<ol><li>Choose Your Occupation Wisely</li><li>Don't Let Anyone Tell You What Choice Is Best for You</li><li>Measure Your Own Success</li><li>Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help</li><li>Always Acknowledge People Who Help You</li><li>Own Your Mistakes</li><li>Be Your Own Cheerleader</li><li>Don't Beat Yourself Up</li><li>Never Feel Like You Are Stuck</li><li>Lose the Negative Attitude</li><li>Listen More Than You Speak</li></ol>

11 Tips for Career Success!!

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The Keys to Being Fruitful at Work</h2><div data-tracking-container="true" dir="ltr">
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By</span>
<div data-tooltip="Dawn Rosenberg McKay is a certified Career Development Facilitator. She is a former writer for The Balance Careers." data-tooltip-position-x="left" data-tooltip-position-y="top" dir="ltr">

<a href="https://www.thebalance.com/dawn-rosenberg-mckay-524726" rel="noopener nofollow" data-tracking-container="true" dir="ltr"><span dir="ltr">Dawn Rosenberg McKay</span></a>
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Updated November 20, 2019
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What is career success? Well, it depends on who you ask. Each of us defines it differently. The one thing all of us have in common is that, given the amount of time we spend at work, we&nbsp;want to at least like what we're doing every day. Life is either too long or too short to spend time in jobs we hate. We also want to be appreciated by our bosses and co-workers and not cave into <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/job-stress-526274" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">job stress</a>. Here are 11 tips that can help you get started on your way to having a successful and satisfying career.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Choose Your Occupation Wisely </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/5ujPVZaWKFENeMI2nAU8i_ngNLc=/1280x854/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/485210331-56a0f1993df78cafdaa6a35b.jpg" alt="Woman smiling and using a laptop computer on couch" srcset="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/7toHoZq-mFPLEXvTiqJWXGQ4dQk=/500x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/485210331-56a0f1993df78cafdaa6a35b.jpg 500w, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/uOauIN3CLqtuCA97jqkeaG2Gpfg=/575x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/485210331-56a0f1993df78cafdaa6a35b.jpg 575w, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/rIYDdE0jUeilDyBmuYWVir0DKx4=/650x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/485210331-56a0f1993df78cafdaa6a35b.jpg 650w, https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/GzTceLYYNhP-y6FuV3VZK68FhUw=/800x0/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/485210331-56a0f1993df78cafdaa6a35b.jpg 800w"><figcaption dir="auto">Wonwoo Lee / Image Source / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
Before you decide to pursue any <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/steps-to-choosing-career-525506" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">career</a>, ask yourself this question: "Can I see myself doing this all day, every day, for many years?" When you choose an occupation, make sure it's a good match for your personality, interests, aptitudes, and work-related values. Learn as much as you can about yourself by conducting a&nbsp;complete <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/self-assessment-tools-choose-a-career-526172" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2" dir="ltr">self-assessment</a>. Do extensive career research about the occupation you are considering to learn about job duties, qualifications, earnings, and employment outlook.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Don't Let Anyone Tell You What Choice Is Best for You </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/eOHo40IlMpb8y5RtXB20Y1Woy2g=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/busy-body-5af1dfad312834003a67bf75-5be3040346e0fb00261ba65b.jpg" alt="Man talking and gesturing with hands"><figcaption dir="auto">Jakob Helbig&nbsp;/ Cultura / Getty Images&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
Ignore those who say, "Pick this field because it has lots of opportunities right now," or&nbsp;"You will make loads of money so it doesn't matter if you hate your job," or "I like this career and therefore you will too." Although they may be well-meaning, these statements are among the many <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/myths-about-choosing-a-career-525485" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">myths about career choice</a>.&nbsp;All ignore one important thing: your career choice is a personal decision that will have a significant effect on your life for many years. Oh, and by the way, the relationship between earnings and job satisfaction is minimal.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Measure Your Own Success </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/PVFQ4ohb04tVUZCFzNPyZBTR9jI=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-827498286-5be30a48c9e77c005114b55f.jpg" alt="Team of co-workers celebrating in conference room"><figcaption dir="auto">gradyreese&nbsp;/ Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
How do you define success? Is it the size of your paycheck or having the <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/are-you-management-material-525807" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">corner office</a>? Is it the feeling you get when you know you did a great job on a project (praise from the boss doesn't hurt) or the one you get when you know you helped someone? Perhaps you feel successful after putting in a day at work and coming home at a reasonable hour to spend time with your family. Since each of us measures success differently, you are the only one who can decide what it means to you. Your satisfaction with your career is strongly linked to whether you feel you have met your own goals, not someone else's.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Don't Be Afraid to Ask for Help </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/V0LVrbRpSjCZkUSVnjfkRvw0uwQ=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-948664892-5be30871c9e77c00513ff444.jpg" alt="Personal perspective reaching for hand of rock climber"><figcaption dir="auto">Caiaimage / Trevor Adeline&nbsp;/ Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
As much as you think you know, you don't know it all. There are people with more experience than you, and with that experience comes knowledge. To get access to it, you need&nbsp;experienced colleagues, in addition to your peers, in your&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/building-growing-and-maintaining-a-professional-network-525834" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">network</a>.&nbsp;Establish a relationship with a <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-can-a-mentor-benefit-your-career-526243" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="2" dir="ltr">mentor</a> who can guide you through your career. In addition to advising you on how to advance, a mentor&nbsp;can help you learn about an occupation you are considering, get the lowdown on an employer before a job interview, and solve problems at work.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Always Acknowledge People Who Help You </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/EBqO55IBxx9mc9SXkktm8fABPVw=/5100x3400/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/thanks-5af1f899ff1b7800368d9ae1.jpg" alt="Closeup of hands holding out a thank-you card"><figcaption dir="auto">Kohei Hara /&nbsp;DigitalVision / Getty Images&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
It may sound simple to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/sample-letter-of-appreciation-2063956" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">acknowledge</a> those who offer assistance, but it's genuinely a significant gesture. Whether someone gives you five minutes of their time or introduces you to a potential employer, it's important to let that person know that it meant something to you. And when they or someone else needs help, return the favor. Consider it good karma.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Own Your Mistakes </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/_zdxUwpqGbz3E3sozuwIXjwh2hQ=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/mistake_2-5af221e6ff1b78003691b277-5be30503c9e77c0026fc7f9d.jpg" alt="Man looking at computer with hand over mouth, worried about his mistake"><figcaption dir="auto">&nbsp;AntonioGuillem&nbsp;/ istock / Getty Images&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
Everybody makes mistakes. Even if you try hard not to, it will happen at some point. Of course, you will do what you can to avoid making a grave error, but sometimes they happen, despite your best efforts. While your instinct may be to run away and hide, that is the worst thing you can do. <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/mistakes-at-work-526244" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">Admitting your error</a>, finding a way to fix it, or at least taking an action that mitigates its effects, will help restore your reputation.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Be Your Own Cheerleader </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/ecMfQA732CrUArNx8Ny6UJ15rcE=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-952431238-5be30907c9e77c0051c12a83.jpg" alt="Woman pointing both fingers at herself confidently"><figcaption dir="auto">SrdjanPav&nbsp;/ Getty Images&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p>
Root for yourself. If you aren't your own biggest fan, who will be? Take note of and pride in all your successes and positive attributes. Don't wait for someone else to tell you "job well done!" Reflecting on your achievements will spur you on to accomplish even greater ones.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Don't Beat Yourself Up </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/pIAoiyW5Dtd51v22VodRGECnv6s=/1500x831/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/impossible-5af22ec9ba617700365f8c58-5be3054d46e0fb002699e4b6.jpg" alt="Man tearing up sign that reads &amp;#34;Impossible&amp;#34;"><figcaption dir="auto">roberthyrons&nbsp;/ istock / Getty Images&nbsp;&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p>
From time to time a little voice inside your head will whisper (hopefully not shout) that you aren't good enough or smart enough. That's the voice you need to shut out. Unfortunately, there will be plenty of people quite willing to bring you down. Don't do it to yourself, too. When you make a mistake, admit it, fix it, and move on. If you are missing a skill or have some other shortcoming, take the necessary&nbsp;measures to improve.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Never Feel Like You Are Stuck </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/LsbL2nmCUqxCG1GvLDUS_NBJhr0=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/GettyImages-108177011-5be30688c9e77c00513f9bf6.jpg" alt="Businessman trapped inside a cube"><figcaption dir="auto">Viorika / Getty Images</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
No matter how careful you are about choosing the "right" career or job, someday you may want to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/do-you-need-a-new-job-or-a-new-career-526137" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">make a change</a>. You will probably be able to come up with a bunch of reasons not to do it (change is scary) but consider it anyway. Take this saying to heart: "If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree."
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Lose the Negative Attitude </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/nKSpN08R74POnIZGYPNu5Mdxs1Q=/1500x1000/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/young-woman-holding-emotive-masks-145083517-5af353f7c064710036b04129-5be305d2c9e77c00514a0489.jpg" alt="Young woman holding positive and negative emotive masks, looking toward the positive one"><figcaption dir="auto">Cultura RM Exclusive / Liam Norris / Getty Images&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
Some people see only the negative side of things and always find something about which to complain. Don't be that person. You will bring yourself and everyone else&nbsp;down. A <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/overcoming-workplace-negativity-526245" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">negative attitude</a> saps your energy. Don't&nbsp;ignore problems, but instead of just complaining, look for ways to fix them.
</p><h2 dir="ltr"> <span dir="ltr"> Listen More Than You Speak </span> </h2><figure><img src="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/thmb/RDkVVRA_aAytCqrKc8G7oOOogko=/1500x1001/filters:no_upscale():max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(webp)/a-fresh-white-building-interior--flooded-with-light--two-men-sitting-at-a-table-and-using-a-digital-tablet--464721833-5af3574f18ba0100372b4de1-5be3060946e0fb00518d0997.jpg" alt="Man listening attentively to another man talking"><figcaption dir="auto">Mint Images / Tim Robbins / Getty Images&nbsp;</figcaption></figure><p dir="ltr">
You can learn a lot by <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/listening-skills-524853" data-component="link" data-source="inlineLink" data-type="internalLink" data-ordinal="1" dir="ltr">listening</a>, and you could miss a lot if you don't. Whether your boss is explaining a project to you or telling you about his weekend, it's important to understand what he is saying. Careful listening will prevent misunderstanding and help you build rapport with others.
</p><p>
In many ways, having a successful career is less about what you choose to do, and more about how you do it. These tips are easy for anyone to apply in any field. Practicing these habits will set you up for success, regardless of your career path.
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Professional success is important to most of us. You want to at least like going to work every day. These 11 tips can help you achieve career success.

career

Career

<p>What is career success? Well, it depends on who you ask. Each of us defines it differently. The one thing all of us have in common is that, given the amount of time we spend at work, we want to at least like what we're doing every day. Life is either too long or too short to spend time in jobs we hate. We also want to be appreciated by our bosses and co-workers and not cave into <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/job-stress-526274">job stress </a>. Here are 11 tips that can help you get started on your way to having a successful and satisfying career. </p>

<p>Before you decide to pursue any <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/steps-to-choosing-career-525506">career </a>, ask yourself this question: "Can I see myself doing this all day, every day, for many years?" When you choose an occupation, make sure it's a good match for your personality, interests, aptitudes, and work-related values. Learn as much as you can about yourself by conducting a complete <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/self-assessment-tools-choose-a-career-526172">self-assessment </a>. Do extensive career research about the occupation you are considering to learn about job duties, qualifications, earnings, and employment outlook. </p>

Don't Let Anyone Tell You What Choice Is Best for You

<p>Ignore those who say, "Pick this field because it has lots of opportunities right now," or "You will make loads of money so it doesn't matter if you hate your job," or "I like this career and therefore you will too." Although they may be well-meaning, these statements are among the many <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/myths-about-choosing-a-career-525485">myths about career choice </a>. All ignore one important thing: your career choice is a personal decision that will have a significant effect on your life for many years. Oh, and by the way, the relationship between earnings and job satisfaction is minimal. </p>

<p>How do you define success? Is it the size of your paycheck or having the <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/are-you-management-material-525807">corner office </a>? Is it the feeling you get when you know you did a great job on a project (praise from the boss doesn't hurt) or the one you get when you know you helped someone? Perhaps you feel successful after putting in a day at work and coming home at a reasonable hour to spend time with your family. Since each of us measures success differently, you are the only one who can decide what it means to you. Your satisfaction with your career is strongly linked to whether you feel you have met your own goals, not someone else's. </p>

<p>As much as you think you know, you don't know it all. There are people with more experience than you, and with that experience comes knowledge. To get access to it, you need experienced colleagues, in addition to your peers, in your <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/building-growing-and-maintaining-a-professional-network-525834">network </a>. Establish a relationship with a <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/how-can-a-mentor-benefit-your-career-526243">mentor </a>who can guide you through your career. In addition to advising you on how to advance, a mentor can help you learn about an occupation you are considering, get the lowdown on an employer before a job interview, and solve problems at work. </p>

<p>It may sound simple to <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/sample-letter-of-appreciation-2063956">acknowledge </a>those who offer assistance, but it's genuinely a significant gesture. Whether someone gives you five minutes of their time or introduces you to a potential employer, it's important to let that person know that it meant something to you. And when they or someone else needs help, return the favor. Consider it good karma. </p>

<p>Everybody makes mistakes. Even if you try hard not to, it will happen at some point. Of course, you will do what you can to avoid making a grave error, but sometimes they happen, despite your best efforts. While your instinct may be to run away and hide, that is the worst thing you can do. <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/mistakes-at-work-526244">Admitting your error </a>, finding a way to fix it, or at least taking an action that mitigates its effects, will help restore your reputation. </p>

<p>Root for yourself. If you aren't your own biggest fan, who will be? Take note of and pride in all your successes and positive attributes. Don't wait for someone else to tell you "job well done!" Reflecting on your achievements will spur you on to accomplish even greater ones. </p>

<p>From time to time a little voice inside your head will whisper (hopefully not shout) that you aren't good enough or smart enough. That's the voice you need to shut out. Unfortunately, there will be plenty of people quite willing to bring you down. Don't do it to yourself, too. When you make a mistake, admit it, fix it, and move on. If you are missing a skill or have some other shortcoming, take the necessary measures to improve. </p>

<p>No matter how careful you are about choosing the "right" career or job, someday you may want to <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/do-you-need-a-new-job-or-a-new-career-526137">make a change </a>. You will probably be able to come up with a bunch of reasons not to do it (change is scary) but consider it anyway. Take this saying to heart: "If you don't like where you are, move. You are not a tree." </p>

<p>Some people see only the negative side of things and always find something about which to complain. Don't be that person. You will bring yourself and everyone else down. A <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/overcoming-workplace-negativity-526245">negative attitude </a>saps your energy. Don't ignore problems, but instead of just complaining, look for ways to fix them. </p>

<p>You can learn a lot by <a href="https://www.thebalancecareers.com/listening-skills-524853">listening </a>, and you could miss a lot if you don't. Whether your boss is explaining a project to you or telling you about his weekend, it's important to understand what he is saying. Careful listening will prevent misunderstanding and help you build rapport with others. </p>

<p>In many ways, having a successful career is less about what you choose to do, and more about how you do it. These tips are easy for anyone to apply in any field. Practicing these habits will set you up for success, regardless of your career path. </p>

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11 Tips for Career Success

11 Tips for Career Success!!

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