In the current and future of work, these outdated markers of success and achievement — a six-figure salary, a corner office, or a fancy title — are no longer the only ways one agrees to measure a rich and rewarding career. More professionals are taking a step back to ask: What does success look like? And this shift is spurring what many refer to as “The Growth Habit”—a mindset that’s less about wins and losses and more about achieving ever better versions of themselves, of becoming increasingly patient and calm and wise and centred.
As we redefine success, the importance of building this habit becomes an integral foundation for career and professional development.
Success: Beyond The Resume
There was a time when success was measured primarily by outward achievements. Advancing up the corporate ladder, receiving awards, or making lots of money were typical indicators of “making it.” But for me, such a limited understanding failed to address the broader realms of personal fulfillment, equilibrium, and meaning.
Today, however, professionals are redefining what counts. A job that allows for creativity, variation, and emotional satisfaction is increasingly appealing. This more expansive definition of success sees that it’s not one-size-fits-all, that it’s deeply personal, and that it’s constantly evolving.
What Is the Growth Habit?
The Growth Habit is the idea of making a commitment to growing in your skills and in your behaviors personally and professionally over time. That’s not the same as striving for perfection. Instead, it’s the willingness to be curious, to try new things that may or may not work, to learn from failure, and to stay open to new ideas. The Growth habit, at its essence, asks people to not count progress in titles or paychecks but to measure it in terms of how they’re growing in their skills, their confidence, and their impact.
This practice can come in many shapes:
- Taking on stretch assignments
- Seeking regular feedback
- Pursuing mentorship or coaching
- Learning new tools or trends in your domain
In the end, the Growth Habit is a daily practice of investing in ourselves throughout a lifetime and a lifetime career.
Replacing Goals with Growth
We are trained to pursue goals — a promotion, certification, a new job title. Such accomplishments are significant indeed, but when one values only these, one may burn out or plateau. The Growth Habit redirects our attention to the process: What are you learning? How are you evolving? What value are you creating?
This transition alters the experience of success. Instead of being under pressure to “arrive,” people can have pride over how they’ve been growing, adapting, and contributing over time.
Developing the Growth Mindset in Your Career
The following are some practical strategies for developing and maintaining the growth habit:
Reflect Regularly
Make the time each week or month to reflect on what you learned, what you struggled with, and how you responded. Developing self-awareness is a fundamental principle of growth.
Set Learning Goals
Instead of only focusing on the performance goals, strive to learn one new skill or enhance a specific competency each quarter.
Seek Diverse Experiences
Take part in cross-functional projects, workshops, or consider becoming involved in professional organizations to increase your visibility.
Celebrate Progress, Not Just Achievement
Acknowledge minor victories and personal triumphs. Growth isn’t always apparent to others, but it matters.
The Role of Employers and Leaders
To keep top talent, organizations will need to promote this new definition of success. Leaders can support the Growth Habit by promoting a learning culture, offering development tools, and acknowledging effort (not just results). In such flexible career paths and a culture of learning, employees are empowered to define their success.
Conclusion: Defining Success on Your Terms
In a world of constant change and evolving expectations, redefining success is not merely helpful — it’s necessary. The growth habit is a master key that focuses on self-expansion, resiliency, and meaningful giving. It repackages success as a lifelong journey, rather than a destination.
Adopting this mindset can help professionals find more fulfilling and sustainable careers and professional development, regardless of where they start and which way they’re moving.
Lynn Martelli is an editor at Readability. She received her MFA in Creative Writing from Antioch University and has worked as an editor for over 10 years. Lynn has edited a wide variety of books, including fiction, non-fiction, memoirs, and more. In her free time, Lynn enjoys reading, writing, and spending time with her family and friends.
