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I didn’t figure things out all at once. Most of what I know now came slowly through deadlines, team meetings, hard conversations, and numerous late nights. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to work with incredibly talented people and have had the opportunity to mentor designers who have gone on to do great things. I’ve led teams, participated in panel discussions, and managed projects that made a real difference for major companies. However, none of that would have happened without learning how to show up and persevere — even on the days I didn’t feel like it.

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1. Know Why You’re Doing It (And Make It Count)

Motivation can be a great way to start, but it’s not sufficient to carry you through tough times. What keeps you moving when everything feels heavy is your reason for starting in the first place. That’s why it helps to have a strong “why,” especially one that extends beyond your gain. Maybe you want to build a healthier lifestyle so you can run around with your kids, or perhaps your goal is to achieve financial freedom to support those who supported you. Whatever it is, it should mean enough to you that giving up doesn’t feel like an option.

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2. Growth Comes From Discomfort

You don’t grow inside your comfort zone. If something scares you or feels unfamiliar, it’s probably the direction you should lean into. When I began taking on leadership roles and speaking on professional panels, I wasn’t completely confident. But with every challenge, I built more trust in myself. Even now, I remind myself to start small. Tackle one task you’ve been avoiding. You don’t need to do it all today — just do something. Celebrate even the small wins; they build momentum.

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3. Structure Brings Clarity

To-do lists aren’t just productivity tools — they help clear the mental fog. Write down your goals, break them into steps, and focus on the next move. Check things off and let that sense of progress fuel you. You don’t have to move fast — you just have to move forward. I’ve led large projects and small teams alike, and what always helped was clarity. Clear goals, small steps, consistent actions. Big results follow.

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4. Reflect Before You Rest

One practice that’s helped me stay grounded is what I call the “recap.” At the end of the day, I take five minutes to write down what I accomplished. Even if it’s small things — like brushing my teeth, cooking dinner, or surviving a tough work call — it adds up. It’s especially helpful on days that feel unproductive. When I look back, I often realize I did more than I thought. And if I didn’t do enough, that’s fine too — it just shows me where to try harder tomorrow.

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5. Learn From Those Ahead of You

I’ve been lucky to learn from people who were further along in their journey. They didn’t just teach me skills — they showed me habits, mindset, and leadership. Today, I try to do the same for others. Having a mentor — or even just being around people who live the way you want to live — can change everything. You grow by example. Who you surround yourself with matters.

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What This All Comes Down To

Looking back, I see how every moment — mentoring, managing, learning from others — has shaped who I am today. These years of professional growth have taught me that lasting success isn’t loud or flashy. It’s consistent. It’s quiet work, deep motivation, and steady choices. This article is more than just a guide — it reflects how I’ve built my own path. My goal is to share what’s worked for me, and maybe spark a shift in how others approach their own goals, too.

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Aram Andreasyan
Industry Leader, Design Expert

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