Accomplishment and Success: What’s the Difference?

In today’s competitive job market, accomplishment and success have become two of the most sought-after qualities for any potential employee. But what is the difference between the two?

They almost sound synonymous. You know that they’re both positive qualities. You know that they’re something you want plenty of in your career.

Here’s what we know: Accomplishment is the path toward success. Think of your accomplishments as stepping stones toward your goals. Success, however, is its own special thing and it’s unique to you. Accomplishments are something that everyone can look at and go wow, they’re doing a good job.” Success is more personal and nuanced. It’s where you can look at your career and feel like you made it. It’s ever-changing.

Let’s dive into accomplishment and success and see if we can define both a little more.

What is accomplishment?

Don’t read the dictionary definition because it might confuse you more. In our books, accomplishments are nearly the same as achievements. They’re the tangible results of hard work and dedication. It is the reward for putting in the extra hours and going the extra mile to reach a goal. It is tangible evidence of having achieved something, such as a promotion, a degree, a certification, or completing a project. And it's the recognition of having done something right and having achieved the desired result. 

Accomplishment is often defined by metrics. However you are measuring your goals — hopefully using the S.M.A.R.T method — those stepping stones will be defined by your accomplishments. 

These are specific instances where you achieved something positive.

What is success?

Success is a feeling of satisfaction with the journey and the destination. It's the light at the end of the tunnel and the promise of the future. Success is the reward you get when you put in the hard work and dedication required to reach your goals. It's the feeling you get when you take risks and come out on top. Success is an attitude and a mindset that you can use to reach your highest potential. Where accomplishment often has a metric attached, Success is considered a feeling. It requires fulfillment in something.

So that’s the breakdown of success as a concept. But what does this look like when applied to your career? At Uvaro, we want to break it down even further. Especially in the context of your career.

Career Success means experiencing financial health and work you enjoy while feeling fulfilled in your peer community and life choices. 

It’s not just a result of hard work, but also of making the right decisions, taking risks, and having a growth mentality. It’s the overall feeling of fulfillment and pride that comes from doing something well and finding a community that supports that fulfillment.

Put in different terms, success relies on these 3 facets:

1. Satisfaction • You enjoy your work and feel fulfilled on your current career path
2. Support • You have a community around you that uplifts and empowers you
3. Stability • Your current career contributes to your financial health

In terms of career advancement, accomplishment is often seen as the more important factor. After all, it is tangible evidence of having achieved something. Employers look for employees who have shown that they can reach their goals and produce results. 

However, success is important for YOU. Career Success is within reach. Accomplishment and success play important roles in your fulfillment at work. Ultimately, it’s up to you what goals fall within that definition and contribute to your financial health and the work you enjoy. Finding a community that supports you in that is your greatest asset.

How can your accomplishments fuel your Career Success?

1 - Prove you have the skills

While your accomplishments pile up, it can easily feel like you’re bragging. Don’t let that stop you from touting them! Potential employers want to see what you can do. Mention these on your resume and remember to include them on your LinkedIn profile.

It’s great to feel proud of your work! It can also help you land a promotion. Focussing on each step towards success is a surefire way to show your growth and progress. Employers and managers want to see what you’ve done and what you’ve learned.

Did you know that even mistakes can be reframed as accomplishments? With a growth mindset, you can flip that narrative on its head. Yes, maybe you lost a sale, but when you really look at the experience, you learned that your communication style needed refining. Identifying that is an accomplishment in itself. 

Don’t be afraid to use the metrics you’ve accumulated to prove to others that you deserve a promotion or a job. It’s the best way to reach your larger goals!

2 - Leverage your unique experiences

Your story is a crucial part of who you are as an employee. This includes all of your accomplishments and what you hope to accomplish. Accomplishment and success both contribute to who you are.

Highlight those accomplishments when speaking about your history to potential employers, and new contacts. Your accomplishments define who you are as much as any failures. Show what you’ve overcome and how you plan to keep moving forward.

And share what success looks like for you! Where do you see yourself in a year, in 5 years, in 10 years. Those you work with and want to support you in that journey. Since success is so subjective, it’s important to communicate those values. You’ll find that your accomplishments point you in the direction of success. 

3 - Motivate yourself to keep going

Celebrate your small victories along your journey. Remember that the destination doesn’t matter, it’s the journey that counts. Use those wins to fuel you.

Any career has its ups and downs. It’s okay to value the little wins and count them as the small successes they are. While you might not yet be making 6 figures, landing any raise is an accomplishment worth celebrating. It’s the next step on a path toward ultimate Career Success. 

And you can set yourself up for success by accumulating accomplishments. Yes, even if they’re self-motivated. Completed a course? Gold star! Met for coffee with someone in the industry? Check! Attended a workshop? Ding ding ding!

Everything that is a positive contribution to your ultimate Career Success can fuel you to keep reaching for the stars. You’ve got this!

Gain support while striving for accomplishment and success

Looking to beef up your resume?  Want to gain that sense of accomplishment today? Now is the perfect time to look into Uvaro’s workshops and courses. Gain access to invaluable resources that help you achieve those smaller accomplishments and reach Career Success. Let Uvaro help you reach your goals!

If you want to dive further into Career Success, check out our Career Success Catalog. Learn how we can help you take the next step.