I recently had two separate discussions with people whom I consider successful in their respective fields. I always find it inspiring to hear the stories of others, particularly how they reached their current positions and personally feel like they made it.
To my surprise, the contrast between the differing views of these two individuals was especially interesting to observe objectively. These conversations made me question my own sometimes too black-and-white view of how there are either right steps towards your goals and dreams or how you can lose track by making wrong choices.
So, I wanted to spill the tea from these two interesting discussions and take a more impartial and detached view of progress and the (lack of) linearity in it. Whatever progress may mean.
Expectations vs. Exploration
So basically, there are two opposite views on how to develop and move forward in most fields (and I’m not just talking about the most traditional corporate career paths but pretty much anything).
Of course, these views are not always polarized and are likely to overlap in people’s paths.
The first approach, and probably the more traditional one, is to move forward by gaining recognition from others and being certified, holding all the “right” papers (sure, if you are a doctor or another such professional, this is a clear case, but that is not what we are discussing here).
This approach involves almost over-preparing and educating yourself to demonstrate, and I believe most importantly to yourself, that you’ve got what it takes and you can do what you say you can.
From that perspective, the process is all about building status and gaining recognition. There is a clear linear path with steps you should follow to say you made it. And once you reach that point, you are there.
It is all strategic and clear, leaving little room for deviations or distractions. Easy in a sense but detrimental if things don’t go as planned.
The second, alternative way of seeing progress and moving forward is a somewhat fresher approach, and social media is making a significant difference here.
Contrary to the above, titles and status do not mean anything per se. Instead, it is much more about the experiences and character you have developed over the years. It is the combination of influences and milestones you have been exposed to that have made you an expert or a person of success.
The value you can deliver lies in that specific combination of experiences and skills that only you have, thanks to the different things you have exposed yourself to during your journey.
You might have started from a completely different place and thoughts than where you are today, but it all makes sense as you have genuinely and authentically let life happen to you while pursuing opportunities that feel the most right at the given time. Ultimately, in this approach, the key to success is exactly in the fact that you are able to handle change and adversity, and you always stay honest with yourself. You do not worry about how your process looks from the outside, as you know that your process makes perfect sense to you.
Simply, success comes from the fact that you do whatever you want to do.
The only problem is that we tend to benchmark ourselves and our progress based on the linearity and traditional benchmarks our industry or society, in general, have for any given stage in life.
It’s all about the story
Reflecting on these discussions, it’s clear that there is no one-size-fits-all path to success. While some may find comfort and validation in following a traditional, linear path marked by certifications and recognition, others may thrive by embracing a more fluid and experiential journey.
Both approaches have their merits and can lead to fulfilling and successful careers and life, no doubt.
The key takeaway from my conversations is that success is deeply personal and multifaceted. It’s about understanding your own values, strengths, and aspirations, and forging a path that aligns with them. It’s about recognizing that detours and deviations are not failures but opportunities for growth and learning.
Whether you choose the path of structured progression or the route of exploration and adaptation, the most important thing is to stay true to yourself. Embrace the process that works for you, and don’t be afraid to redefine what success means in your own terms.
In the end, progress isn’t always linear, and that’s perfectly okay.
Each step, no matter how unconventional, contributes to your unique story. So, instead of measuring your success by traditional benchmarks, focus on the journey, the lessons learned, and the personal growth you experience along the way. Stay focused.
What matters most is that you keep moving forward, with authenticity and resilience, crafting a narrative that is uniquely yours. After all, the most compelling stories are often the ones that break the mold, right?
