{"id":13266,"date":"2026-10-21T09:51:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:51:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/?p=13266"},"modified":"2026-10-21T09:51:23","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T16:51:23","slug":"career-development-strategies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/job-readiness\/career-development-strategies\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Professional Development Strategies to Grow Your Career"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light hero-with-image-center has-text-primary-color has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-1\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);min-height:100vh;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-olive-10-background-color has-background-dim-100 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-cover-is-layout-20047fdc wp-block-cover-is-layout-constrained\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500)\"><div style=\"background-color:#dfdfd866;font-size:0.63rem;font-style:normal;font-weight:600;line-height:1.2;text-decoration:none;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:2px;padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--75);margin-bottom:0.625rem\" class=\"taxonomy-category wp-block-post-terms has-background has-avenir-font-family has-text-align-center\"><a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/category\/job-readiness\/\" rel=\"tag\">Job Readiness<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-global-padding is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7f408794 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500)\"><h1 style=\"font-size:clamp(2.257rem, 2.257rem + ((1vw - 0.2rem) * 2.882), 4.13rem);font-style:normal;font-weight:400;line-height:1.3;letter-spacing:-3px;padding-right:0;padding-left:0;margin-top:0;margin-bottom:3.25rem\" class=\"wp-block-post-title has-avenir-font-family has-text-align-center\">7 Professional Development Strategies to Grow Your Career<\/h1><\/div>\n\n\n<figure style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:3.25rem\" class=\"aligncenter wp-block-post-featured-image\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"350\" height=\"438\" src=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IA-Blog-Prof-Dev.jpg?w=350\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" style=\"object-fit:cover;\" srcset=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IA-Blog-Prof-Dev.jpg 350w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IA-Blog-Prof-Dev.jpg?resize=120,150 120w, https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IA-Blog-Prof-Dev.jpg?resize=240,300 240w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 350px) 100vw, 350px\" data-attachment-id=\"13267\" data-permalink=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/blog\/job-readiness\/career-development-strategies\/attachment\/ia-blog-prof-dev\/\" data-orig-file=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IA-Blog-Prof-Dev.jpg\" data-orig-size=\"350,438\" data-comments-opened=\"0\" data-image-meta=\"{&quot;aperture&quot;:&quot;2&quot;,&quot;camera&quot;:&quot;Canon EOS R5&quot;,&quot;created_timestamp&quot;:&quot;1746010247&quot;,&quot;focal_length&quot;:&quot;35&quot;,&quot;iso&quot;:&quot;200&quot;,&quot;shutter_speed&quot;:&quot;0.00125&quot;,&quot;orientation&quot;:&quot;1&quot;}\" data-image-title=\"IA Blog Prof Dev\" data-image-description=\"\" data-image-caption=\"\" data-large-file=\"https:\/\/blog.academy.intuit.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/IA-Blog-Prof-Dev.jpg?w=350\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-avenir-font-family has-fs-0750-font-size is-content-justification-space-between is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-4a907d44 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-right:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);padding-left:var(--wp--preset--spacing--500);font-style:normal;font-weight:500;letter-spacing:2px;line-height:1.2;text-transform:uppercase\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Published<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-date\"><time datetime=\"2026-10-21T09:51:22-07:00\">Oct 21, 2026<\/time><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-nowrap is-layout-flex wp-container-core-group-is-layout-7387b849 wp-block-group-is-layout-flex\">\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Written By<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author-name\">Intuit Academy Blog Team<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"reading-time wp-block-rkv-reading-time has-fs-0750-font-size is-layout-flow wp-block-rkv-reading-time-is-layout-flow\">11 Mins read<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Figuring out how to grow your career is often less about big moves and more about steady, deliberate progress. What you need is consistent habits that build the skills that set you apart from others.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You won\u2019t achieve every goal all at once, but committing to them can have a compounding effect. Here are 7 professional development strategies that work for early-career professionals feeling stuck, mid-career workers looking to level up, or career changers exploring new paths.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key Points<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Some career development strategies don\u2019t take long to show results, while others require more patience and persistence. A clear plan can take you from where you are today to where you want to be.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Personal branding and networking matter more than you might think. In fact, 71% of workers say networking has led to a real career outcome, according to an Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Asking for specific feedback after specific projects and finding mentors who\u2019ve already done what you\u2019re trying to do are ways to skip mistakes that would otherwise take years to learn from.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stay open to feedback and push yourself to keep learning. You could go much further than you ever imagined.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Set Clear Career Goals\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Knowing how to grow your career starts with setting clear, achievable goals. For example, you might ask what \u201cgrowth\u201d means to you. A promotion? A new role? A certification? Knowing what you want gives you something clear and measurable to work toward.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Clearly defined goals are much easier to follow than vague objectives. Writing them down helps, too. You don\u2019t have to map out your entire future career. Starting small with something specific and achievable (like getting a raise) can help you start building momentum.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The SMART framework is a useful structure for turning a vague ambition into a workable plan:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Specific:<\/strong> Opt for clearly defined goals rather than abstract goals. And be sure to name the exact outcome. \u201cGet promoted to senior analyst\u201d beats \u201cadvance in my career.\u201d\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Measurable:<\/strong> Make your goals quantifiable so you know how much progress you\u2019re making. An example could be boosting your income by 5%.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Achievable:<\/strong> Aim for something you can realistically achieve within a set timeframe, like getting a promotion within the next 6 months.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relevant:<\/strong> Every short-term goal should be related to where you\u2019re at now and where you see your future self.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Time-bound:<\/strong> Have an end date for each goal so that you keep moving forward. Six months. End of the quarter. By your next review.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start with 1 long-term goal that will take you a year or so to complete. Then, write down a couple of short-term goals that will help you get there. Sharing your goals with someone else\u2014for example, a peer or mentor\u2014can help add a layer of accountability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Build and Maintain a Professional Network<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Networking is among the most effective career advancement strategies. According to an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.expresspros.com\/newsroom\/news-releases\/news-releases\/2026\/03\/84-percent-of-us-job-seekers-say-networking-matters-but-59-percent-don-t-know-where-to-begin\" target=\"_blank\">Express Employment Professionals-Harris Poll survey<\/a>, 71% of US workers directly benefit from their professional connections, most often through referrals (39%) or job interviews (36%).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cultivating strong working relationships with the right people, like hiring managers or peers, puts a name and a reputation behind your application. The same survey found that 32% of workers say networking led directly to a job offer.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Job-hunting isn\u2019t the only reason to do it, either. Strong connections keep you current on what\u2019s happening in your industry, and they\u2019re often where mentors come from.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That same survey also dug into how people network. Some of the most popular platforms include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Online platforms like LinkedIn (73%)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In-person conferences or meetups (66%)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Informal coffee chats or other meetups (65%)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cold outreach (62%)\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Online webinars and events (59%)\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start where you already spend time. Comment thoughtfully on posts in your field, share something you\u2019re working on or learning, and reach out to people whose work interests you. Industry events, online or in person, give you a reason to introduce yourself without it feeling forced.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Seek Out a Mentor<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A mentor is someone further along the path you\u2019re on who\u2019s willing to share what they\u2019ve learned. This is a career growth strategy you can fall back on at any point in your career.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A good mentor can:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Help you avoid common mistakes, especially in your early career\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Keep you accountable with your goals\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Guide you to make smarter career decisions\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Offer a valuable perspective that comes from their years of experience\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Present you with new opportunities that might have taken you years to find\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once you find a mentor, be prepared to check in with them regularly. That could be a 30-minute call once a month, for example.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for mentors in your professional network or current company. You could also reach out to someone you know who inspires you. A short message explaining what you admire about their career and asking for a 15-minute conversation can be a great place to start.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They don\u2019t have to be in your exact field. Sometimes the most useful perspective comes from outside it, because the person isn\u2019t bringing the same assumptions you are.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Make it a 2-way relationship. Send them an interesting article. Update them when their advice pays off. And offer help when you can.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Ask for Feedback Regularly<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Proactivity is critical to advancing in your career. That means seeking feedback when it makes sense.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Managers and coworkers might notice things about your work that you can\u2019t see from the inside, such as patterns in how you communicate or habits that slow projects down. But they won\u2019t always volunteer that information unless you ask, and annual reviews are infrequent and can be too high level to be useful for course correction.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By asking for it yourself, you\u2019re taking control over your own career growth. That can translate to identifying blind spots sooner and improving more quickly. The people around you may also view you as more motivated and willing to take initiative, especially if you take their feedback to heart.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The best moment to ask is typically right after something specific. That could be a project wrapping up or a presentation you just gave. The work is fresh, and the feedback will be concrete instead of abstract.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask them what they think went well and if they had any initial thoughts about what could have gone differently. Resist the urge to defend or explain. Write down what they have to say, thank them, and follow up later to show you acted on it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Take on Stretch Assignments<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A stretch assignment is work that\u2019s deliberately a step beyond what you already know how to do. It helps you build new skills, and you show the people around you that you\u2019re capable of more than your current role.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Stretch assignments are a useful career advancement strategy because they push you beyond your comfort zone. And people tend to learn faster when they have to. What\u2019s the difference between a skill you study in the abstract and a skill you have to use under an actual deadline? The second sticks.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The added benefit is visibility. Managers who only see you do your existing job tend to extrapolate from your existing job. A stretch assignment gives them new data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pick the assignment based on the skill you want to build. Say you\u2019re trying to improve your leadership skills, for example. You might ask to lead a team meeting or mentor a new staff member as a stretch assignment.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It\u2019s perfectly fine to start with something small. And you don\u2019t have to be perfect at it. Just be willing to learn and improve.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Pursue Certifications and Structured Learning<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Continued learning is a professional development strategy that\u2019s often best suited for early- to mid-career professionals. It can help <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/user-focus\/advance-your-career\">advance your career<\/a> while future-proofing your skills. That way, you\u2019re ready for whatever comes your way.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">There are a couple of primary ways to go about self-directed learning:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Professional certifications:<\/strong> Industry-recognized credentials that signal a specific competency, such as a Project Management Professional (PMP)<sup>\u00ae<\/sup> or QuickBooks certification. They tend to carry more weight with employers than coursework alone because they\u2019re tied to a standardized exam or evaluation.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Structured learning programs:<\/strong> Courses, bootcamps, and certificates that take you to a defined endpoint. The structure itself is part of the value. You can point to what you covered and what you can now do.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Consider your career goals and industry. Are there specific certifications or programs professionals in your field tend to have? If so, what are they? Do you feel like your current skill set is lacking in some way? An online bootcamp could be the solution.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For example, if you\u2019re considering accounting or tax as a career direction, <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/\">Intuit Academy<\/a> offers free online courses in tax preparation and bookkeeping. You earn a badge that you can add to your LinkedIn profile or resume. And because the courses are free and self-paced, you can use them to test whether the field is right for you before committing to a longer or more expensive program.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Build a Personal Brand<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A personal brand answers the question that other people ask about you when you\u2019re not in the room: What is this person known for<em>?<\/em> A clear answer can help you stand out. Recruiters and hiring managers all do their research before reaching out, so making it easier for them to figure out who you are and what you do well ups the odds they contact you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why It Works<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A clear personal brand makes you findable when someone is looking for the kind of work you do. It also:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Makes you more memorable to potential employers or recruiters\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increases your visibility online\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shows others what you stand for and what you can do\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connects you to peers and even industry leaders\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helps attract opportunities, often through referrals or connections\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How to Apply It<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Set up your LinkedIn profile first. Stay active by sharing your insights and commenting on industry content. You can either leave comments on other people\u2019s posts or write your own.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As for what to write, start with professional challenges you\u2019ve overcome and any lessons you learned. You can also share your thoughts on what\u2019s currently happening in the industry. You might post a couple of times a week to build visibility.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another option is to create a professional website where you share your experiences and insights. If you want to go further, you could always start a YouTube channel doing the same.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Start Your Career Development Today<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Seven professional development strategies are a lot. You don\u2019t have to do all of them. Start with the matches that best align with your goals and build from there.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you\u2019re heading toward finance or accounting roles, <a href=\"https:\/\/academy.intuit.com\/user-focus\/qualify-for-role-intuit\">Intuit Academy\u2019s free, self-paced courses<\/a> in tax preparation and bookkeeping are a great place to start.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Should career development strategies differ depending on whether someone is an introvert or extrovert?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Introverts and extroverts can use the same career growth strategies, though the way each might go about them might be a little different. Extroverts often do well with group settings and broad outreach. Introverts tend to get more out of 1-on-1 coffee chats or written engagement on platforms like LinkedIn. Neither approach is necessarily better. It\u2019s more about choosing the version that you\u2019ll actually do consistently.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How do people continue growing professionally when they have hit a ceiling in their current role or company?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hitting a ceiling might mean your company doesn\u2019t have room for you to grow, or that it does, but the path requires something you don\u2019t yet have. What to do next depends on which scenario you\u2019re facing.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the former, you could hit up your network and start having conversations with people in roles you\u2019d want next\u2014at other companies, in adjacent industries, or in functions you\u2019ve only worked alongside. In the latter scenario, you could identify your skills gap and upskill. That might mean pursuing a specific credential or type of experience. A stretch experience might help here, too.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Can career development strategies be applied effectively when switching industries entirely?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You\u2019ll need to do some planning, but you can still use these strategies when switching industries. Figure out which skills and experiences are transferable. Tailor your LinkedIn profile and connect with peers in the new industry. And, if possible, attend webinars or other professional events that can pave the way to new opportunities.&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Figuring out how to grow your career is often less about big moves and more about steady, deliberate progress. What you need is consistent habits that build the skills that set you apart from others.&nbsp;&nbsp; You won\u2019t achieve every goal all at once, but committing to them can have a compounding effect. 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