How to Transform Yourself and Become High Achiever at Work

The internet has changed working. Not only did remote setups provide people access to more jobs, but online training courses have made upskilling and re-skilling impressively convenient. This all goes to show that it truly is possible for everyone to have an equal playing field - why not take it to the next level by becoming a high achiever so people can emulate you and bring the standards and benefits of the working world to a higher place than ever before in the future?

Find out what you need to make you the workplace powerhouse. And – spoiler alert – the "secret" is not what you think it is. 

What Is a High Achiever?

Professionals with well-developed skills, a continuous desire to learn, and the drive to constantly make substantial gains are hard to miss. Everyone notices them because these superstars are enthusiastic, eager to connect and collaborate with others, and have an air of self-assuredness that guarantees everything will go swimmingly. 

Forbes says high achievement is the result of a strong foundation. If you focus on cultivating your industry's most essential skills and traits to mastery, they build up over time until you rise to the top of your game. Whatever your starting point, personality, position, and background are, you can be a high achiever by developing a growth mindset. Across all industries, there are key behaviours of high achievers that anyone can follow.

Signs of a High Achiever

• They do not compete with others - their only competition is the older version of themselves, and their priority is self-improvement.
• They will find a way to accomplish their goals regardless of the obstacles.
• They have the curiosity and courage to try new things and introduce new methods.
• In times of conflict, they are able to rely on themselves and do their part to be proactive in the situation, even if they do not receive the external support they expected.
• They are motivated by the pursuit of excellence. Being the best they can be at what they do is a reward for them in itself.

How to be a High Achiever for Career Success

1. Aim for frequent accomplishments and opportunities.

High achievers are not complacent. No matter their accomplishments and the security of their position, they always see the potential for something greater. 

While it may be easier to establish an equilibrium of stable performance in your current role, you can always do better – and have better. High achievers keep looking for prospects to expand their skill sets and roles. And, because of their tenacity, they often find these opportunities. The job market is ever-changing, and the harder you hustle to gain advantages in your industry, the more likely you are to last and thrive, even during times of adversity.

2. Make your achievements known.

Contrary to popular belief, you don't just work hard and expect your work to speak for yourself. Communicate your contributions to your peers and superiors for them to see what a stellar teammate you are.  

You must promote yourself to gain the confidence of your colleagues, earning you more opportunities and recognition. Take the opportunity to thank and praise your colleagues in public, while mentioning your contributions so you are duly recognised for them, and people will build their trust in you as a team player. Before mentorship and evaluation meetings with your boss, prepare a list of your accomplishments. Success is not for the faint of heart, so have the courage to make yourself visible, without bordering on overconfidence, so you can earn rewards for your hard work and determination. 

3. Have a vision for your success.

You must understand what you mean by success. Know exactly what you’re aiming for. It becomes much easier to achieve a goal when you have a specific outcome, an effective plan for reaching it, and a realistic allocation of resources and time to get there. A clear vision of your success helps you keep your eye on the prize, especially in times of doubt and adversity.

4. Stay on track with your progress.

You must measure where you are with accomplishing your goals – and how much farther you have to go. Monitoring your progress and reflecting on what you can do better gives you a clear idea of how you should work to optimise your success. 

Self-observation is a necessary form of feedback which can help you leverage your strengths and improve your weaknesses. No one knows you better than you know yourself. By recording your improvements, you will see the pros and of your actions. Perhaps you can get that a-ha moment where you realise the changes you need to take yourself further.

5. Know your work style, and use it to your advantage.

Working hard doesn’t always cut it. Success is more about working smart and carefully selecting the options and strategies at your disposal. For example, some people can take on a task by working at it head-on until it is done, while others prefer to complete tasks in small increments. Use whatever works best for you. You’ll find that following your customised workflow will bring you more results than obeying outdated SOPs that may not be the most efficient.

6. Don’t be afraid of challenges.

When you want something but you’re unsure how to achieve it, then you are on the right track. Often, the will to aim higher, coupled with the proper methods and attitude, is an end in itself. No matter how high the goal you want to accomplish, simply moving closer towards it in your little ways will get you there in time. Although you may not see it yet, your hard work is building confidence and determination that will propel you further into your dream future.

7. Stay humble.

Those who see themselves as lifelong students open themselves to far more learning experiences than those who believe they have already mastered their careers. There is a wealth of things to learn from those above and below you, and there are always new skills to learn in the ever-changing industries of the digital age. Stay hungry for knowledge, and you may reach higher levels of success than you thought possible.

The Secret to Success Is Striking a Balance

Wherever you want to go in your career, remember to bring yourself. Never abandon your health, sanity, and wellbeing to achieve success at work by any means. Remember, you are working for yourself and your betterment! Causing yourself excessive stress and burnout may only be counterproductive to your goals. Here’s how to balance career and personal success:

1. Have a growth mindset when it comes to setbacks.

Mistakes are the stepping stones in your path to success if you keep moving forward! Some setbacks may hurt your morale, but don’t take them personally. 

Emotions motivate people to achieve success, and learning to manage them is the key skill you need to bounce back from problems. The higher your goals, the more disappointment you may experience when things don’t go your way. Rather than seeing your mistakes as a failure, try to find the lesson in those setbacks. Use them as a jumping-off point to bounce back with your newly achieved knowledge and resilience. 

2. Establish your work boundaries.

If your boss asks you to work overtime or a colleague pleads with you to cover their shift for them, remember that you always have the option to say no, and your career need not suffer from it. Prioritising and communicating your needs to coworkers will help them support you in your goals. Better yet, show them your terrific time management skills so you can inspire them to be more like you.

3. Ask for support.

People rarely achieve success alone. It takes a team of supportive colleagues and mentors who want you to succeed and be recognised for your accomplishments. Establish good working relationships with your coworkers, initiate collaborations, and show your team your appreciation for their contributions to your shared success that you can all be proud of.

4. Stay on top of your self-care.

You won’t get very far if you burn the candle from both ends. High achievers know that to be at their best, they must maintain their health, relationships, and happiness. Practice a stable personal and home life, and you will have more clarity and energy to take on career challenges.

5. Celebrate your wins, big and small.

You deserve to treat yourself and share your success with those who believe in you. Celebrating milestones in your career builds a positive mindset geared towards more accomplishments and replenishes you after all your hard work.

Every top-notch employee has a growth mindset that allows them to #SEEKBetter opportunities. Be one of them and take on the challenge of a new role with your high-achievement mindset. Check out our Career Resources page for advice on improving your performance at work, and look for your next career goal on our Job Search portal.