12 answers
Eva Bea
Student
Johns Creek, Georgia
1
Question
Updated
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What's something you believed would make you successful that actually ended up holding you back?
I am a graduating high school senior looking ahead to college and trying to better understand what success really looks like over time. As I plan my future, I'm trying to be financially responsible while making choices that lead to personal fulfillment. I really value hearing honest experiences and advice from people who have learned and grown along the way.
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12 answers
Kristopher Garrett
Auditor
3
Answers
Detroit, Michigan
Updated
Kristopher’s Answer
I used to think I had to know everything to succeed, but that belief held me back. I've learned that you don't need to know it all. What really matters is taking action. Experience is the best teacher, and sometimes you learn by making mistakes.
Radhika Sood
IT
4
Answers
Louisville, Kentucky
Updated
Radhika’s Answer
Let's explore how to make better choices as you head to college.
Why this belief can hold you back:
1. It pressures you to be "perfect" instead of curious.
Many students think they need the perfect major, the perfect plan, and to avoid mistakes. But trying to be perfect can make you anxious and slow you down because you spend more time worrying than doing.
2. It assumes success is a straight line, but it’s not.
The idea that you pick the right path, work hard, and then succeed is a myth. Careers today are more about trying different things and exploring before finding what fits.
3. It makes you afraid of "wrong choices."
If you think success depends on getting everything right early, you might avoid risks and stick to safe options, missing out on exploring new things. People often regret not taking chances more than making mistakes.
4. It confuses success with a destination.
Thinking you’ll be successful once you achieve a certain goal can keep you chasing milestones without ever feeling truly successful.
A healthier belief is that success comes from exploring, adapting, and building skills over time, not from getting it perfect early.
What successful people do instead:
- They treat early years as a time to try new things, learn what they like, and build a variety of skills.
- They focus on skills like communication and problem-solving, rather than titles.
- They balance passion with practicality to avoid burnout and instability.
- They don’t let their major or first job define them, knowing they can change careers.
What this means for you:
1. Don’t try to decide your entire future now. Choose a direction, not a life sentence.
2. Keep your options open by balancing academics and other interests like dance.
3. Take action through internships, classes, and clubs to gain clarity from experience.
Instead of asking for the perfect path to success, focus on experiences that help you grow and learn about yourself.
Bottom line: You don’t need to choose perfectly to succeed. Success comes from trying new things, being adaptable, and staying consistent over time.
Why this belief can hold you back:
1. It pressures you to be "perfect" instead of curious.
Many students think they need the perfect major, the perfect plan, and to avoid mistakes. But trying to be perfect can make you anxious and slow you down because you spend more time worrying than doing.
2. It assumes success is a straight line, but it’s not.
The idea that you pick the right path, work hard, and then succeed is a myth. Careers today are more about trying different things and exploring before finding what fits.
3. It makes you afraid of "wrong choices."
If you think success depends on getting everything right early, you might avoid risks and stick to safe options, missing out on exploring new things. People often regret not taking chances more than making mistakes.
4. It confuses success with a destination.
Thinking you’ll be successful once you achieve a certain goal can keep you chasing milestones without ever feeling truly successful.
A healthier belief is that success comes from exploring, adapting, and building skills over time, not from getting it perfect early.
What successful people do instead:
- They treat early years as a time to try new things, learn what they like, and build a variety of skills.
- They focus on skills like communication and problem-solving, rather than titles.
- They balance passion with practicality to avoid burnout and instability.
- They don’t let their major or first job define them, knowing they can change careers.
What this means for you:
1. Don’t try to decide your entire future now. Choose a direction, not a life sentence.
2. Keep your options open by balancing academics and other interests like dance.
3. Take action through internships, classes, and clubs to gain clarity from experience.
Instead of asking for the perfect path to success, focus on experiences that help you grow and learn about yourself.
Bottom line: You don’t need to choose perfectly to succeed. Success comes from trying new things, being adaptable, and staying consistent over time.
Raj Krishnan
Tax for Investment Banking
7
Answers
Frisco, Texas
Updated
Raj’s Answer
I love this question! Reflecting back to when I had to choose a career, I went with one that would help me gain technical expertise, develop professional skills, and ultimately make me money. It was a financially responsible move and in the long-term, it looked like a win-win. What I learned along the way was that the impact I leave behind on my community is more fulfiling than just career progression. This means a pivot toward something that leaves an impact. Certainly, the skills and the expertise developed over the years will play a crucial part but much of the fulfilment is ahead of me and requires pivoting. It is never too late to make that change because the decision is based on what you know now rather than what you knew then!
Afsheen Agahi
Consulting
10
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Afsheen’s Answer
One of my greatest strengths has been my ability to connect with and work alongside people from all kinds of backgrounds. Building relationships has opened many doors for me throughout my career.
However, I learned that leadership isn't just about being supportive and approachable. Sometimes it requires having difficult conversations, giving honest feedback, or challenging someone to improve. Those moments can be uncomfortable, especially when you genuinely care about the people you're working with.
For me, that made "managing up" and providing constructive feedback to peers, staff, and leaders more challenging than it should have been.
What I've learned is that strong relationships aren't built by avoiding hard conversations—they're built on trust, honesty, and respect. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do for someone is tell them what they need to hear, even when it's difficult.
Success isn't about being liked all the time. It's about having the courage to do what's right while treating people with empathy and respect.
However, I learned that leadership isn't just about being supportive and approachable. Sometimes it requires having difficult conversations, giving honest feedback, or challenging someone to improve. Those moments can be uncomfortable, especially when you genuinely care about the people you're working with.
For me, that made "managing up" and providing constructive feedback to peers, staff, and leaders more challenging than it should have been.
What I've learned is that strong relationships aren't built by avoiding hard conversations—they're built on trust, honesty, and respect. Sometimes the most valuable thing you can do for someone is tell them what they need to hear, even when it's difficult.
Success isn't about being liked all the time. It's about having the courage to do what's right while treating people with empathy and respect.
Lemerio P
Consulting
5
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Lemerio’s Answer
I used to believe that being successful required taking the path that most of my peers were taking. Discover what gives you passion and the path the works best for you. I also realized that making time for hard work and dedication is just a important as pausing and celebrating my wins.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
853
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
Ironically my answer would be simply outworking everyone around me. While you ll want to improve and strive to be better, building relationships with your colleagues, managers and others around you can have a huge impact on your career. Wish I would have known that when I was younger.
Daniel Azrak
Cyber Security
11
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Daniel’s Answer
This is a nice question. Looking too much at other people to define my success is what I think impacted me the most. There is ONLY one person who can tell you what success looks like and that is you. Not what anyone else is doing at all it does not matter. Comparing yourself will not get you anywhere. Focus on your goals and you will find what success means like for you. All the best.
Kelly Taylor
Consultant
2
Answers
Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Updated
Kelly’s Answer
Great question!
I'd say for me, one thing was believing that there was only one definition of success, and if I wasn't matching the pressures of success that I felt from people around (whether my family, peers, or societal pressures), then it meant that I wasn't successful. For example, for a long time I felt pressured to get an MBA, but I never felt excited about it, it made me really fearful about investing all that money, and I did not have a great reason to do it. (Don't get me wrong; it can be a great thing, but it wasn't for me when it came to how I wanted to spend my time, what I was wanting from my career, etc.)
I would encourage you to remember that "success" can look really different from person to person. Think about the things you value and you're hoping to achieve - maybe that's financial stability/flexibility, it could be focused on making an impact on people's lives, it could be a dream that you're able to travel to new places, it could be becoming an expert in something, there are all kinds of answers! Try to find your own, and know that you don't have to have it fully determined right now, but you can be taking steps to get closer to it as you think through this big life decisions ahead of you.
I'd say for me, one thing was believing that there was only one definition of success, and if I wasn't matching the pressures of success that I felt from people around (whether my family, peers, or societal pressures), then it meant that I wasn't successful. For example, for a long time I felt pressured to get an MBA, but I never felt excited about it, it made me really fearful about investing all that money, and I did not have a great reason to do it. (Don't get me wrong; it can be a great thing, but it wasn't for me when it came to how I wanted to spend my time, what I was wanting from my career, etc.)
I would encourage you to remember that "success" can look really different from person to person. Think about the things you value and you're hoping to achieve - maybe that's financial stability/flexibility, it could be focused on making an impact on people's lives, it could be a dream that you're able to travel to new places, it could be becoming an expert in something, there are all kinds of answers! Try to find your own, and know that you don't have to have it fully determined right now, but you can be taking steps to get closer to it as you think through this big life decisions ahead of you.
Gina LeDonne
Independence Compliance Manager
7
Answers
Stamford, Connecticut
Updated
Gina’s Answer
Sometimes your preconceived notion about how something will or should be is the thing standing in your way. It sounds cliche but when one thing is "out of place" or "not at the right time" often something else will change your course but it may be even better than it would have been. be open to unconventional opportunities--model after people you look up to but also remember their path may not be the same as yours!
Taylor Meadows
Marketing
6
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Taylor’s Answer
Hi Eva, this is a GREAT question.
Jerome's response above is right on the money. I remember thinking if I were smarter and worked harder than everyone, I would do well. But it truly is about the soft skills you have, building relationships, and your willingness to learn that will carry you far in your career.
For me personally, I think one thing that really set me back is thinking to far into the future. And what I mean by that, is I was so focused on how much money I was going to make out of college and getting a degree that would reflect that rather than a more fulfilling career that catered to my interests.
I always had an interest in psychology and wish I went down that path, because ultimately I believe that would have been a more fulfilling career for me. Remember, you want to choose something that will really fill your cup - you spend so much time at work that you want to love it! Even if there "aren't as many jobs available in that field" if you work hard, you can do it. And ultimately, a lot of companies just want someone with an education and the correct soft skills which can get you a job across industries.
Hope this is helpful and good luck in your future career!!
Jerome's response above is right on the money. I remember thinking if I were smarter and worked harder than everyone, I would do well. But it truly is about the soft skills you have, building relationships, and your willingness to learn that will carry you far in your career.
For me personally, I think one thing that really set me back is thinking to far into the future. And what I mean by that, is I was so focused on how much money I was going to make out of college and getting a degree that would reflect that rather than a more fulfilling career that catered to my interests.
I always had an interest in psychology and wish I went down that path, because ultimately I believe that would have been a more fulfilling career for me. Remember, you want to choose something that will really fill your cup - you spend so much time at work that you want to love it! Even if there "aren't as many jobs available in that field" if you work hard, you can do it. And ultimately, a lot of companies just want someone with an education and the correct soft skills which can get you a job across industries.
Hope this is helpful and good luck in your future career!!
Benjamin Pence, PMP
Consulting
6
Answers
Denver, Colorado
Updated
Benjamin’s Answer
On the thread of working harder than others..... not taking my vacation time to the full extent.
I would take a few days here and there, then wonder why I feel so burnt out. Meanwhile, my coworkers are logging off early, taking long weekends, taking multi-week trips while remaining engaged and do a great job when they are working. Taking care of yourself, doing things you like, spending time with people important to you, and generally treating your well-being as the #1 thing is my best advice... being burnt out is a recipe for disaster long term, so would encourage you to "smell the roses" along the way.
I would take a few days here and there, then wonder why I feel so burnt out. Meanwhile, my coworkers are logging off early, taking long weekends, taking multi-week trips while remaining engaged and do a great job when they are working. Taking care of yourself, doing things you like, spending time with people important to you, and generally treating your well-being as the #1 thing is my best advice... being burnt out is a recipe for disaster long term, so would encourage you to "smell the roses" along the way.
Claire Nguyen
Audit
4
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Claire’s Answer
Hi Eva Bea!
I totally agree with the other answers here, especially the one about outworking others. I came into the workforce believing that I had to suppress my whimsy and talkative nature to keep my head down to work. But I realized that being so work focused harmed my relationship with my team, since my job was very team focused (I'm an auditor!). It is so much easier to work with your managers and ask them questions when you have a good relationship with them, and I found that being my talkative self helped me be much more personable. This also helped me make so many more connections at my workplace!
I totally agree with the other answers here, especially the one about outworking others. I came into the workforce believing that I had to suppress my whimsy and talkative nature to keep my head down to work. But I realized that being so work focused harmed my relationship with my team, since my job was very team focused (I'm an auditor!). It is so much easier to work with your managers and ask them questions when you have a good relationship with them, and I found that being my talkative self helped me be much more personable. This also helped me make so many more connections at my workplace!