If you know where your own button is, press it.” 

But I was in my 40s and wasn’t sure how to become a writer . Was it too late in my life to start and achieve success as a writer?

A life-changing writing class

I’d taken classes throughout the years for fun. We’d get an assignment, share our stories and then leave. Sometimes I’d make a friend or two. We’d meet up in the city and share essays over drinks or coffee, but I never went anywhere with it. I nearly gave up, but then I signed up for a unique class that changed everything. I’m not sure if it was the professor or the timing in my life, but something clicked.

Instead of being offered at a university, the class was taught out of the professor’s apartment in the city. I entered her home and sunk into a chair while other students read their published pieces like Pulitzer Prize winners. As they spoke, I lingered on every word, every anecdote. I was shocked by both their level of intimacy with their prose and the fact that they were regular people whose work was published in The New York Times and  Cosmopolitan . Maybe it was possible for me to be a published writer. I just needed to delve deep, like the students before me.

Becoming a published writer

The writing class had caught my attention with its insistence that you could get published; you just needed to find the right market. A few weeks after the class ended, I took my most personal story and sent it out to a few editors—just like the class taught me.

When my story was accepted for publication, I was overjoyed and terrified. After all, this wasn’t a story about college courses. This was an essay about love, obsessions and a devastating loss. I wasn’t sure I wanted the public to read it, but soon enough it was released on the Internet. And I was instantly addicted to the feeling of having it published. Once I got over the initial embarrassment of having my story out there, I began to feel a freedom in releasing it. In fact, I had stored so many stories in my head that I wanted to write. I now had a reason to.

People often told me it was luck when I was published, but luck had little to do with it. It was tenacity . Perseverance. The ability to handle rejection . I started spending hours scouring the Internet for calls for submissions. I participated in a special seminar for women op-ed writers, which was intimidating. The other participants were CEOs, Ivy league grads and entrepreneurs. I quickly realized that I’m an expert on education. I brought up the topic of the personal essay, how I thought it was outdated for college applications. I ended up writing the op-ed and got it published two days later in USA Today . That experience taught me that an elite education could only get you so far. Persistence and timing had a lot more to do with it. 

Achieving dreams later in life 

They say that to write about your own life , you need to be at least five years away from it to distance yourself. I don’t know what the magic number is. What I do know is that all those stories I scribbled in notebooks, journals and on pieces of looseleaf paper written when I was younger were weaker than I am now. Not only was my spelling deplorable (OK, maybe it still is), but the way I saw the world was limited. It wasn’t until my 20s and 30s that I began to travel, live abroad and develop a perspective of myself and my place in the world. And it wasn’t until my 40s that I understood the greater meaning of heartbreak and loss that I thought I would never recover from. In some ways, writing helped me.

My younger self could write, but not from the perspective that you only get with time. As I started taking more writing classes, I realized that everyone has a story to tell and most people really want to be heard. I had become so successful I began teaching a class to help other writers.

I went from wishing I was a writer to being published on the front page of The Washington Post . I was a long way from my days working at the college paper, and I waited 25 years to do it.

It has been over seven years since I got my first acceptance email and to date have published over 100 essays , all while working full-time for the Department of Education.

You, too, can achieve success later in life

I believe many people have stories to tell but may feel if they did not go to a certain school or start by a specific age, it may be too late. I am living proof that it is never too late to do what you love. The stories I write are not always unique. In fact, I think the best writing explores everyday things and universal themes that people can relate to. My essays run the gamut from bad dates, to failed fertility, to social justice. If it happened to me and I grew from it, I want to write about it. Now that I have both life experience and distance, it is easy for me to share my stories.

Having so many pieces published still amazes me. I was published in The New York Times four times, surpassing my wildest expectations. My words have led me to interviews on CNN and NPR . It is flattering to be accepted to so many well-known publications and be a part of the conversation. But for me, the greatest part of writing is when a stranger reads my story and writes to tell me how it affected them. My words have even made it to Australia and Sri Lanka. 

Some people say I inspire them while others can’t stand my point of view. Believe it or not, I like the latter readers, too. If a girl from Brooklyn can be heard across the world and affect that many people, then it’s all worth it.  Everyone has a story to tell, some just take longer than others to tell them. I am glad I waited.

Photo by simona pilolla 2/Shutterstock

Elana Rabinowitz

Elana Rabinowitz is a freelance writer, ESL teacher and world traveler. Her work can be found at  elanarabinowitz.weebly.com . Follow her on ​ Twitter .

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Copyright © 2024 SUCCESS Magazine. All rights reserved.

Authenticity

Defining success on your own terms, it's time to shift away from the traditional, unsatisfying markers of success..

Posted June 28, 2024 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

• Traditional success is often defined by external markers rather than personal values and inner fulfillment.
• Success can feel elusive if people only prioritize external validation and traditional markers.
• One can choose to define success on one's own terms and create a life that feels authentic and value-aligned.

This post was co-authored by Erin Marshall.

In life, it can be easy to get caught up in the pursuit of success. We have been conditioned to believe that we need to be faster, smarter, richer, better, and more successful. We’re always supposed to be at that top echelon of human performance and functioning. But what are we chasing?

A traditional understanding of success is largely measured by external achievements, wealth, status, and material possessions rather than by living a life that is genuine and aligned with one’s values, passions, and inner truths. We are so inundated with information that we might not even know what we are doing anymore or, possibly more concerning, why. Have you ever felt like you were chasing someone else’s idea of success?

People nearing the end of their careers have sought me out to work with for one main reason: They want to feel again. These ridiculously successful, talented, and extraordinary professionals from virtually every industry approach the end of a career looking for guidance on how to feel feelings. I have seen similar patterns when people are nearing the end of their lives, too. I have witnessed a longing for more time. And it is not more time for them to finally finish their to-do list or add another accolade to their resume.

The reality is that you can meet all of the traditional markers of success and still not feel fulfilled. While the traditional markers of success—the titles, salaries, and accolades—can be motivating and rewarding, the challenge comes when we solely rely on these to bring us fulfillment. You can succeed in certain domains, but there’s a rumbling you can feel when something is missing.

Stuck in an Endless Cycle

In today’s world, we have an overabundance of information about being successful and an underabundance of people actually feeling successful.

Many of us have set conditions, often based on societal and external standards, around our success. We have convinced ourselves that once something specific happens or a milestone is achieved, then we will feel OK. Then, we will feel happy. Then, we will feel successful.

For example:

• When I finish my professional certification, then I will feel confident in my expertise.
• When I get promoted, then I will feel accomplished in my career.
• When I earn a higher salary, then I will feel my hard work is paying off.
• When I receive recognition or an award, then I will feel valued and respected.

This reminds me of the Greek myth of Sisyphus. Zeus punished Sisyphus for escaping death twice by forcing him to roll a massive boulder up a hill, only to have it roll back down every time Sisyphus was close to the top—a task he had to repeat for eternity. Feeling successful and living a good life will continue to feel elusive if we stay trapped in the “when-then” cycle. It is important to seek fulfillment from within as well.

Redefining Success

Many of us haven't truly allowed ourselves to slow down to consider what matters most to us. Rather than drowning in all the things you should be doing, ought to be doing, and could be doing, my invitation is for you to stop and take personal inventory.

• Clarity about what matters most to you.
• A time and a place for that in your life to make it matter most.

Here are a few ideas to support you in this exploration:

• Know who you are and who you are not: Just because everyone else is doing the “it” thing doesn’t mean you have to as well. This is about setting goals that are important to you and aligned with your values and your best life, not necessarily those that are seen as important by society. These are the goals worthy of your time and energy.
• Be aware of your coveting tendencies: Coveting behavior occurs when you have a deep desire to possess something someone else has. We compare ourselves to others, strive for an ideal or perfect life, or think something on the outside will solve all our problems. Many of us get stuck in this outer-attainment-for-inner-attunement trap. Yet, the truth is that you will never have enough of what you do not need.
• Keep your promises to yourself: Just as you protect your promises and commitments to others, show yourself the same respect and honor. This builds self-trust and efficacy for following through.

When we know what we value most, we can begin to move beyond the traditional and often external markers of success to be able to craft our own definition.

Living an Authentic and Value-Aligned Life

There’s an intuitive knowing we experience when our lives are in alignment. Not everyone is going to follow suit or see it the same way you do, but you know wholeheartedly what matters most to you, and you choose to make it matter most. This authenticity leads to a deeper, more lasting sense of fulfillment and happiness , as it aligns with our true values, goals, and passions.

Here are a few questions to think about to get you started:

• What are the values and principles that you want your success to be aligned with?
• What are specific accomplishments or experiences that make you feel fulfilled?
• What impact or legacy do you want to leave behind that would make you feel successful?

Markers I strive for are things like:

• A flexible calendar
• Slower mornings
• Freedom to choose
• Peace of mind
• Being able to be present
• A relaxed and regulated work pace
• Spaciousness in my calendar to say "yes"
• Consistently being able to get a physical win, mental win, and spiritual win each day
• Being able to show up when someone needs me
• A good night’s sleep

What would success feel like for you?

Final Thoughts

Michelle Obama once said, “Success isn’t about how your life looks to others. It’s about how it feels to you.” My hope is that we can all find our way back to this truth. When I let go of the need for external validation and embraced my own definition of success, I found a deep sense of sufficiency and confidence within myself. More importantly, I found a richness of peace that I never knew was possible.

When you show up authentically and meaningfully in your own life, you’ll find that true success is not only attainable but deeply rewarding. Success, ultimately, is about showing up in a way that is meaningful and purpose-filled for the life you choose to live—a life that feels successful on your own terms.

Robyne Hanley-Dafoe, Ed.D. , is a resiliency and wellness scholar and speaker, author of Calm Within the Storm and Stress Wisely , and award-winning instructor and adjunct professor at Trent University.

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Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Students are often asked to write an essay on Qualities of a Successful Person in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Introduction.

A successful person is not defined by wealth alone. Success is about achieving personal goals, being happy, and contributing to society. Let’s explore some qualities of a successful person.

Hard work is crucial. Successful people understand that effort is required to achieve goals. They are not afraid of challenges or failures.

Resilience is another key. Success often comes after numerous failures. Successful people learn from their mistakes and keep trying.

Positive Attitude

A positive attitude helps in overcoming obstacles. Successful people are optimistic and believe in their abilities.

250 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Success is a subjective term, varying from person to person. However, certain qualities are universally recognized as key indicators of a successful individual. These include resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability among others.

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from failures and setbacks. Successful people are not immune to failures, but they possess the mental fortitude to learn from these experiences and continue forward. They view obstacles not as insurmountable barriers, but as opportunities for growth and learning.

Self-Awareness

Self-awareness is another hallmark of success. It involves understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, emotions, and motivations. Successful people are introspective, continually examining their actions and decisions. This self-awareness allows them to make informed choices, align their actions with their values, and continuously improve themselves.

Adaptability

In a rapidly changing world, adaptability is a crucial trait for success. Successful people are open to new ideas and are able to adjust their strategies and plans to suit changing circumstances. They are not rigid in their thinking or approach, but rather, they embrace change and innovation.

While there are many qualities that can contribute to a person’s success, resilience, self-awareness, and adaptability stand out as particularly important. These qualities enable individuals to navigate the challenges of life, learn from their experiences, and continually adapt to new circumstances. Therefore, cultivating these qualities is a worthwhile endeavor for anyone seeking to achieve success.

500 Words Essay on Qualities of a Successful Person

Self-discipline.

One of the most important qualities of a successful person is self-discipline. It is the ability to control one’s impulses, emotions, desires, and behavior. It is what separates the successful from the unsuccessful. Successful people understand the importance of consistency and persistence in their actions. They do not let immediate gratification distract them from their long-term goals.

Resilience is another critical quality. Success is not always a smooth journey; it is often fraught with failures and setbacks. Successful people are those who can withstand these challenges and bounce back stronger. They view failures not as the end but as stepping stones towards success. They learn from their mistakes and use them to improve and grow.

Curiosity and Continuous Learning

Successful individuals are inherently curious. They have an insatiable desire to learn and grow. They understand that the world is constantly evolving, and to stay ahead, they must continually update their knowledge and skills. They are open to new ideas and perspectives, and they actively seek opportunities for learning and development.

Integrity is a fundamental quality of successful people. They are honest and ethical in their dealings. They believe in fairness and justice. They uphold their values and principles, even when it is difficult or inconvenient. Their actions are guided by a strong moral compass, and they earn respect and trust through their integrity.

Empathy and Emotional Intelligence

In conclusion, success is not merely about wealth or fame. It is about fulfilling one’s potential and making a positive impact. The qualities of self-discipline, resilience, passion, curiosity, integrity, and emotional intelligence are key to achieving this success. They are not innate but can be developed and nurtured over time. As we strive for success, we should endeavor to cultivate these qualities within ourselves.

That’s it! I hope the essay helped you.

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How to Maximize Every Hour of Your Day for Unstoppable Productivity Maximize and win your day with these key strategies that are guaranteed to boost your productivity and help you achieve your goals.

By John Kitchens Edited by Chelsea Brown Jul 2, 2024

Key Takeaways

• Your mornings set the tone for your day and allow you to have the right mindset to tackle challenges that may come your way. Focusing on self-care and personal development during this time serves as fuel for your productivity.
• Leaders should avoid a "come what may" attitude and instead be clear about their goals. Setting specific, achievable goals helps prioritize critical tasks.
• A well-structured calendar is essential for effectively executing your plans. Your calendar should only include tasks that align with your goals and are crucial for your business's success.

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Time is one of the most valuable resources for CEOs aiming to win their day. Unlike other resources, time cannot be replaced or gained back. Once it has passed, it's gone forever. And in this age where business has to move at breakneck speed, the ability to manage time effectively is more than just a skill — it's a superpower.

Maximizing every hour of the day is crucial for leaders as they are responsible for making important decisions and driving the success of their business. However, not many leaders have mastered the art of time management, often getting bogged down with endless meetings and tasks that leave them feeling overwhelmed and unproductive. Eventually, this can lead to burnout and negatively affect their business.

The perfect day doesn't exist — unless you create it.

The conditions for winning your day are things you don't want to leave with chance, but rather it's something you actively work towards. Here are strategies on how leaders can engineer and maximize every hour of their day for unstoppable productivity .

Related: 101 Time Management Tips to Boost Productivity Every Day

Your mornings matter the most

Before you get stormed by unending emails, meetings and to-do lists, there's a sanctuary in the morning that's all yours. It's a sacred window where the DNA of your entire day is encoded. This sets the tone for your day and allows you to have the right mindset to tackle any challenges that come your way. During this time, it's crucial to focus on yourself and your well-being.

I firmly believe that to be able to lead others effectively, you must be in the best condition possible. Just like the oxygen mask theory states, you need to put your mask on first before helping others. The same principle applies to winning your day. You must prioritize self-care and personal development to serve as fuel for your productivity. It's a simple yet powerful principle that we often overlook because we dive headfirst into our responsibilities. Remember, we cannot pour from an empty cup, and taking care of ourselves should always be a top priority.

What are you doing to make yourself strong physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually? What are you doing to maintain your level of happiness and become the best version of yourself? With these questions in mind, you should be able to create a morning routine that sets you up for success.

Be clear on what you want and be intentional

One thing that many leaders often get wrong is adopting a "come what may" attitude. We often see this in leaders who are eager enough to finish every task they have on their plate. Speedrunning and completing as many tasks as possible does not equal productivity. It's wrong to think that maximizing your day only revolves around getting things done. In fact, this approach creates the opposite effect. Leaders end up with a day filled with distractions, pulling them in different directions without a clear focus. As a result, they weren't able to achieve what they truly wanted to do. This may sound difficult, but the solution to this problem is simple: Get clear on your goals and set a known direction. Where are you at currently, and where do you want to go? What do you want to achieve?

Simply setting specific and achievable goals for each day creates a process that helps you identify what actions to prioritize and what can be delegated or eliminated. You are now able to filter the critical tasks that align with your goals and categorize them into four groups: High Lifetime Value Activities (HLVA), Non-negotiables, High Leverage Activities (HLA) and Most Valuable Priorities (MVP).

Utilizing this approach helps you create a decision-making filter that dictates if a certain activity should go to your calendar or not. It also helps you to be more intentional with your time and focus on the tasks that truly matter. Remember that those who are successful in the industry know that their time is valuable, so they don't waste it on things that don't bring them closer to their goals. They focus on what truly matters, and this sets them apart from the rest.

Related: Why Most Entrepreneurs Are Terrible at Time Management (and What to Do Instead)

Committing to your calendar

Execution is where many plans perish or thrive. It's the most crucial — yet the most fragile part of the process that people often break. We have to understand that a leader's calendar isn't a mere schedule planner; it's a court of execution where actions are tried and accomplished, where the day isn't bossed around by to-dos, but by strategic moves that determine the progress of the entire organization.

That's why your calendar should not be filled with every single task that you have to do, but instead, a carefully curated list of only those that align with your goals and are crucial for the success of your business. I'm sure there will be unexpected tasks or last-minute meetings that will pop up, but you must keep in mind that your calendar is not a suggestion, it's a contract with yourself. It's a commitment to prioritize what truly matters and make the most out of your time. Learn to say no, and learn to protect your priorities. If it doesn't make it to your calendar, then it doesn't happen.

Have the discipline to follow through with your plans, and make each day count towards achieving your goals.

Pro tip: The flex space advantage

No matter how meticulous we can be, there will always be instances where things don't go exactly as planned. This is why having a "flex space" in your calendar can be a game-changer. A flex space is an intentional block of time that you allocate for unexpected tasks or urgent matters that may require your attention. May it be time for yourself and time for others, this allows you to have a buffer in your schedule that can accommodate any curveballs that come your way.

By having this buffer in your schedule, you are prepared to handle any interruptions without derailing your entire day. It also allows you to have some breathing room and avoid feeling anxious about unexpected tasks popping up.

Related: Time Management Hacks That Very Successful People Practice Daily

As a busy professional, it can often feel like there are never enough hours in the day. With endless tasks and responsibilities pulling us in all directions, it's easy to become overwhelmed and lose sight of our goals. However, by implementing these strategies and committing to a well-structured routine, you are bound to win your day and your week, and ultimately achieve your long-term goals. So, take the time to engineer your perfect day, and always remember: Productivity isn't about doing more — it's about doing what matters most. Let's make each day count!

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CEO of John Kitchens Coach

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“What Is Your Greatest Achievement?” Top Sample Answers

By Status.net Editorial Team on July 18, 2023 — 18 minutes to read

• How to Structure Your Answer Part 1
• Sharing Your Successes Part 2
• “What Is Your Greatest Achievement?” Example Answers Part 3
• Example Answers by Career Stage Part 4
• Showcasing Soft Skills Part 5
• How to Avoid Common Mistakes Part 6
• “Can you share an example of a personal goal you achieved?” Part 7
• “How did you overcome a major challenge?” Part 8
• “What was your role in a significant project?” Part 9
• “What was a difficult problem you solved at work?” Part 10
• “How have you contributed to the growth of a company?” Part 11
• “What is a unique skill or expertise you have…?” Part 12

Part 1 How to Structure Your Answer

When asked about your greatest achievement in a job interview, it’s important to understand what the interviewer is looking for in your answer. This question is an opportunity for you to showcase your skills, accomplishments, and qualities that make you an excellent candidate for the position. It’s essential to provide an answer that highlights your best abilities, preferably one related to the job for which you’re interviewing.

To answer this question effectively, you should select an example of an accomplishment that demonstrates your capabilities, your ability to overcome challenges, and your dedication to your work. Be sure to explain the situation, the actions you took, and the positive results of your achievement. It’s also essential to express how this achievement has contributed to your personal growth or career development.

The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, and Result) is a helpful way to organize your response:

• Begin by describing the  situation  you faced, providing enough context for the listener to understand your initial challenge. Be specific about the circumstances and the environment, whether it was a demanding project at your previous job or a personal milestone.
• Next, explain the  task  you had to accomplish. Tie this to your job description or responsibilities when possible, making sure to highlight the relevance of this accomplishment to the role you’re interviewing for. Keeping the focus on your past will help demonstrate that you have a history of success.
• After setting the stage, move on to the  action  you took and the steps you followed to overcome the challenge. Be specific, as this shows your problem-solving abilities and thought process. Take this opportunity to emphasize the qualities that enabled you to achieve this outcome, like perseverance, creativity, and teamwork.
• Finally, detail the  results  of your actions. Use specific numbers or quantifiable achievements to illustrate the impact of your success. Showcase how your accomplishment positively affected your team, organization, or even yourself personally. This will emphasize your ability to make a meaningful difference through your efforts.

By employing the STAR method, you’ll effectively highlight your greatest professional accomplishment in a way that showcases your strengths and adds credibility to your application.

Remember that your greatest achievement doesn’t have to be world-changing – it just needs to showcase your own growth and abilities.

Part 2 Sharing Your Successes

When asked about your greatest achievement, it’s important to share a success story that highlights your relevant skills, experience, and qualities. Consider a recent achievement that showcases your abilities as a candidate and relates to the job description you’re applying for.

For instance, if you’re applying for a team lead role, you could talk about how you guided your team through a tough project. Describe the challenges you faced, the strategies you employed, and the results you achieved. Make sure to emphasize the teamwork and leadership skills you developed along the way.

In case you have a strong educational background or an impressive feat in your field, don’t hesitate to mention it. Your academic accomplishments are worth noting, especially if they align with the strengths required for the job you’re pursuing.

Always try to demonstrate how your achievements translate into potential value for your prospective employer. To do so, relate your successes to the job description and show how your skills and experience make you the ideal candidate. This proves your capability to handle tasks and challenges with confidence and expertise.

While sharing your successes, try to remain clear, knowledgeable, and neutral in your tone. Avoid making exaggerated or false claims and keep it brief by focusing on the essential aspects of your achievement.

Part 3 “What Is Your Greatest Achievement?” Example Answers

“My greatest achievement was completing a challenging project ahead of schedule while working as a project manager. I organized and motivated my team, resulting in a successful and timely project completion. This accomplishment showed my ability to lead and manage a team under tight deadlines.”

“In my previous role as a marketing coordinator, I increased social media engagement by 40% within six months. Through strategic planning and constant analysis of our campaigns, I was able to boost our brand and effectively engage with our target audience.”

“As a sales representative, my greatest achievement was consistently exceeding my sales targets for three consecutive quarters, resulting in a promotion and a recognition award from my company. I believe my dedication to understanding clients’ needs and my proactive approach to problem-solving helped me achieve this success.”

“One of my greatest achievements was completing a marathon. This was a personal goal of mine that required months of training and dedication. I had to push myself physically and mentally to cross the finish line, but the feeling of accomplishment was indescribable. It taught me the importance of setting goals and working hard to achieve them.”

“My greatest achievement was starting my own business. It was a risky move, but I had a vision and was determined to make it a reality. I had to navigate through various challenges, such as securing funding and building a customer base, but the hard work paid off. Seeing my business grow and thrive was incredibly fulfilling.”

“One of my greatest achievements was when I successfully led a team of X members to complete a project that had been delayed for months. I created a detailed plan and delegated tasks based on each team member’s strengths. I also held regular meetings to ensure everyone was on the same page and motivated to complete the project. As a result, we were able to finish the project on time and within budget, which impressed both our clients and our manager.”

“My greatest achievement was volunteering for a humanitarian organization. I spent several months working in a developing country, helping to build infrastructure and improve the lives of local communities. It was a challenging experience, but also incredibly eye-opening. Being able to make a positive impact on people’s lives was a humbling and rewarding experience that I will never forget.”

“One of my proudest achievements was when I organized a charity event that raised over X amount of dollars for a local nonprofit organization. I worked tirelessly to reach out to potential sponsors, coordinate volunteers, and promote the event through social media and other channels. It was a rewarding experience to see the community come together and support a great cause, and I learned a lot about leadership, communication, and event planning in the process.”

“My greatest achievement was writing and publishing a book. It was a project that I had been working on for years, and finally seeing it in print was a dream come true. The process required a lot of discipline and perseverance, but it was worth it in the end. Being able to share my ideas and stories with others was a rewarding experience.”

“I consider my greatest achievement to be when I was able to increase sales by X% in my previous role. I accomplished this by analyzing customer data to identify areas of improvement, developing new marketing strategies, and training the sales team on effective communication and customer service. I also maintained strong relationships with key clients and followed up on their feedback to continuously improve our products and services.”

Part 4 Example Answers by Career Stage

Entry-level sample answer.

As an entry-level job seeker, your greatest achievement might be related to your academics or internships:

“During my final year of college, I led a team of students for our capstone project, which focused on creating a marketing campaign for a local non-profit. Our campaign resulted in a 20% increase in donations for the organization. This experience allowed me to develop my communication skills and demonstrated my ability to create a real-world impact.”

Mid-Career Sample Answer

At the mid-career stage, your greatest accomplishments likely center around your work experience and professional development:

“One of my proudest moments was when I was promoted to Team Lead after just one year at my current company. This was a recognition of my hard work and dedication, and it gave me the opportunity to mentor and support the career growth of the junior members of our team. This role has reinforced my passion for helping others succeed and has driven me to continuously improve my leadership skills.”

Experienced Professional Sample Answer

As an experienced professional, your greatest achievement often showcases your significant contributions to the success of your organization:

“In my previous role as Project Manager, I successfully led a team to complete a high-visibility project under tight deadlines and within budget. This project helped the company secure a prestigious new client, resulting in a significant increase in annual revenue. My ability to coordinate a diverse team, prioritize tasks, and communicate effectively with stakeholders was crucial to the project’s success.”

Part 5 Showcasing Soft Skills

When discussing your greatest achievement, it’s important to highlight your soft skills, such as communication, teamwork, and creativity. These skills are often highly valued by hiring managers and can help you stand out as a job candidate.

Communication Skills: Think of an accomplishment where your communication skills played a key role. For example, perhaps you successfully negotiated a deal between two disagreeing parties or presented a complicated project in an easily digestible manner to a diverse audience.

Teamwork: Reflect on a time when you collaborated well within a group to achieve a shared objective. You might have led a team in completing a project on time and under budget, or resolved conflicts among team members to achieve a common goal. Showcasing your ability to work in a team environment can highlight how well you’ll fit into the company’s culture.

Creativity: You can highlight your creativity by describing an achievement that required innovative thinking or problem-solving. This could be a marketing campaign that generated significant results due to its unconventional approach or a solution you developed to improve a process within your organization.

Related: What Are Soft Skills? (and How to Showcase Them)

Part 6 How to Avoid Common Mistakes

Keep in mind these tips to avoid common mistakes:

• Avoid lying about or exaggerating your achievements. Recruiters can usually spot false claims, which will damage your credibility. Instead, focus on being genuine and authentic in sharing your accomplishments. Using specific details and examples will help convey your achievements in a more meaningful way.
• Avoid coming across as arrogant or bragging about your success. Instead, express your pride and gratitude for the opportunity you were given to achieve your goals. Keep a humble and realistic attitude when discussing your accomplishments.
• On the other hand, don’t downplay your achievements by only talking about your greatest strength. While your strengths may be related to your accomplishments, focus on providing a well-rounded view of your overall success.
• Avoid focusing only on personal successes. Remember that recruiters seek candidates who can contribute to the success of the company. Emphasize how your achievements have benefited others, such as your team, clients, or the organization you were working for.
• Ensure that you are well-prepared for the interview, as stress and nerves can cause you to lose focus and become less articulate. Take the time to thoroughly research the company and reflect on your professional experiences, so you feel ready to discuss your achievements.

Tips on Preparation

Before the interview, research the organization’s mission, culture, and goals. This will allow you to tailor your response to align with the company’s values. It’s essential to understand what hiring managers are looking for in an ideal candidate.

Create a list of potential achievements and practice talking about them. This will make it easier for you to recall the details during the interview. However, be careful not to memorize your responses word-for-word, because you want your answer to sound natural and genuine.

When sharing your achievement, keep the focus on the positive impact you made and the outcomes you achieved. However, don’t forget to mention any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will help you come across as resilient and determined.

Try to acknowledge any team effort involved in your accomplishment. While you want to highlight your role, it’s essential to show that you are a team player and can collaborate well with others.

Confidence is key when discussing your greatest achievement. Speak with conviction and pride, communicating the significance of your accomplishment and its relevance to your potential performance in the role.

Additional Questions: Example Answers

Part 7 “can you share an example of a personal goal you achieved”.

When discussing your personal goal, explain your motivation for setting it, the steps you took to reach it, and any obstacles you faced along the way. This will demonstrate your ability to set ambitious targets and work diligently to achieve them.

Reflect on a time where you set a goal for yourself and successfully achieved it. It could be an educational milestone, physical fitness achievement, or a creative pursuit.

Example Answer 1

“One personal goal I achieved was learning a new language. I had always been interested in learning Spanish, so I enrolled in a language course and practiced speaking with native speakers. I also watched Spanish movies and listened to Spanish music to immerse myself in the language. After several months, I was able to have conversations in Spanish and even travelled to a Spanish-speaking country to practice my skills.”

Example Answer 2

“One personal goal I achieved was completing a volunteer project to renovate a community center. While I was the project leader, I was grateful to have a dedicated team of volunteers who worked tirelessly to complete the project on time. We faced several challenges, such as limited resources and unforeseen construction issues, but we worked together to overcome them. Through our efforts, we were able to provide a safe and welcoming space for members of the community to gather and participate in activities.”

Part 8 “How did you overcome a major challenge and achieve success?”

• Give a brief overview of the challenge you faced: explain the context and why it was a challenge.
• Next, describe the steps you took to overcome the challenge. Be specific and highlight any innovative or creative approaches you used.
• Finally, explain how you were successful in overcoming the challenge. Describe the positive outcome and any lessons you learned from the experience.

“One major challenge I faced was during my previous job, where I was leading a team that was struggling to meet its targets. I realized that the team lacked clear communication and direction, so I took the initiative to schedule regular team meetings to discuss our progress and identify areas of improvement. I also provided individual coaching to team members who were struggling. Through these efforts, we were able to improve our performance and meet our targets.”

“One major challenge I faced was during my college years when I struggled with time management and procrastination. I realized that I needed to develop better habits and discipline to succeed, so I started using a planner to schedule my tasks and set daily goals. I also joined a study group to stay accountable and motivated. Through these efforts, I was able to improve my grades and graduate with honors.”

Part 9 “What was your role in a significant project or accomplishment?”

Your role in a significant project could vary depending on your experience, skills, and the nature of the project itself. Consider a time where you successfully managed a project, led a team, or played a crucial part in developing a new product or service. Describe your specific responsibilities in that role, the challenges you faced, and how your actions ultimately contributed to the project’s success.

“In a previous job, I was part of a team that was responsible for implementing a new customer service program. My role was to lead the training and development efforts. I developed training modules and provided ongoing coaching to customer service representatives to ensure that they were equipped to provide excellent service to our customers. I also worked closely with the IT team to develop a new customer service platform that streamlined our processes. Through these efforts, we were able to improve customer satisfaction ratings and reduce customer complaints.”

“In a previous job, I was part of a team that was responsible for organizing a charity event. My role was to lead the marketing and outreach efforts. I developed a social media campaign and reached out to local media outlets to promote the event. As a result, we were able to attract a record number of attendees and raise a significant amount of funds for the charity.”

Part 10 “What was a difficult problem you solved at work and how did you do it?”

This answer can be an opportunity to showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think about a situation where you identified a difficult issue, analyzed its root cause, and implemented an effective solution. Related: What is Problem Solving? (Steps, Techniques, Examples)

Describe the problem, the steps you took to analyze it, and the methods you used to solve it. Highlight how your solution improved the situation or resulted in a positive outcome for your team or company.

“One difficult problem I solved was a technical issue that was affecting our company’s website. I worked with the IT team to identify the root cause of the issue and develop a plan to resolve it. I also communicated regularly with stakeholders to provide updates on the status of the issue and manage their expectations. Through our efforts, we were able to resolve the issue and minimize the impact on our customers.”

“One difficult problem I solved was a conflict between two team members who had different work styles and personalities. I facilitated a meeting between the two and encouraged them to share their perspectives and concerns. I then worked with them to develop a communication plan and set clear expectations for their roles and responsibilities. We were able to resolve the conflict and improve collaboration within the team.”

Related: How to Manage Conflict in the Workplace [with Examples]

Part 11 “How have you contributed to the growth of a team or company?”

Contributing to the growth of a team or company can take many forms, from increasing sales to improving internal processes. Reflect on specific actions you took that had a measurable impact on an organization’s development.

Mention the context in which you made these contributions and the outcomes that resulted from your actions. Did you help secure a crucial client, streamline a process, or mentor junior team members? Show how your skills and expertise played a role in the company’s growth.

“In a previous job, I contributed to the growth of the company by developing a new sales strategy. I identified areas where we could improve our sales processes and developed a plan to implement changes, such as introducing new sales incentives and improving our customer relationship management system. I also worked closely with the sales team to provide training and coaching to improve their performance. We were able to increase our sales revenue and improve our market share.”

“In a previous job, I contributed to the growth of the company by implementing a sustainability program. I identified areas where we could reduce our environmental impact, such as reducing energy consumption and waste. I then developed a plan and worked with the facilities team to implement changes, such as installing energy-efficient lighting and composting food waste. Through these efforts, we were able to reduce our environmental footprint and improve our reputation as a socially responsible company.”

Part 12 “What is a unique skill or expertise you have that contributed to an achievement?”

Everyone has unique skills or expertise that can contribute to their accomplishments. Consider the specific abilities that have allowed you to excel in your field or achieve noteworthy successes.

Examples could include a specialized knowledge or proficiency in a specific technology, a talent for building relationships with clients, or strong presentation skills that have helped you win over stakeholders. Describe a situation where your unique skill played a vital role in achieving a desired outcome.

“One unique skill I have is my ability to adapt to change and learn quickly. In a previous job, I used this skill to transition to a new role that involved working with a new technology platform. I spent time learning the platform and working with the development team to identify areas where we could improve its functionality. As a result, we were able to improve the user experience and increase adoption of the platform, which had a positive impact on the company’s productivity.”

“One unique skill I have is my ability to think creatively and outside the box. In a previous job, I used this skill to develop a new product line. I researched market trends and identified a gap in the market for a specific type of product. I then worked with the design team to develop a unique and innovative product that met the needs of our target audience. Through these efforts, we were able to launch a successful product line and increase our market share.”

• 30 Smart Answers to "What Is Your Greatest Weakness?"
• 150 Example Phrases: Top Transferable Skills Every Company Wants
• 10 Smart Answers to “What Are Your Salary Requirements?”
• What Are Your Strengths And Weaknesses? (Answers & Strategies)
• 5 Smart Answers to "What Are Your Career Goals?"
• 5 Smart Answers to “What Areas Need Improvement?”

More From Forbes

College essays that worked and how yours can too.

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CAMBRIDGE, MASSACHUSETTS - JULY 08: A view of Harvard Yard on the campus of Harvard University on ... [+] July 08, 2020 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology have sued the Trump administration for its decision to strip international college students of their visas if all of their courses are held online. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

The college essay is a pivotal piece of the college application showcasing your individuality and differentiated outlook to admissions officers. What makes an essay truly shine? Let’s dive into the words behind three standout essays highlighted by university websites and a school newspaper's brand studio so you can get into the right mindset for crafting your own narrative.

Embracing Differences: Finding Strength In Uniqueness

Essay Excerpt: ‘Bra Shopping ’ (Harvard)

Featured by the Harvard Crimson Brand Studio , Orlee's essay recounts a student's humorous and insightful experience of bra shopping with her grandmother, weaving in her unique family dynamics and challenges at her prestigious school.

What Works:

• Humor and Honesty: The student's humor makes the essay enjoyable to read, while her honesty about her challenges adds depth.
• Self-Awareness: She demonstrates a strong sense of self-awareness, embracing her uniqueness rather than trying to fit in.
• Resilience: Her narrative highlights resilience and the ability to find strength in differences.

For Your Essay : To write an essay that embraces your uniqueness, start by identifying a quirky or challenging experience that reflects who a key insight into your experience. Think about how this experience has shaped your perspective and character. Use humor and honesty to bring your story to life, and focus on how you have embraced your differences to become stronger and more resilient.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024, finding connections: humor and self-reflection.

Essay: ‘Brood X Cicadas ’ (Hamilton College)

As an example on Hamilton's admissions website, Nicholas writes about the cicadas swarming his hometown every 17 years and draws a parallel between their emergence and his own transition to college life. He uses humor and self-reflection to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

• Humor: Nicholas uses humor to make his essay entertaining and memorable. His witty comparisons between himself and cicadas add a unique twist.
• Self-Reflection: By comparing his life to the cicadas’, he reflects on his own growth and readiness for change.
• Relatability: His narrative about facing new experiences and challenges resonates with readers who have undergone similar transitions.

For Your Essay: To infuse humor and self-reflection into your essay, start by identifying an ordinary experience or object and think about how it relates to your life. Write down funny or insightful observations about this connection. Use humor to make your essay more engaging, but ensure it still conveys meaningful self-reflection. This balance can make your essay both entertaining and profound.

Persistence and Multicultural Identity: Life Lessons From Tortilla Making

Essay: ‘ Facing The Hot Griddle ’ (Johns Hopkins University)

In this essay published by Hopkins Insider, Rocio uses the process of making tortillas to explore her multicultural identity and the challenges she has faced. Her story beautifully weaves together her Guatemalan heritage and her experiences growing up in the United States.

• Metaphor and Symbolism: The process of making tortillas becomes a powerful metaphor for the student’s journey and struggles. The symbolism of the masa harina and water mixing parallels her blending of cultural identities.
• Personal Growth: The essay highlights her perseverance and adaptability, qualities that are crucial for success in college.
• Cultural Insight: She provides a rich, personal insight into her multicultural background, making her story unique and compelling.

For Your Essay: To write an essay that explores your identity through a metaphor, start by thinking about an activity or tradition that holds significant meaning for you. Consider how this activity relates to your life experiences and personal growth. Use detailed descriptions to bring the activity to life and draw connections between the process and your own journey. Reflect on the lessons you've learned and how they've shaped your identity.

A winning college essay isn’t simply about parading your best accomplishment or dramatizing your challenges. It’s not a contest for which student is the most original or entertaining. Rather, the essay is a chance for you to showcase your authenticity, passion, resilience, social awareness, and intellectual vitality . By sharing genuine stories and insights, you can create an essay that resonates with admissions committees and highlights your unique qualities.

For you to have the best possible essay, mindset is key. Here’s how to get into the zone:

• Reflect Deeply: Spend time thinking about your experiences, challenges, and passions. Journaling can help you uncover deep insights.
• Discuss and Share: Talking about your stories with friends, family, or mentors can provide new perspectives and emotional clarity.
• Immerse Yourself: Engage in activities that you are passionate about to reignite the feelings and memories associated with them.
• Draft Freely: Don’t worry about perfection on the first try. Write freely and honestly, then refine your narrative.

The secret to a standout college essay lies in its authenticity, depth, and emotional resonance. By learning from these successful examples and getting into the right mindset, you can craft an essay that not only stands out but also provides a meaningful insight into who you are. Remember, your essay is your story—make it a piece of writing that you will always be proud of.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Life Goals — My Goals And Ways To Achieve Them

My Goals and Ways to Achieve Them

• Categories: Life Goals Personal Goals

About this sample

Words: 523 |

Published: Mar 18, 2021

Words: 523 | Page: 1 | 3 min read

Works Cited:

• Chang, L. (2021). The Ultimate Guide to Budgeting: 5 Steps to Take Control of Your Finances. The Balance. https://www.thebalance.com/how-to-make-a-budget-1289587
• Davenport, K. (2022). The 50/30/20 Rule for Budgeting. Forbes Advisor. https://www.forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/50-30-20-rule/
• Dave Ramsey. (2021). Budgeting. Dave Ramsey.
• Kobliner, B. (2017). Make Your Kid a Money Genius (Even If You’re Not). Simon & Schuster.
• NerdWallet. (2021). Budgeting 101. NerdWallet.
• Robbins, T. (2017). Unshakeable: Your Financial Freedom Playbook. Simon & Schuster.
• The Simple Dollar. (2021). How to Create a Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide. The Simple Dollar. https://www.thesimpledollar.com/save-money/how-to-create-a-budget/
• Tiller Money. (2021). How to Create a Budget Spreadsheet in Google Sheets. Tiller Money.
• Williams, G. (2018). Budgeting: A Practical Guide for Beginners. Amazon Digital Services.

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Understanding Financial Ratios to Achieve Personal Finance Success

What Are Financial Ratios?

Financial ratios are powerful tools that provide insights into your financial health by comparing different aspects of your financial life. Initially developed for corporate finance, these ratios have been adapted to personal finance to help individuals make informed decisions about their money.

Why Financial Ratios Matter for Personal Finance

Understanding and utilizing financial ratios can significantly impact your personal finance journey. These ratios offer a clear, objective view of your financial situation, allowing you to track progress over time and make data-driven decisions.

Key Personal Financial Ratios

By understanding and monitoring these key ratios, you can understand your financial health and make informed decisions to improve your financial future.

Liquidity and Emergency Fund Ratios

A healthy emergency fund ratio provides peace of mind and economic stability, allowing you to focus on long-term financial goals without being derailed by short-term setbacks.

Debt Ratios: Measuring Your Liabilities

The Debt-to-Equity Ratio compares your total liabilities to your net worth:

A lower debt-to-equity ratio suggests you have more assets than debts, indicating a stronger financial position and lower risk.

Savings and Investment Ratios

Financial experts often recommend saving at least 20% of your income. This target aligns with the popular 50/30/20 budgeting rule , where 50% of revenue goes to needs, 30% to wants, and 20% to savings or debt repayment.

A higher investment rate can lead to more significant long-term financial growth, helping you build wealth and achieve financial independence.

Expense Ratios: Keeping Costs in Check

Expense ratios help you monitor and control your spending. The Housing Expense Ratio is particularly important, as housing often represents the most significant expense for most individuals:

Net Worth Ratio: Your Overall Financial Health

A positive and growing net worth ratio indicates that you’re building wealth over time. This ratio helps you track your progress toward long-term financial goals and motivates you to continue making sound financial decisions.

How to Calculate and Interpret Financial Ratios

Setting financial goals using ratios.

Financial ratios are excellent tools for setting and tracking progress toward financial goals . For example, if your emergency fund ratio is below the recommended 3-6 months, you might set a goal to increase your liquid savings.

Practical Steps to Improve Your Financial Ratios

To lower debt ratios, create a repayment plan, prioritizing high-interest debts. Boost your savings ratio by automating savings and looking for ways to increase your income. Reduce your expense ratios by creating and sticking to a budget, identifying areas where you can cut costs without sacrificing quality of life.

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Financial Plan

Benchmarking your ratios against standards.

While industry standards and general guidelines can provide helpful context for your financial ratios, it’s essential to consider your unique circumstances when benchmarking. Factors such as age, career stage, and personal goals can all influence what constitutes a “good” ratio for you.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using Financial Ratios

Don’t compare your ratios to others without considering differences in circumstances. Lastly, avoid making drastic financial decisions based solely on ratios without considering the broader context of your financial life.

Achieving Long-Term Financial Success with Ratios

Related posts, the 7 most important money decisions of your life, why we get paid.

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• 65 strategic goals for your company (wi ...

65 strategic goals for your company (with examples)

Strategic goals are a critical part of your strategic plan. In order to achieve your long-term goals, you need a clear sense of where you want to go—and an easy way to share those goals with your team. In this article, we take a look at the difference between strategic goals and other goal setting methodologies, then offer 65 example metrics and strategic goals you can use to get started. 

Goal-setting is a critical part of your business strategy. You want to make sure your team is cohesively moving in the right direction—and goals are a great way to do that. 

But in order for goals to be effective, they need to be measurable. The important thing isn’t just to create goals, but to create strategic goals that help you accomplish your overall company mission. 

In this article, we’ll walk you through when to set strategic goals—vs. other types of goals—and how to do so. 

What is a strategic goal? 

Because strategic goals are closely connected to strategic planning, they tend to be three to five year goals. But the most important part of setting a strategic goal is to identify where you want to go, and what goals you need to achieve to get there. 

How strategic goals compare to other business processes

There are a lot of different strategy and goal setting frameworks you can use. Here’s how strategic goals differ from other types of goals. 

Strategic goals vs. strategic planning

Strategic planning is the process of defining the direction your company wants to go in the next three to five years. A strategic plan includes longer term goals, strategic goals, and shorter-term goals that describe how you’ll achieve your strategic goals. The strategic planning process is typically run by decision-makers and stakeholders. 

Part of defining your strategic plan is coming up with strategic goals. Your strategic plan should also include customer insights, a SWOT analysis , your company values , your organization’s competitive advantages, specific goals on a quarterly or yearly timeline, and a high-level project roadmap if you have one.

Strategic goals vs. strategic management

Strategic management is the organization and execution of business resources in order to achieve your company goals. These usually help you implement your overall organizational strategy. 

Strategic goals, on the other hand, are generally three to five year objectives that tie closely to your strategic plan. 

Think of strategic goals as the specific things you want to achieve in three to five years. These strategic goals are part of your strategic plan, which provides more context and direction for why your company wants to move in that direction. Your strategic plan fuels your strategic management process, which is how you’ll actually achieve those goals. 

Strategic goals vs. strategic objectives

The difference between strategic goals and strategic objectives is somewhat subjective. In general, objectives tend to be more specific than goals—some people argue that objectives are always quantitative, while goals can be either qualitative or quantitative. 

Whether you use the terminology strategic goals vs. objectives , it’s critical to make sure your goals are specific, measurable, and actionable. 

Strategic goals vs. big hairy audacious goals (BHAGs)

Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) are long-term goals that typically take between 10 and 25 years to complete. These are industry-defining goals, like Microsoft’s famous goal to put "a computer on every desk and in every home." 

Not every organization has—or needs—BHAGs. Depending on your business strategy, a vision statement might be enough. Whether or not you set BHAGs, strategic goals are shorter-term goals that help you accomplish these bigger, ambitious goals. 

Strategic goals vs. OKRs 

OKRs , which stands for Objectives and Key Results, is a goal setting methodology developed by Andy Grove that follows a simple but flexible framework: 

I will [objective] as measured by [key result] .

OKRs can span multiple years, but most commonly these are one to two year objectives that help your company accomplish your larger strategic plan. In a typical OKR structure, your OKRs feed into your broader strategic goals. 

Strategic goals vs. KPIs

KPIs, or key performance indicators , are qualitative measures of how you’re progressing. Like OKRs, KPIs tend to be shorter in time frame than strategic goals. This is partially due to the fact that KPIs are nearly always quantitative. Achieving several long-term KPIs helps you achieve your broader three to five year strategic goals. 

Strategic goals vs. business goals

Business goals are predetermined targets that organizations plan to achieve in a specific amount of time. Technically, strategic goals—along with BHAGs, OKRs, and KPIs—are a type of business goal. 

65 example strategic metrics and goals

If you’ve never written a strategic goal before, it’s helpful to check out common goals. Though your strategic goals are unique to your strategic plan, use these examples as templates to create measurable, actionable goals with clear success metrics. 

Set strategic goals that are:

Simply phrased

Easy to track

For more tips on what constitutes a good goal, read our article on how to write SMART goals . 

Keep in mind that these goals should be achievable in three to five years. For shorter goals, consider setting OKRs or KPIs instead. For longer goals, check out vision statements and BHAGs . 

Strategic goals: finance

Financial strategic goals typically center around a few different important financial metrics, including:

1. Increasing revenue

2. Attaining or maintaining profitability

3. Growing shareholder value

4. Diversifying your revenue streams

5. Becoming a financially sustainable company

6. Reducing production costs

7. Increasing profit margin

8. Setting revenue targets for new products

9. Reducing department-specific budgets

10. Influencing the percentage of local vs. international sales

Examples of financial strategic goals

These examples do not represent Asana’s goals, and are merely included here for educational purposes. 

11. Increase total revenue by $10M in the next three years.

12. Reduce cost by 12% to become a profitable company by 2024.

13. Grow a specific product’s revenue to 30% of overall business revenue within the next five years.

14. Reduce marketing budget by 10% in the next three years.

15. Update our sales profile so 50% of our sales are international by 2026.

Strategic goals: customer-focused

Strategic goals that focus on your customers can help you break into a new market or further develop a trustworthy brand. These metrics can include:

16. Reducing customer churn

17. Measurably increasing customer satisfaction

18. Increasing the number of new customers

19. Increasing customer retention

20. Offering great customer value

21. Boosting customer outreach

22. Increasing customer conversion rates

23. Breaking into new customer segments

24. Increasing the number of returning customers

25. Decreasing the percentage of returned products

Examples of strategic goals focused on customer metrics

26. Increase net promoter score (NPS) by three points in the next year, and 10 points in the next five years.

27. Capture 23% market share by 2025.

28. Provide the best customer experience in the market—measured based on reaction time, customer sentiment, and brand tracking. 

29. Increase customer retention by 3% every year.

30. Reduce the percentage of returned products to 2% by 2023.

Strategic goals: growth

On an organizational level, growth refers to how your company expands and develops. Growth metrics include:

31. Increasing market share

32. Breaking into new markets

33. Developing new products, features, or services

34. Increasing operational reliability and/or compliance

35. Increasing company velocity

36. Opening new locations

37. Building your brand on social media

38. Increasing website traffic

39. Acquiring a new company

Examples of strategic goals about growth

40. Open 12 new locations within the next four years. 

41. Increase market share to 8% by 2026.

42. Reach 5M followers on social media (including Instagram and Twitter).

43. Increase web traffic to 300K visitors per year by 2024.

44. Start three new product streams by 2027.

Strategic goals: internal

You can also set strategic goals focusing on your internal company goals. Example employee-centric metrics can include:

45. Increasing employee retention

46. Adding new team members

47. Building a healthy organizational culture

48. Implementing a performance review cycle

49. Standardizing titles and/or levels

50. Improving cross-functional productivity

51. Spinning up a project management office (PMO) to standardize processes

52. Attracting the best talent

53. Building high-performing teams

54. Investing in personal and professional development

55. Reducing burnout and impostor syndrome

56. Building employee-focused training programs

57. Reducing employee turnover

58. Improving workplace safety

59. Building better facilities management

Examples of internal strategic goals 

60. Add 20 new team members within the next four years. 

61. Increase overall engagement scores by 7% based on yearly surveys.

62. Increase new hire referrals to 5,000 team members per year by 2026.

63. Develop and circulate new company values by 2023.

64. Implement a biannual performance review cycle within the next three years.  

65. Attain maximum workplace safety score rating within the next three years. 

How Asana uses work management to effectively manage goals

Learn how Asana's Head of Organizational Strategy helps teams set, track, and achieve their goals.

Achieve your goals with goal tracking technology

Once you develop your goals, you need a clear way to track, measure, and communicate those goals. Too often, teams set great goals and then don’t know how to track those goals over time. 

Instead of letting your goals collect dust in a slide deck or spreadsheet somewhere, use goal tracking technology to connect your strategic goals to your team’s daily work. With Asana , you can track long-term goals, as well as the shorter-term objectives that feed into those goals. 

Related resources

How Asana streamlines strategic planning with work management

What is management by objectives (MBO)?

7 steps to complete a social media audit (with template)

How to accomplish big things with long-term goals