10 Career Successes You Should Never Ignore

When you think of success, what do you think of? 

The definition of success is different for everyone. However, most people think of wealth or fame within their fields. 

If you’ve been feeling in a rut lately, or the effects of the past year have left you feeling like you’ve achieved nothing, here are 12 different ways you’re succeeding at work or personally – even when you feel like you’ve done absolutely nothing. Everyone needs to be a little kinder to themselves, and the first step is to celebrate the small wins and change your perception of what success really means. 

1. Success is always doing your best.

Rather than focusing on everything you’ve not done, think about how you always give everything your best. That’s success in itself. Sure, you may not feel like the best of the best, but at least you’re giving your all, and that’s enough. 

2. Success is having what you need 

Learning the difference between ‘need’ and want’ is a success. If you have what you need – warmth, food, love – you are already successful. It’s a skill to keep yourself in check and remember that there are basic needs and wants, and the two are very different. 

Everyone wants more money, a promotion, to retire early with lots of money in a hot country, etc. If you have already fulfilled your basic needs, you’re doing a great job. That’s not to say you can’t be ambitious, though. 

3. Success is standing up for what you believe in

All too often, people are told to sit back and keep quiet. Those that fight the norm and actually stand up for what they believe inare successful. It might be the way you’re being treated at work. If you have the confidence to stand up for yourself and push for what you need, you’re doing way better than you realize. 

Sure, it might not always turn out exactly how you plan it but knowing you tried is plenty. 

4. Success is the small wins 

No matter how small you think your achievement is, remember this is a success. Take the time to celebrate your small victories, and you’ll find yourself feeling a lot more positive day to day. Rather than striving for the finish line and only celebrating then, set yourself small objectives along the way. When you achieve each one, celebrate! A celebration could be treating yourself to your favorite chocolate, having a soak in the tub, or even simply looking back and appreciating how far you’ve come.

5. Success is believing in yourself 

Having a can-do attitude every day is incredibly tough.  

Believing in yourself is its own success. And it’s this that can help you become more successful in the future.  

Most people struggle to say, ‘I can’. Whether it’s a certain word in a job description that makes you doubt yourself or a snide comment from a relative that gives you imposter syndrome, learning to believe yourself is the one life lesson you deserve to learn. 

If you’re struggling to believe in yourself, check out these positive affirmations to help you get started. 

6. Success is prioritizing self-care 

As the old saying goes, put your own oxygen mask on before trying to help someone else. Without looking after yourself, you can’t offer your best self to others. 

But prioritizing yourself is tough. Especially when it feels like pressure from outside sources to work harder or help others. Even if you only have 5 minutes to yourself, there are plenty of ways to practice self-care to help you help others. 

7. Success is setting goals

Creating realistic and concrete goals is just as much success as the end goal. If you’re always creating unachievable or difficult-to-complete goals, you’ll never feel like you’ve succeeded. Instead, set yourself realistic goals that help you reach your dreams. Don’t forget to celebrate when you achieve each objective. 

8. Success is learning to say no

Life is about balance. And to have balance, you need to learn to say no. Whether that’s stretching yourself too thin with social engagements or working overtime when you really don’t want to, learning to say no is the key to success. 

Saying no doesn’t mean you’re selfish or lazy. On the contrary, it means you’ve got your priorities straight, and you’re looking after yourself. 

9. Success is learning something new every day 

Learning is a luxury. And if you can help it, never stop learning new things. Where possible, take time to learn something new every day. Whether it’s having a healthy discussion with someone with a different opinion, reading an article about something new, or listening to a podcast about a topic you like, there’s always something new to learn. 

10. Success is never giving up

No matter what life throws at you, no matter how unlucky you feel, if you never give up, you’re already succeeding. 

So, success isn’t just money and grandeur. Success is so much more. And chances are, you’re already succeeding in so many ways.