These are the 5 things successful women always do

While women have been taking a noticeable hit in the workforce since the pandemic hit, we can’t ignore the progress women made in a variety of industries, even during a world-devastating pandemic. The Women CEOs in America Report published by the Women Business Collaborative, C200 and Catalyst reported that they expected to start 2021 with females constituting 8.2 percent of CEO positions, and “15 percent of Fortune 500 and S&P roles by 2025, with 10% percent of those being women of color.” And while success can often be defined by being on Forbes’ list of The World’s 100 Most Powerful Women, it mostly exists in the smaller, quieter moments on one’s career path.

We want to celebrate every form of success, but to be able to do that we have to get there. In honor of Women’s Month — and our never-ending quest to be career-minded innovators – here are the 5 things that all successful women do.

1. Keep yourself organized

Some people are very regimented, and their organizational strengths are so incredible that you never wonder how they achieved success. Some people have a certain “organized mess” that keeps them thinking on their toes, and speaking from experience this is a trait that is largely associated with women who have creative minds. But sometimes, that’s not the only type of organization that matters.

Oprah famously said, “Being organized isn’t about getting rid of everything you own or trying to become a different person; it’s about living the way you want to live, but better.” The type of organization that thought leaders and notable women the world around adhere to is the consistent ability to assess the situation and to correctly and quickly identify and address priorities. Decide what organization and work processes are viable to your career path, and make sure to plan accordingly.

2. Believe in yourself

That’s right. There’s not a single human being out there being successful on their own terms if they’re not doing it their own way. Performers, contractors, designers, architects, CEOs, finance managers. There is not a single person that achieves any type of wealth – monetary or otherwise – that does not have a bit of confidence in what they have to offer. Successful women know who they are, and they believe in their mission and the value they add to their given situation.

Many women have found ways to make their identity a part of their brand. Clean beauty founder and writer/producer/actor Tracee Ellis Ross admits, “My goal is to make space for my selfhood. All of it. All of me, not just the parts I like or think that others like but all of it.”

CEO of PepsiCo Indrya Nooyi insists: “An important attribute of success is to be yourself. Never hide what makes you, you.”

3. Always be curious

Although it sounds naive, curiosity can often lead to an optimal work environment and, ultimately, success. Sara Blakely, the founder of Spanx, warns: “Don’t be intimidated by what you don’t know. That can be your greatest strength and ensure that you do things differently from everyone else.”

Being able to admit that you have questions is a vulnerable thing, but it tells the people around you that you understand your premise or idea is not flawless. It allows the concept to be examined by multiple eyes or in a way it hasn’t been before through your own perspective. The growth of a company really hinges on empathy and the ability to identify with the people you work for and with so that you can solve a problem with your product or brand. Without the curiosity to discover things for yourself or get to the bottom of the issue, there is no substantial growth, and history proves this time and time again.

4. Take care of yourself

Simply put, self-care is not selfish. No matter what situation you find yourself in in the working world, you will benefit immensely from taking care of yourself first. Your version of self-care might not always be a bubble bath or getting your nails professionally done. Founder and activist Gina Rodriguez turns to Muay Thai for self-care, while CEO of Caravan Kamilah Tibbitts has a well-balanced routine that incorporates body, mind, and spirit.

“There are no absolutes in self-care,” she admits. “Only you can define your needs and create practices to nurture them!”

5. Set practical, achievable goals

To have the ability to believe in yourself in any given situation, you have to have the ability to set achievable goals. All successful women have anticipated a successful outcome at some point or another. Sometimes, things turn out better than you could have ever imagined. But many times, it takes the realization of a very specific dream, and conscious baby steps to get there, in addition to a number of other important factors.

Often, you can reward yourself for hitting these intentional targets with additional self-care options. This triggers your brain into enjoying a healthy and rhythmic rate of productivity and reminds you that every piece of the journey is progress.

“All goals should also have micro-goals that lead to the major goal,” explains Susie Wang, founder and chief creative at 100 Percent Pure. “Each time you achieve the micro goal, give yourself a reward.” I have to admit, I’m most thrilled about this bit of advice.

As always, there is a slew of other career-minded suggestions when it comes to advancing your career and achieving success, especially in the era of COVID-19. During Women’s Month and all year long, let’s commit ourselves to support women everywhere.