Rethinking Career Success: Why It’s Time to Focus on Growth Over Goals

Most of us have been taught to focus on goals as the ultimate measure of success in our careers. Climbing the ladder, reaching the next title, or hitting a particular salary threshold have long been seen as markers of achievement. But here’s a question: what happens when we focus so intently on a specific goal that we miss opportunities for genuine growth?

Maybe it's time to rethink success and shift our focus from goals to growth. This shift can be surprisingly empowering and lead to a more resilient, adaptive, and fulfilling career.

In the traditional approach to career success, setting and achieving goals often becomes the only path forward. Goals, while essential for providing direction, can sometimes create tunnel vision. We may overlook valuable experiences or skills simply because they don't align with our "career plan."

Think about it—how often have you bypassed opportunities because they didn’t quite fit the exact picture of what you thought you needed? This approach can limit our potential by narrowing our focus, especially if we measure success by titles or salaries alone.

A growth-oriented mindset prioritises learning, adaptability, and skill acquisition over reaching a specific outcome. Research shows that employees focused on growth often become more resilient, innovative, and engaged. Instead of feeling pressure to reach a particular destination, they see each step in their career as a chance to develop new skills and expand their capabilities.

Ask yourself: How much have you grown in the last year? What new skills or experiences have expanded your perspective? When we measure success by our growth rather than by milestones, we become more open to possibilities, making career paths feel more dynamic and fulfilling.

So, how can we shift to a growth-oriented approach? Here are some ways to prioritise learning and adaptability:

• Focus on Skill Development: Instead of solely targeting promotions, think about the skills that will be crucial in the future. Where can you upskill or cross-train?
• Embrace Lateral Moves: Lateral shifts may not come with a new title, but they can offer experiences and learning opportunities that a promotion might not. Sometimes, moving sideways can move you forward in unexpected ways.
• Seek Regular Feedback: Growth thrives on feedback—honest conversations with mentors, peers, and managers provide insights you may not see on your own. Embrace constructive criticism as a tool for development rather than a marker of inadequacy.

Challenge yourself to think of one skill or role that feels outside your comfort zone. How might pursuing it alter your career?

Say, for example, someone has a clear goal: to climb as quickly as possible to a management position. Along the way, they might realise that to succeed at the next level, they need to build skills in areas they hadn’t considered—like data analysis or public speaking. Embracing a lateral role could offer them the chance to develop these skills. When a management position eventually opens up, they’re ready and succeed in ways they hadn’t expected. This “detour” could turn out to be one of the most valuable steps in their career journey.

Reflecting on your own career, has a side-step ever given you insights or skills that you wouldn’t trade for anything?

The long-term resilience and adaptability that come with a growth-oriented mindset prepare us for career transitions, industry changes, and even setbacks. By prioritising growth, we become better equipped to navigate a constantly evolving job market and find satisfaction in what we’re learning and contributing at every stage.

Imagine what your career might look like if, starting today, you measured success by how much you learned rather than by your title or income. This perspective doesn’t just redefine success—it creates a fulfilling career that’s adaptable, sustainable, and ultimately more meaningful.

This shift in mindset can open up powerful conversations around career development. By prioritising growth, we create careers with more resilience, adaptability, and room for genuine satisfaction.