How To Be A Go-Getter

Learn ways on how to achieve a go-getter attitude, according to experts.

Here are their insights:

Table of Contents

Sam Nabil

Sam Nabil

CEO and Lead Therapist, Naya Clinics

1. Establish measurable and bite-sized goals while considering the big picture

Goal-getting is a discipline; it’s a continuous effort and a choice. The key to being a go-getter is in establishing measurable and bite-sized goals while considering the big picture.

Measurable and bite-sized goals are critical as they empower you with the belief that what you’re after are attainable (which they are).

It allows you to experience achievement and therefore allows you to reward yourself, ultimately contributing to the improvement of your motivation and drive to achieve more. This is a practice of setting yourself up for success which fuels you towards attaining your long-term goals.

The big-picture goals represent your thirst for more.

The biggest mistake a go-getter wannabe makes is to only think small. Having long-term and big-picture goals will serve as the compass you’ll follow as you lead your life towards growth and success.

Related: 22 Reasons Why Goal Setting Is Important for Success

They will help keep you grounded even after obtaining countless short-term goals, and they are basically there to keep you going. They offer the room you need for continuous growth, development, and progress.

Bottom-line, being a go-getter is not a rigid title that only applies to when you’re able to reach your goals; it’s the ceaseless practice of seeking self-improvement and evolution.

Adam Bertram

Adam Bertram

Tech Community Leader, Microsoft MVP | Tech Blogger, Adam the Automator

2. Follow your interests regardless of where they lead

Being a go-getter can be applied to so many different contexts. I’m probably only capable of talking on one, which is what I’d call “entrepreneurial hustle.”

I’ve had a full-time job since 2004. Looking back now, a single job has never satisfied me for some reason. I’ve always had a drive, an instinct, and some kind of internal push that’s coaxed me into wanting more.

I consider myself a go-getter because I follow my interests regardless of where they lead. I’ll try anything once, and if it doesn’t work out, I’ll just try something else.

Go-getters are risk-takers

They have the courage to jump into the unknown and figure things out, no matter how crazy they may seem. I’m able to satisfy my desire to achieve new things by pursuing activities that I’m interested in.

If I try to force myself to do something I’m not interested in, I always fail miserably.

Go-getters follow their interests

They know what they’re good at and excel at improving their strengths rather than focusing on their weaknesses.

Go-getters are also voracious learners

I think go-getters are also voracious learners. I know that when I’m interested in something, I want to learn everything there is to know about that subject.

Take stock trading, for example. A few months ago, I was extremely interested in day trading. I spent dozens of hours watching videos, reading books, and learning so much on day trading. I love it!

It ultimately didn’t work out because I found I just didn’t have the mental stamina to put up with the ups and downs.

Go-getters aren’t just satisfied with being a layman

They strive to learn more and more about their business, project, or task at hand. They are never satisfied with the current knowledge level and are always learning new things.

I recently founded a startup that provided small, how-to videos for IT professionals and developers. I was really excited about this business. I quit my job on the same day my wife was having our second daughter and was going all in.

For the next year, I focused 100% on the business, building it from nothing.

Ultimately, I discovered I’m good at operations and building infrastructure, but I’m not good at all at actually making money. I hate selling, which ultimately led to me selling the business for close to nothing.

Go-getters are tenacious

If they believe in something, they doggedly pursue success at seemingly any cost. They are determined they will succeed and put 110% into their efforts.

Alejandra Marqués Méndez

Alejandra Marqués Méndez

Time Management and Goal Achievement Mentor | Criminal Law Professor

3. Have a clear vision and be intentional

Knowing where you want to go, having specific goals in mind, writing them down, and describing them are some of the first steps to be successful and have the strength to overcome any obstacle.

There is no point in doing something if you’re not intentional about what you do.

If you don’t want to achieve something, a small stone in your path will stop you, and you will see it as an obstacle. Being intentional is related to having this intrinsic motivation because you act on it; you are willing to try new things and look for solutions instead of being still watching the stone.

4. Prioritize finding the inner reason why you want to achieve something

Many times we tend to be motivated by external factors, such as popular opinion, our family, or other rewards/punishments. These motivations might work for a while, but at some point, it stops working.

Having a strong intrinsic motivation is what makes the difference when you’re facing obstacles.

Finding that inner reason why you want to achieve something, and being attached to the feeling it brings you, will allow you to overcome any obstacle because you know WHY you want to overcome it at all cost.

5. Schedule time to plan and revise all you need to do to achieve your goals

Most people fail to achieve their goals because they don’t have a plan or have it but never revise it.

For you to be a Go-Getter, you need to schedule weekly time to plan and revise all you have been doing and all you need to do to achieve your goals.

Having a specific time to plan will save you a lot of hours of hanging around not knowing what to do next and will also allow you to be more creative when it comes to finding out solutions.

Michelle Devani

Michelle Devani

Founder, lovedevani

By definition, a go-getter is someone who doesn’t hesitate to go after what they want. A go-getter is ambitious and is not afraid to pursue their dreams. In my experience, adapting a go-getter attitude while I was founding my website has helped me achieve my goals.

6. Be willing to pay your dues

Enable to be a go-getter; one must work their way up without complaints, stubbornness, and resistance. A go-getter must be willing to pay their dues and learn what they can because knowledge gives confidence and the attitude to succeed.

7. Maximize your strengths

Everyone has their own set of strengths and weaknesses, and learning how to maximize their strengths is up to that person. No one is immediately great at what they do; it takes time and effort to reach that level of excellence.

Know your strengths and work on improving them instead of overestimating them. Confidence comes from the ability to know who you are and knowing how to accept your flaws.

8. Adapt an attitude of gratitude

It is inevitable that we are bound to face failure sooner or later, and learning to value the things that matter is important. Adapting an attitude of gratitude helps you get motivated, and practicing it every day attracts positivity and happiness.

Gratitude changes your vibe and makes you more resilient to setbacks that may arrive.

Arash Fayz

Arash Fayz

Co-Founder and Executive Director, LA Tutors 123

9. Make an effort to be ready to ask for what you want

Being a go-getter means being proactive to get what you want, but it also necessitates a mindset shift.

Too often, passive or quiet people worry about being pushy or coming across as rude or presumptuous. While obviously, rudeness is not a desirable personality trait, you should also realize that other people in your life (bosses, teachers, mentors, relationship partners) are not mind-readers.

If you want something, if you are looking to explore a job opportunity, educational mentorship, different relationship dynamics; you need to ask for it.

This doesn’t mean being unreasonable, don’t walk into your boss’s office and demand to be made CEO on day one of your temp job. However, it does mean picking a good time to politely ask what your opportunities for advancement are within the company, and how you can better work to achieve your professional goals.

It doesn’t mean demanding a better grade in an educational setting, but it might mean proactively asking to meet with a professor to discuss how to improve your next essay since this last one wasn’t up to par. It might mean reaching out to a company to see if they are offering internships if none are posted.

In all these cases, be prepared that you may hear “no” as an answer, but even that rejection can bring some silver lining.

If you come across as a likable, engaged, and motivated person, then when that position you want does finally open up, or that professor decides they do need a student research assistant over the summer, you might be the one they remember.

This sort of proactive asking can be difficult to condition yourself towards, particularly if it goes against your natural personality or how you’ve been socialized in other contexts.

It can help to practice in low-stakes situations. Talk through how you might want your conversation with your boss to go before you actually speak to your boss. Practice being more assertive in job or internship interviews where you are less interested in the position before you get to that dream job interview.

Make an effort to be ready to ask for what you want so that when what you really want does become available, you are ready to get it.

Peter Amato

Peter Amato

Career Advice Expert, LiveCareer

10. Spend less time thinking about achieving your goals and more time doing what’s needed to get there

People often make the mistake of wanting to achieve something so much that they forget about the necessary steps they need to take to get there. They think about the final outcome rather than the process.

Solely focusing on results creates pressure and might make us feel overwhelmed rather than excited about our plans.

Go-Getters spend less time thinking about achieving their goals and more time doing what’s needed to get there. They don’t get discouraged when something isn’t working and look for ways to fix the problem.

My tip is to start with little steps.

  • Think of the actionable items you can do to get closer to your objective.
  • Create a list of things you want to achieve each week.
  • Split it into specific tasks that need to be completed every day.
  • Observe how much time you need to perform certain chunks of work and adjust your schedule accordingly.

With time, you will notice that your little steps add up and continuously help you to get where you want.

Also, be open to suggestions from others. Don’t just focus on your tasks and forget about the world around you. Ask people about their opinions and get inspiration for improving your work or adjusting your approach.

By doing so, you’ll not only get the necessary feedback but also learn more along the way.

Giovannie Cruz , SAG e

Giovannie Cruz

Actor | Voice Artist | Filmmaker

11. Decide what it is you truly want and why

There’s no one-size-fits-all to being a Go-Getter, but the first step to motivating yourself is to decide what it is you truly want and why. I call this finding your True North.

To get clarity, ask yourself, what does the end result look like? Is it a financial goal? A brick and mortar building? Or simply the experience of having done the thing? Meditate on it, then go after it.

If something calls to you, think about what reaching that dream feels like, but careful you don’t allow yourself to fall into analysis paralysis. Overthinking the small beats can leave you feeling overwhelmed and bogged down.

Sometimes, taking the leap before the net appears, while scary, is exactly what you do to begin.

12. Seek help from a coach, mentor, and other experts

Enlist in the help of a coach, mentor, or other business professional to make sure you don’t commit amateur mistakes. Or surround yourself with others on a similar path.

I find enrolling in a weekly mastermind to be a great way to refresh my big why (True North)! It’s a place to share ideas with like-minded entrepreneurs who all jump in to cheer you on, problem-solve, and expand your network. Plus, built-in accountability!

13. Make mistakes and learn to recover from them quickly

Learn to fail forward. Make mistakes, and recover from them quickly. Wallowing in self-pity or throwing your hands up will not get you closer to your goals. Imagine your start-up, home project, or first marathon as a baby, and you’re the new parent.

You’ll make mistakes and maybe have to deal with some crap every once in a while, but at the end of the day, hitting milestones to your goal is more motivation to keep going.

14. Appreciate the journey

The biggest thing Go-Getters have in common is a capacity to hold lots of gratitude. Being grateful for the small wins in addition to the big needle movers helps with getting up every morning to do the thing.

According to Psychology Today, practicing gratitude has been shown to increase mood, physical and physiological health and open the door to better interpersonal relationships.

And we all know, at the end of the day, it’s not exactly what you know, but who you know.

In summary, you don’t have to have all the answers, but you do have a clear outline of your True North. Then, go about the business of enlisting others into your tribe to share your experience and help you grow!

Tony Grech

Tony Grech

Sr. Mortgage Loan Originator, Luxury Mortgage Corp

In business school, we had to read “Seven Habits of Highly Successful People,” and those lessons have served me well over 20 years in my field.

15. Waking up early is the key

It helps me get my day in order before the distractions hit and set myself up for a successful day.

16. Keep a detailed to-do list

Trying to stick to it as much as possible help keep me on point and focused on my daily goals and long-term objectives.

17. Be proactive rather than reactive

When I see a problem or potential problem, I seek to get working on solutions or a fallback plan, so if and when that happens, I’m prepared.

In addition, I think it is human nature to tend to dodge or avoid problems or deal with them later. I put first things first and deal with them to get them out of the way.

18. Communicate efficiently

I’m a believer in picking up the phone rather than relying on email or texts to get stuff done.

19. Delegate tasks

My focus is on dollar-generating activities. If it doesn’t directly make me money, then I’d prefer to delegate it to someone else so I can focus my efforts on the things I do best.

20. Think in terms of abundance

I don’t think in terms of what possessions money can buy me. Chasing the almighty dollar doesn’t lead to happiness.

Related: 21 Reasons Why Money Can’t Buy Happiness

I think of it in terms of the good I can do with the money I earn and realize that me making more allows me freedom. Freedom from worry about finances, freedom to help others through charity, freedom for my children to have more options in life, and freedom to do what I choose.

Melanie Pump

Melanie Pump

CFO, You Move Me

As a leader, you can still be a go-getter, but here are a few tips to keep you on top of your game to get what you want.

21. Overcome self-doubt and boost confidence

  • Stop comparing yourself to others. We all have our own unique path and pace. Own yours and don’t worry about what others are doing.
  • Make a conscious effort to fight the negativity bias. No one is critical of you as you think they are, and situations are rarely as bad as your mind can build them up to be.
  • Celebrate the wins. Don’t just move on to the next goal. Let your success really sink in. Share it, own it, enjoy it.

22. Finding the courage to push toward goals

  • Surround yourself with positive people who believe in and support you. Include those who have pushed through challenges and achieved their goals. Take inspiration from them.
  • Look back and remind yourself what you’ve already accomplished, and don’t undervalue any of it. Even the small steps can be hard and take courage. They prove you can do it.

Ho Lin

Ho Lin

Content Strategist, MyPerfectResume

23. Continually educate yourself and always look for different ways to grow as professionals

Go-getters have clear goals and the discipline to work towards what they want to achieve. They understand that hard work is required to triumph, which leads them to take actionable steps to ensure this happens.

They continually educate themselves and always look for different ways to grow as professionals.

A great way to work on your go-get-it attitude is by working with a mentor.

Someone who can help with your progress, give constructive feedback, help identify your strengths and weaknesses and ultimately give you that push in the right direction to succeed.

24. Look at your mistakes as opportunities to improve and not as step-backs

It’s also important to look at your mistakes as opportunities to improve and not as step-backs. Learn from them and quickly adapt the learning into action. If, for example, you work on a project that received negative feedback, use that feedback to improve your project and present it again.

25. Learn to be organized and use your time wisely

A great way to achieve this is by planning ahead. Outline a list of goals you want to accomplish in a certain time and list the tasks that will get you there.

Don’t only plan your work tasks but also focus on your personal goals. Having an organized schedule makes it easier to put in the work and not allow distractions to get in the way.

Ray Blakney

Ray Blakney

CEO and Co-Founder, Live Lingua

26. Stay disciplined

There is one characteristic, above all others, that is needed to be a go-getter: discipline.

It’s the ability to wake up every morning, do what you said you are going to do that day, and do that every day.

27. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable

Another skill that is needed to be a successful go-getter is the ability to get comfortable with being uncomfortable.

My mentor told me that entrepreneurship is about constantly growing and learning, and for the most part, that is uncomfortable. That advice has helped me survive previous pandemics that affected my business and this current one.

28. Stay focused on tasks at hand

A third skill needed to be a go-getter is the ability to focus on tasks at hand. It is so important to work on one thing until completion before starting something else.

It does not matter how big or small.

Don’t stop answering an email to check a text message. Don’t stop working on your report to just “hop on Facebook for one minute” (which always ends up being 30 minutes). Don’t start a new business when your current one is starting to do well.

Focus on completing one thing before moving on to the next.

April Maccario

April Maccario

Founder, AskApril

As a founder, I must say it wasn’t an easy journey. Being a go-getter prevented me from giving up. If I gave up easily while I was starting, I wouldn’t be as successful as I am today.

I wasn’t able to learn the things I needed to improve my decision-making and be a better professional. However, here are the things I did to be a go-getter:

Learn to accept failures in a positive way

I have learned to accept failures in a positive way. I made them my motivation and my stepping stone to do better. Without failures, you wouldn’t discover life lessons, and you will not have something to compare in your journey to success.

Focus on working on the things you want to achieve

I think this is the major skill of a goal-getter. You should focus on working on the things you want to achieve and avoid being distracted by the obstacles you might face along the way.

If you have 100% focus on what you are doing, there is a higher chance that you’ll succeed and reach the goal you want to achieve.

Kimberly Ihekwoaba

Kimberly Ihekwoaba

Multimedia Storyteller | Copywriter

29. Work on your mindset and change your behavior

The first step of becoming a go-getter is to seek clarity. You have to know what you want. You need a focal point, and that dictates your habits and actions.

Now that you have clarity, the next step is to work on your mindset. Success is dictated by your mindset. How you show up is influenced by how you see yourself, what you believe you are deserving of, and your faith in your ability to make a difference.

With a growth mindset, you can work on learning. Knowledge is power. And being immersed in your interests will allow you to master your craft. As you work on your mindset, also change your behavior. It is important to have deliberate practice.

Your skills only get better when you create time to improve them. And see learning as a long-life commitment. You should be eager to challenge yourself continuously and strengthen your skillset.

Lastly, practice a life of gratitude. You get more when you are grateful for what you already have. As an ambitious person, there is nothing wrong with seeking more. However, you must be able to celebrate your life now.

Your happiness should not be tied to the outcome of your labor. Celebrate the small wins and take breaks in the process.

Tracy Lamourie

Tracy Lamourie

Founder, Managing Director, Senior Publicist, Lamourie Media

30. Believe that you have it in you to stand among the best in your field

I spend a lot of time advising entrepreneurs, executives, and others with goals on how to strategize, execute and achieve them. I show them how to crush it, how to believe in themselves enough to do it, and how to let the world know what they can do.

The first step in being a go-getter, then, is truly believing that you have it in you to stand among the best in your field. To know that you know your stuff, that you have something to offer, and that you deserve a seat at the table.

Then, find creative ways to get there and go beyond the obvious.

Are you stuck at home? Turn off the Netflix and research opportunities, send an email, introduce yourself, network, connect. You’ll be surprised what’s out there. Now that everyone is stuck at home, some of the world’s biggest industry conventions are offering some aspects of their events at very low rates or free.

Get in there and introduce yourself. Find media opportunities, develop your “reason for being/doing” (what some call an elevator pitch), and don’t be afraid to talk about what you do.

Build the bridges that will lead you to the next step you need to go-get to, and they’ll take you there.

Roli Edema

Roli Edema

Personal Development Blogger and Coach

31. Get out of your comfort zone and take consistent and persistent action

If you want to become a go-getter, you have to commit to your goals relentlessly. This often means that you have to be willing to burn your boats – to wholeheartedly pursue your vision with no possibility of turning back.

The idea of burning one’s boats is associated with ancient military commanders who would instruct their soldiers to burn the ships before a conquest so as to create a point of no return.

You can apply the same concept when it comes to becoming a go-getter and reaching your goals. You have to leave your doubts behind and keep working towards the end result that you envision for yourself, even if it feels impossible.

Too often, people focus on creating a plan B, C, and D, instead of giving their all to their plan A. This prevents them from gaining traction because they lose focus and spend their energy on various contingency plans instead of the main plan.

Whenever you feel tempted to pursue distractions, remember the words of Alexander Graham Bell – “The sun’s rays do not burn until brought to focus.”

Ultimately, the opposite of a go-getter is a daydreamer, someone who wants everything but does nothing about it.

To set yourself apart as a go-getter, you have to get out of your comfort zone and take consistent and persistent action. Burning your boats to reach big goals can be scary. But if you want to achieve what no one else has, you must be willing to do what no one else does.

Max Woolf

Max Woolf

Career Expert, ResumeLab

32. Pinpoint your weaknesses and turning them into your strengths

One of the best ways to become a go-getter at work is pinpointing your weaknesses and turning them into your strengths.

We all have our strong and weak sides. There are things we’re good at, and there are things we could do better. Perhaps, you are exceptionally good at Excel, but you’re struggling with running effective meetings.

Or maybe you’re a world-class pro when it comes to making presentations, but you’re struggling to create those vital monthly reports that your manager keeps asking for.

That’s why it’s important to analyze your abilities and put in the legwork to fine-tune your potential weak points. Go the extra mile and strive for excellence. With time, you’ll be able to enhance your skillset and drive your career forward.

Frequently Asked Questions 

How can I find inspiration as a go-getter?

Inspiration can come from many sources, but here are some tips on how you can find inspiration as a go-getter:

– Read books and articles about people who have succeeded and overcome challenges.

– Watch talks at TED to get inspired and gain new perspectives on various topics.

– Follow successful people in your field or industry and learn from their experiences and strategies.

– Interact with other go-getters and share your experiences and challenges.

– Engage in activities you enjoy and are passionate about.

– Look for positive news and stories of people making a difference in the world.

– Attend events and conferences related to your field or industry.

– Use social media to follow inspiring people and pages.

– Travel to new places and learn about other cultures.

– Reflect on your past successes and accomplishments.

– Get inspired by nature by spending time outdoors.

Is it possible to become a go-getter later in life?

Yes, it’s absolutely possible to become a go-getter later in life. It’s never too late to take the initiative and work toward your goals. In fact, many people find that they’re more motivated and develop more initiative as they get older.

To become a go-getter, you must change your mindset, take responsibility for your life and actively pursue your goals. This change in mindset can happen at any age as long as you have the desire and willingness to make it happen.

Many examples of people who became go-getters later in life and achieved great success. For example, Colonel Sanders founded KFC when he was in his 60s, and Ray Kroc founded McDonald’s when he was in his 50s.

It’s important to remember that developing a go-getter mentality takes time and effort. It requires a willingness to take action and stay motivated despite obstacles and setbacks.

How can I maintain my go-getter attitude when I’m criticized?

Criticism can be hard to take, but it’s important to remember that it can also be an opportunity for growth. Here are some tips to help you maintain your go-getter attitude even when you’re being criticized:

Keep an open mind: Listen to feedback and try to see things from the other person’s perspective.

Don’t take it personally: Remember that criticism isn’t a reflection of your value as a person but rather an opportunity to improve.

Use it as a learning opportunity: Use the feedback to identify areas where you can improve and take action to make changes.

Stay positive: Focus on the positive aspects of feedback and use it to motivate yourself to work even harder toward your goals.

Don’t let it bring you down: Don’t let criticism stop you from pursuing your goals. Use it as motivation to work even harder and prove yourself.

Can I develop more creativity as a go-getter?

Yes! A proactive approach to life can help you unleash your creativity and find new solutions to challenges. When you take the initiative and actively pursue your goals, you are forced to think outside the box and find creative solutions to problems.

If you have a go-getter attitude, you are more willing to take risks and try new things. This can help you break old thinking patterns and discover new ways to approach challenges.

By seeking new experiences or perspectives, you can also find inspiration from unexpected sources, which leads to more creativity.

What are the most common obstacles for a go-getter?

Fear of failure can be a major obstacle for go-getters. This fear can prevent them from taking risks and pursuing their goals with enthusiasm.

Procrastination can be a big obstacle for go-getters. When tasks are put off, it can prevent progress and momentum in achieving goals.

A lack of motivation can make it challenging to stay focused and committed to your goals. Without motivation, it’s easy to become discouraged and give up on your dreams.

A lack of confidence can prevent you from taking the initiative and being proactive. It can be difficult to overcome obstacles without the confidence to try new things.

Distractions like social media, television and other time-consuming activities can be major obstacles for go-getters. When these distractions get in the way, staying focused on your goals and maintaining the momentum you need can be difficult.

Lack of support from family, friends, or colleagues can also be a significant obstacle for go-getters. Without a support system, it can be difficult to stay motivated and push through difficult times.

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