Success is a Milestone... Not the Goal

In the world of leadership, we often hear the word “success” thrown around—whether it’s hitting targets, getting a promotion, or achieving personal milestones. But let me ask you something deeper: What happens after success? For many, success can feel like the final destination—a finish line that we push toward without stopping to ask ourselves if it’s really where we want to go.

Growth, on the other hand, is about progress, learning, and becoming better. It’s messy, it’s challenging, and often uncomfortable.

John C. Maxwell famously said, “Success is knowing your purpose in life, growing to reach your maximum potential, and sowing seeds that benefit others.” And that’s the key—success is a byproduct of growth, not the other way around.

In this article, we’ll explore why focusing on growth rather than success leads to deeper, more sustainable leadership. Let’s dive into what it means to shift from chasing success to prioritizing growth in your leadership journey.

Success is Finite, Growth is Infinite

Success often feels like something we have to “arrive at”—a milestone, a number, or an award. It’s the outcome that’s recognized by others. But success is finite. Once you reach it, what comes next? It’s a point in time that can fade quickly.

Growth, on the other hand, is "continuous". It’s about becoming better every day, learning from challenges, and developing yourself in ways that lead to long-term results. Growth doesn’t stop when you hit a target—if anything, it propels you forward even more.

When Amazon first achieved success as an online bookstore, Jeff Bezos didn’t stop there. His focus was on continuous growth—expanding into new markets, building AWS, and innovating beyond expectations. Bezos famously said, “What’s dangerous is not to evolve.” This mindset of relentless growth allowed Amazon to become one of the most influential companies in the world.

What’s dangerous is not to evolve - Jeff Bezos

Success is a Goal, Growth is a Process

Success gives you an outcome to aim for. But growth is the ongoing process that shapes who you become. Focusing only on success can make you overlook the lessons and progress you gain along the way.

Serena Williams didn’t just focus on winning championships (though she has plenty). Her true strength lies in her commitment to growth—whether it’s improving her mental resilience, adapting her physical game, or learning from defeats. For her, the process of constant learning and growth defines her legendary career, not just the trophies.

After every defeat, Serena didn’t just reflect on what went wrong. She used those moments to sharpen her game, build resilience, and stretch her abilities beyond her previous limits. This relentless focus on growth, not just winning, is what sustained her legendary career.

Success Can Be Limiting, Growth is Expansive

Success can create boundaries—once you achieve it, you may think, What now? Growth pushes you to expand your thinking, break out of comfort zones, and stretch yourself to new heights. Think of it this way: If your focus is only on reaching a goal, you might take shortcuts, avoid risks, or settle for what’s safe. But if you focus on growth, you’re more willing to fail, adapt, and keep moving forward.

When Reed Hastings transformed Netflix from a DVD rental service to a streaming giant, he didn’t stop. He continued pushing the limits, focusing on the next phase of growth—producing original content. Hastings didn’t settle for success; he pushed beyond, expanding Netflix’s reach and revolutionizing the entertainment industry.

For The transition to producing original content was risky and far from the “safe” choice. Netflix’s leadership embraced potential failure, knowing that real growth comes from bold moves. By pushing beyond the success of DVD rentals and streaming, Netflix’s growth expanded its influence globally and fundamentally reshaped the entertainment industry.

Growth is Personal, Success is External

Success is often measured by external markers: promotions, titles, revenue. But growth is deeply personal. It’s the internal progress you make, the new skills you acquire, and the resilience you build along the way. Growth gives you the foundation for long-term success.

How to Shift from a Success Mindset to a Growth Mindset

Shifting your focus from success to growth isn’t about ignoring success—it’s about understanding that success is a byproduct of growth. Here are a few steps you can take to cultivate a growth-focused leadership style:

Set Growth Oriented Goals

Success is often measured by hitting deadlines or delivering features. But focusing solely on these outcomes can limit innovation and stifle long-term productivity. Instead, set goals that foster continuous improvement and problem-solving within your team.

For example, Instead of simply aiming to ship a new feature by a certain date, set a goal to improve code quality by reducing technical debt or increasing automated test coverage or by building more and more reusable capabilities. This not only boosts productivity in the short term but also equips your team with better processes that lead to sustainable success over time.

Focus on building reusable capabilities that will improve the long-term scalability of your projects, making success not just an outcome but a natural byproduct of ongoing improvement.

Focus on Learning, Not Winning

Ask yourself: What can I learn from this challenge, this setback, or this failure? How can I improve, and how can I help my team do the same? When you shift the focus from “winning” to “learning,” success will follow naturally.

For example, After a project fails, don’t just look at the loss. Discuss among team members and analyze what you learned from the experience. Focus on how you can apply these lessons to your next challenge.

Encourage your team to see setbacks as opportunities to grow, not just as obstacles to overcome. Every challenge presents a chance to learn and grow, making the next project that much stronger.

Celebrate Progress, Not Just Achievements

Don’t wait until you hit a major milestone to celebrate. Recognize the small wins and the effort that got you there. Celebrate progress—whether it’s personal growth, team development, or the overcoming of challenges.

If your team implements a new process that improves efficiency by just 5%, take the time to acknowledge it. These small steps build the foundation for larger victories.

Final Thoughts: Growth is the True Measure of Leadership

As leaders, it’s easy to fall into the trap of chasing success—after all, success is tangible, recognizable, and often celebrated. But the true essence of leadership lies in growth. Growth is what keeps us evolving, adapting, and pushing boundaries. It’s not just about reaching a destination, but about the journey of becoming better every day.

When you prioritize growth over success, you don’t just achieve more—you create a lasting impact. You inspire those around you to stretch themselves, to seek continuous improvement, and to embrace challenges as opportunities. Growth is what turns good leaders into great ones, and it’s the foundation upon which long-term success is built.

Ask yourself: Am I chasing a momentary win, or am I building a legacy of growth? Focus on the process, invest in the journey, and let success naturally follow. Because in the end, the leaders who focus on growth aren’t just leading—they’re transforming.

Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity but in doing it. — Greg Anderson