Redefining Success in Your 20s: A Guide to Progress, Not Perfection
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Navigating your 20s in the corporate world can feel like walking a tightrope between ambition and uncertainty. Social media’s highlight reels only add pressure, making success seem like a race. Many of us young professionals are all too familiar with the pressure to achieve success quickly, often feeling like we’re never quite doing enough. But let’s take a step back and remember that success is a deeply personal journey, not a one-size-fits-all concept. It can look different for each of us, shaped by our unique career paths, personal values, and life goals.
Defining Success on Your Terms
The first step to finding success is understanding that it’s subjective. For some, it’s climbing the corporate ladder; for others, it’s pursuing creative freedom or financial independence. The key is to tune out external noise and ask yourself: What does success look like for me?
Start by reflecting on your core values. What excites you? What kind of life do you want to build? Writing these down can bring clarity. Success should align with your priorities, not just what looks impressive on LinkedIn. As highlighted in my previous post [here], crafting your own personal mission statement is a key component in this exploration. Knowing your mission statement can serve as a vital tool for measuring success in your career, especially while navigating the corporate landscape.
For a more structured approach, consider seeking mentorship from individuals whose careers inspire you or joining communities focused on personal and professional growth. As a creative, it’s essential to surround yourself with like-minded individuals—not just those who share your dreams, but those actively working toward their goals, pushing you to grow, and matching your level of ambition. Platforms like Camber, Bucketlisters | Los Angeles, Lallo and Meetup are great starting points for connecting with other creatives in the city. However, don’t overlook the power of live events, networking meetups, and co-working spaces for organic, in-person connections.
Bestie Note: If you live in a major city, make the most of your downtime. Not every outing needs to be work-related, but blending career-building opportunities into your social life is a smart move. No matter where you go, your personal brand is always at play—so act accordingly. Remember, success isn’t a fixed destination but a dynamic journey that evolves with you, laying the foundation for empowered and meaningful life choices. Once you redefine success for yourself, the next challenge is to pursue it without falling into the perfectionism trap.
Progress Over Perfection
In the pursuit of success, it’s easy to fall into the trap of perfectionism (I am so guilty), which can be both paralyzing and discouraging. Instead, shifting the focus to progress—no matter how small—creates a more attainable and fulfilling path forward. I’ll admit, I’ve always had an “ever-striving” mindset, constantly reaching to learn more, do more, and see more, often forgetting to be present. It’s something I’ve struggled with for as long as I can remember.
When I was little (probably stressing over my times tables—update: still hate math, but I digress), my dad gave me a piece of advice that has stuck with me as a life mantra. He’d ask, “How do you eat an elephant?” and my response was always supposed to be, “One bite at a time.” That simple lesson has carried into adulthood, reminding me that setting realistic, incremental goals allows for steady growth and, more importantly, the ability to celebrate progress along the way. Every bite is a step in the right direction.
Embrace the learning curve inherent in any career, and be kind to yourself as you navigate the ups and downs. Mistakes and setbacks are natural and provide valuable lessons that contribute to your growth. By shifting your focus from unattainable perfection to ongoing improvement, you cultivate resilience and maintain momentum in your career journey. This mindset not only builds confidence but also allows you to enjoy the process of reaching your long-term goals.
This notion of embracing imperfection is especially crucial during the tumultuous period often referred to as the quarter-life crisis. As I discussed in my previous post [here], navigating your twenties can feel like walking a tightrope, pressured to mature quickly amidst societal expectations. In these moments, allowing yourself to "crack open" and embrace uncertainty can be transformative, helping you find balance and meaning amidst chaos.
To further support your journey away from perfectionism, consider integrating practices like journaling or keeping a progress diary, where you can regularly reflect on your achievements and areas of growth. Reading books such as "Mindset: The New Psychology of Success" by Carol S. Dweck can provide insights into developing a growth mindset, which is essential for embracing progress over perfection.
Additionally, using project management tools like Trello or Asana can help you break down larger goals into manageable tasks and visualize your progress. This approach not only helps in setting clear milestones but also in reducing the overwhelm that often accompanies perfectionism. Engaging with communities or forums like Reddit’s growth mindset group or productivity-oriented Slack channels can offer encouragement and shared experiences from others on similar journeys. Remember that in the pursuit of excellence, progress and continuous learning are your most valuable allies. By celebrating each step forward, you foster a more positive and fulfilling career experience.
“Success” Trackers
Routine Planner, Habit Tracker
Learning and Growth
In the ever-evolving corporate world, one thing remains constant: the need for continuous learning. A growth mindset is essential for adapting to change and seizing new opportunities. This doesn’t just mean pursuing formal education or training programs (though they can be invaluable) but also learning from everyday experiences.
If you’re not consistently expanding your skill set, you’re missing the whole point of your 20s. This decade is arguably the most crucial—you’re old enough to learn from the past and still young enough to shape your future. At the same time, these years can feel like the “lost years,” full of confusion and uncertainty, with life constantly throwing new challenges your way. But that’s part of the growth process.
On a professional level, never put all your eggs in one basket. If you have a corporate job—congratulations, considering the current job market—but that shouldn’t be your only focus. This is the time to explore, wear multiple hats, and develop a broad range of skills. Be a sponge, absorb every lesson, and approach each experience with the mindset that it’s pushing you toward your best self.
If you want an extraordinary life, you can’t operate in the ordinary. You can’t follow the crowd and expect to rise above mediocrity in ten years.
Set higher standards, take bold risks, and commit to growth—because the life you envision won’t build itself.
Stay curious and open-minded, seeking both horizontal and vertical growth in your career. Horizontal growth expands your skill set and exposes you to different areas within your field, while vertical growth deepens your expertise. Take initiative—shadow colleagues, volunteer for cross-departmental projects, and seek mentorship from experienced professionals. This holistic approach enhances adaptability and keeps you engaged in your professional journey.
To maximize your learning, leverage platforms like LinkedIn Learning, Coursera, Skillshare, Udemy, and Khan Academy, which offer a range of courses across disciplines. Books like The Lean Startup by Eric Ries provide insights into innovation and adaptability in a fast-changing environment. Webinars, workshops, and conferences offer both valuable knowledge and networking opportunities with industry peers.
Additionally, conducting a personal SWOT analysis—assessing your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats—can provide a structured approach to self-improvement. Pair this with TED Talks featuring industry experts sharing cutting-edge strategies, and you’ll be leveling up in no time.
By actively engaging in continuous learning, you stay relevant in your field while cultivating a dynamic, fulfilling career with endless possibilities for growth. Here are a few TED Talk playlists I highly recommend!
Teddy’s I Recommend:
My YouTube Playlist of TED Talks
Starting a New Job: TED Mini Series
The Most Popular TED Talks of 2024
Building a Supportive Network
Listen, if you’re trying to make moves in your career, building a solid network is everything. Having the right people in your corner—mentors, peers, industry pros—opens doors, gives you guidance, and honestly just makes the whole journey less lonely.
Start by finding people whose careers inspire you. Maybe it’s someone at your job, a speaker from a panel you attended, or even a creator you follow on LinkedIn. When you reach out, be real—ask thoughtful questions, show respect, and actually listen. No one likes a forced connection, so let it happen naturally.
And don’t think networking is just stiff happy hours and awkward small talk. Some of the best connections happen when you’re just being yourself. Join industry groups, hop into Twitter (X) or LinkedIn discussions, or go to events where people in your field hang out. Give as much as you take—share advice, support others, and make networking a two-way street.
If you want to level up, use LinkedIn to follow industry leaders, join relevant groups, and actually engage (not just scroll). Books like Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi have great tips on making connections that actually last. Also, check out Meetup for local events or hop into virtual webinars—both are low-effort ways to meet like-minded people.
Pro tip? Build your own “personal board of advisors”—a mix of mentors, peers, and even friends who can hype you up, check you when needed, and give solid career advice. And follow networking pros online for fresh strategies and insider tips.
At the end of the day, networking isn’t about collecting contacts—it’s about building real, valuable relationships. So show up, be authentic, and watch how the right connections take your career (and life) to the next level. 💡💼✨
Keeping Your Sanity While Chasing Success
Let’s be real—grinding for your career is great, but not at the expense of your well-being. The corporate world can be a lot, and if you’re not careful, stress and burnout will sneak up on you. That’s why taking care of you has to be just as important as chasing your goals.
Move your body, eat food that fuels you, and actually get some sleep (yes, that means not scrolling TikTok till 2 AM). Just as important? Protecting your peace. Set boundaries, say no when you need to, and make time for things that bring you joy—whether that’s journaling, yoga, or just having a solo dance party in your kitchen. Your productivity and happiness depend on how well you take care of yourself.
Balancing work, relationships, and personal goals can feel like a constant juggling act, but the key is making conscious choices that serve you. I talk more about this in Finding Balance in the Chaos, but just know—balance isn’t about doing everything perfectly. It’s about giving yourself the grace to prioritize what truly matters. Because when you take care of yourself first, you show up better in every area of your life. ✨💆🏽♀️
If It’s not a hell ya! It’s a no
That’s All For Now Folks!
Success in the corporate world as a 20-something is a personal journey, not a predefined destination. When you align success with your values, embrace progress over perfection, and commit to continuous learning, you create a career path that is both fulfilling and uniquely yours. Surrounding yourself with a supportive network and prioritizing your well-being will help you navigate the inevitable twists and turns with confidence. Be patient with yourself—growth is an ongoing process, and your definition of success will evolve as you do.
Ultimately, success isn’t about checking off society’s boxes—it’s about building a life that excites you. Stay curious, take risks, and seek out people who challenge and inspire you. Keep growing, keep evolving, and most importantly, keep defining success on your own terms.
