Your Career Won’t Always Go As Planned — And That’s Okay

Sometimes, our goals seem just out of reach, and it can feel like we’ve failed if we don’t hit them. But what if there’s more to success than just the big wins? In this article, I want to share a different perspective, especially for those who often feel lost in the workplace. Let’s talk about finding your small wins.

Adapt to Win

For over 5 years in my career, I’ve been working towards building the path I’m on today as an HR professional. Along the way, my dreams and career goals have evolved. What I wanted at one point shifted, and sometimes I wasn’t even sure if it was the right fit anymore.

But here’s what I’ve realized: our careers and dreams need to be flexible. We have to be able to adapt to uncertainty, even when it feels tough. It’s one of those hard truths I’ve come to accept. Why? Because it’s part of survival. I’ve conducted many exit interviews, and I’ve seen employees leave feeling like they’ve lost their dream — simply because they couldn’t adapt. And that’s okay. But at some point, we all have to ask: How long can we go on without feeling like we’re chasing our dreams?

I’ve come to understand that sometimes, the little steps toward “winning” our dreams can come from moments that don’t feel great. Even choosing the wrong path can still lead to small victories. Career, dreams, plans — they’re all little wins, and you own them.

The Never-ending Cycle of Preparation

I’ve met several people who feel unsure about where they’re headed in their careers. Honestly, it used to bother me, but then I realized — I’ve been there too. As I mentioned earlier, adapting can be exhausting, but it’s crucial for navigating uncertainty. Here are three things to keep in mind:

1. Failure is Inevitable — No one’s career journey is without setbacks. You will face failure, whether it’s missing out on a promotion, struggling with a new role, or making mistakes.
2. Your Path May Not Be Linear — Career progression isn’t always a straight line. You might face delays or take a different path before moving forward.
3. Not Every Opportunity Will Be the Right Fit — You’ll encounter many opportunities, but not all of them will align with your goals, values, or growth.

Achievements and Still Wanting More

In our previous discussion, we talked about struggles, and now let’s focus on wanting more. I truly admire people who are passionate about what they do, even when it’s tough. Passion isn’t just about liking something; it’s about pushing through the pain because you still love what you’re trying to achieve. Don’t pretend to be passionate if you’re only going through the motions.

Personally, I’ve always been the type to try everything in my career. But there was a point when I held back. Why? Because I worried others might see it as a threat. It was a hard truth, and for a year, I just did my job like everyone else — only going through the motions.

But then I realized — why should I be afraid of others? I can’t control them. Everything I want to achieve comes from within. The hunger to keep learning and pushing for more is what truly matters. Without a beginner’s mindset, we just get stuck and lose that sense of growth. Two things to remember:

1. No matter how eager you are, progress doesn’t happen overnight, no matter how badly you want it. It’s frustrating when results don’t show up quickly, it demands patience and relentless effort.
2. No matter how much you learn, there will always be something new to discover. It’s tough to accept that you’ll never know everything, but embracing this mindset helps you keep growing.

Little Wins, Big Steps

Have you found your small wins yet? Over the past 5 years, my small wins have come from the decisions I made — whether they turned out to be bad or well-prepared ones.

“For me, the key is being bold enough to go after what I desire.”

I’m not a fan of indecision — people who say one thing and quickly switch to something else. Own your decisions, even the missteps, because those are your small wins. Winning isn’t just about achieving success; it’s about taking full responsibility for your choices. I hope you discover your own wins, because every step forward is a victory. It’s about growth, not just avoiding failure.

What small win have you taken ownership of recently?