Success means different things to different people. For some, it’s achieving a high-ranking job title and a lavish salary. For others, it’s following your passions, making a meaningful impact, and living according to your values. The truth is, there are many paths to success, and how we define it says a lot about what we personally value in life.

These five TED Talks offer thought-provoking perspectives on what success really means and how to achieve it in a balanced, sustainable way.

Arianna Huffington argues that we need to redefine success to include well-being, wisdom, wonder and giving — not just money and power. She says that while a “successful” life used to look like a ladder we climb, today it looks more like a labyrinth — full of twists and turns, dead ends and unexpected passages.

Adam Grant makes a case for introverts and “givers” — people who share knowledge and help others with no strings attached. While society tends to favor charismatic extroverts, Grant shows how introverts and givers achieve just as much, if not more success, by building meaningful relationships and contributing value to those around them.

Emilie Wapnick discusses “multipotentiality” — the ability to pursue many different careers and passions over the course of your life. She argues that “career hopping” and having a “slash career” (writer/coach/designer) should not be seen as a sign of indecision or a lack of focus but embraced as a strength. Success for multipotentialites is about following your interests and contributing value through many pursuits.

Tim Ferriss shares how to achieve “world-class” success by focusing on the few things that really matter and ignoring the rest. He teaches how to pare down your priorities to just one or two meaningful pursuits and then rigorously optimize your time for those pursuits. Saying “no” and selective ignorance are just as crucial as hard work and perseverance.

Mel Robbins talks about the “5 second rule” — how to push yourself out of your comfort zone and into action. Success, she argues, is not about luck, talent or personality. It’s about having the courage to take risks, confront your fears and make difficult decisions — and that all starts with a simple 5-second countdown. Success is within your control, as long as you have the courage to push yourself forward.

Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways to relieve stress, communicate effectively, empathize with others, overcome challenges and defuse conflict. Leaders who possess emotional intelligence are able to manage their emotions and connect with the emotions of their followers.

Research shows that emotional intelligence is responsible for 58% of performance in all types of jobs. It is the single biggest predictor of performance in the workplace and the strongest driver of leadership and personal excellence. Emotional intelligence is crucial for leadership success. Leaders who can effectively manage emotions are able to create resonance and are adept at managing relationships and building trust.

Emotionally intelligent leaders are also able to inspire and motivate their teams. They can accurately assess the emotional state of those around them and make sure their own emotions are appropriate and productive. This allows them to connect with their followers on an emotional level and gain their trust and loyalty. Emotionally intelligent leaders also tend to be more flexible and willing to adapt to change. They have a better understanding of themselves and others and are able to influence people positively.

Developing emotional intelligence requires self-awareness and a commitment to growth and learning. Emotional intelligence increases with age and experience, but it can also be developed through conscious effort. Some key ways to increase your emotional intelligence include practicing self-reflection, managing your reactions, connecting with others, and embracing challenges. Exercises like journaling, mindfulness meditation, and seeking feedback can significantly boost your emotional intelligence over time.

While emotional intelligence alone does not guarantee leadership success, leaders with high emotional intelligence have a competitive advantage. They are able to build strong relationships, inspire and motivate their teams, demonstrate flexibility and adaptability, and drive positive change. Emotional intelligence is a skill that takes continuous practice and refinement, but it is one of the most important abilities for leadership excellence.

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey. This book is a timeless classic that provides a simple yet powerful framework for improving your effectiveness in both your personal and professional life. Covey articulates seven habits embodied by effective people: proactivity, thinking win-win, first understanding then being understood, synergizing, and continuous self-renewal. This book will help you cultivate the habits required to achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss. This book challenges the conventional wisdom of “work hard, play hard” and provides a blueprint for leading a more productive and meaningful life. Ferriss offers practical advice for automating income, redefining your priorities, and living life on your own terms. This book will inspire you to rethink the status quo and find ways to escape the 9-5 grind.

Mindset by Carol Dweck. This book discusses the power of our mindsets and belief systems. Dweck explains that people can have either a fixed mindset or a growth mindset. With a fixed mindset, you believe your qualities are carved in stone. With a growth mindset, you believe your qualities can be developed and improved through effort and persistence. This book will teach you how to develop a growth mindset and achieve your true potential.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz. This book provides practical advice for building and running a business. Horowitz shares lessons he learned co-founding and leading Opsware, a company that grew into a public entity worth over $1.6 billion. He offers guidance on everything from hiring key executives to laying off employees. This book delivers the kind of advice you can only get from someone who has struggled through hard experiences.

Grit by Angela Duckworth. This book explores the power of passion and perseverance. Duckworth explains that talent is overrated and grit is the true driver of success. Grit is the ability to sustain interest in and effort toward long-term goals. This book will show you how to develop a growth mindset, pursue your passions, and achieve your goals through determination and hard work.

Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry. This book provides a step-by-step program for increasing your emotional intelligence. Emotional intelligence is the ability to understand, use, and manage your own emotions in positive ways. Bradberry explains strategies for developing self-awareness, managing stress, cultivating positive relationships, and making good decisions. This book will teach you skills that are essential for success and happiness in both your career and your personal life.

Achieving a healthy work-life balance is essential for long-term success and well-being. When people spend too much of their time and energy on work, it leads to increased stress, reduced happiness, deteriorating health, and damaged relationships. Our personal lives and relationships suffer when we devote too much time to our careers.

It’s important for people to disconnect from work and make time for recreation, social interaction, exercise, and rest. Engaging in hobbies, spending time with loved ones, being out in nature, and pursuing other personal interests help recharge our batteries and make us more creative and productive when working. When we lead balanced lives with time for work and play, we have more motivation, energy, and focus to achieve our career and business goals.

Many highly successful entrepreneurs and business leaders emphasize the importance of work-life balance. They recognize that in order to sustain success over the long run, they need to avoid burnout and cultivate rich personal lives outside of work. Some of the most productive companies are also strong proponents of work-life balance and offer generous paid time off and flexible work options for their employees.

Of course, achieving an ideal balance is easier said than done for many people. Long work hours are often unavoidable, especially for those with demanding jobs or ambitious career aspirations. However, it’s important to set boundaries where possible and be intentional about making time for life outside of work. Even small changes can make a big difference.

Building in buffers to avoid back-to-back meetings, leaving work at a reasonable hour, using all paid time off, and avoiding checking email once home are some effective strategies for improving work-life balance. It also helps to pursue hobbies, nurture relationships, stay socially connected with others, and make self-care a priority in your life. Your physical and mental health, happiness, and success over the long run depend on it.

With dedication and practice, people can achieve a healthy balance between work life and personal life. While it may require difficult choices at times, the rewards of less stress, improved well-being, and greater life satisfaction make it well worth the effort. Overall, work-life balance is vital for sustainable success, productivity, health, and happiness. Our careers and businesses thrive when we lead whole, well-rounded lives with time for both work and play.

Failure and setbacks are an inevitable part of life. Resilience is the ability to bounce back from difficulties, and it is a skill that can be learned and strengthened over time.

The first step to building resilience is to maintain an optimistic and positive mindset. Focus on the things you can influence rather than the things you can’t. Look for small opportunities to learn and grow from your mistakes and failures. Maintain a sense of hope and purpose to motivate yourself to push through challenges.

Practice self-care. Make sure to engage in regular exercise, eat healthy meals, get enough sleep, and take occasional breaks when you’re feeling stressed or upset. Your physical health and mood are closely connected. Staying in good shape will make you better equipped to deal with difficulties.

Learn from your experiences, both good and bad. When you face a failure or setback, look for the lessons. What can you learn? How will you grow? While the situation may be painful, there are always insights that can be gained. Share your experiences with others, and try to find meaning even in difficult events.

Maintain strong relationships. Social support from family and friends is key to building resilience. Talk to others about your struggles and feelings, and try to stay connected to the people who love and support you. Let others help you – don’t try to deal with difficulties alone.

Be flexible and adaptable. Life is always changing, so the ability to adapt to new circumstances is essential. Accept that you cannot control everything that happens to you. Learn to reframe problems and look for alternative solutions and ways of doing things. The more adaptable you are, the more able you will be to deal with unforeseen challenges.

Take action and maintain a routine. Do small things each day that give you a sense of progress and purpose. Don’t dwell on your problems – focus on tasks that you can accomplish. Maintain a routine to avoid feeling aimless or overwhelmed. Taking constructive action will boost your confidence and help shift your mindset to a more positive state.

Building resilience is a lifelong process, but by developing the right mindset and life skills, you can become better able to navigate difficulties, learn from your experiences, and move forward in a positive way. With practice and patience, you can develop the ability to adapt to change and overcome life’s inevitable setbacks.

Negotiation is the art of getting what you want. In business and in life, we negotiate every single day, from small issues to very important deals. The key to successful negotiation is preparation, confidence, flexibility, and knowing when to walk away.

Do your homework. Know the facts and figures, understand the issues fully, and determine your interests and priorities. The more you know, the more confidence you’ll have, and the less likely you’ll be to make concessions you’ll later regret.

Focus on interests, not positions. Your interests are why you want something. Your positions are what you’re demanding. Interests are flexible, positions are not. Look for mutual interests and options that satisfy both parties’ key interests.

Build rapport and trust. Smile, make eye contact, listen actively, and show interest in the other party. Trust is the foundation of a successful negotiation. Without it, the process will be adversarial and inefficient.

Start with a reasonable first offer. An extreme initial offer signals you’re not negotiating in good faith and can damage the relationship and trust. Make an opening offer that’s acceptable and leave room for compromise.

Look for win-win options. The best deals are those in which both parties feel they’ve won. Focus on mutually satisfying options that provide benefits for everyone. Be open to alternative solutions and willing to compromise when possible.

Be flexible but stand firm on your priorities. Don’t get locked into one particular position. Look for alternatives that still meet your key interests. But don’t yield on important points just to reach agreement. It’s better to walk away if your minimum requirements aren’t met.

Use compromise and concessions effectively. Compromise when the other party’s interests are more important to them than yours. But get concessions in return for the compromises you make. Look for a fair exchange and balance.

Be prepared to walk away if needed. The ability to walk away from a bad deal is your strongest source of power in a negotiation. If it’s unacceptable, be willing to end discussions and pursue better options. Often the other party will come back with an improved offer rather than lose the deal altogether.

Change is inevitable in life and in our careers. Embracing it and learning to navigate transitions with confidence and poise is a skill that will serve you well. Here are five strategies to help you move through career changes with grace:

Do your research. When faced with a career transition, gather as much information as possible. Learn everything you can about potential new roles, paths, or companies that interest you. The more you know, the less uncertainty and fear you will feel. Talk to others currently in roles that intrigue you. Read industry reports. Follow leaders in target fields. Knowledge is power.

Build your network. Now is the time to connect with new people and strengthen existing relationships. Let others know you are exploring new opportunities. Networking can uncover hidden jobs, provide insight into different career paths, and introduce you to key players in fields of interest. You never know who may help you find your next opportunity.

Develop in-demand skills. Make a list of key requirements for your target roles. Then work to strengthen and develop those skills. Take additional courses. Pursue certifications. Get involved in related projects at your current job. Keeping your skills sharp and learning new, relevant abilities will boost your confidence and make you a strong candidate.

revamp your tools. Update your resume, online profiles, website, and portfolio to align with your career goals. Refreshing your tools will make you feel more poised to pursue new opportunities and help you stand out to potential employers or clients. Your materials should convey your strengths, key accomplishments, and career objectives.

Network. While in transition, make networking a priority. Connect with leaders in your target field or company. Join relevant industry associations and online groups to build connections and stay on top of trends. Attend conferences and events. Meet with others for informational interviews. The more people you know, the more likely new opportunities will arise.

Communication is one of the most important skills for success in life. Strong communication skills allow us to effectively share our ideas with others, build connections, and achieve our goals. Here are some tips to improve your communication skills:

Effective listening is the first step to good communication. Pay attention to the speaker, make eye contact, and avoid distractions. Try to understand the speaker’s perspective and emotions. Ask clarifying questions to ensure you comprehend the message correctly.

Choose your words carefully and be aware of your tone. The words you use and your tone of voice can significantly impact the meaning and intention behind your message. Select positive and inclusive language, speak clearly, and maintain an even, respectful tone.

Share information that is relevant and helpful. Provide context and explain how the details are important or useful to the listener. Share information that is accurate, honest, and constructive. Omit unnecessary details that can confuse the message.

Be open to feedback and different perspectives. Listen with an open mind and seek to understand other points of view. Ask follow up questions to make sure you understand concerns and critiques. Say thank you for the feedback and explain how you will incorporate it going forward.

Practice active listening by paraphrasing what the speaker said to confirm you understood them correctly. For example, say something like, “What I heard you say is…” or “It sounds like the key points are…” This reinforces that you received their message accurately and are engaged in the conversation.

Maintain positive body language like eye contact, an open stance, and leaning in. Your body language and facial expressions significantly impact how your words are received and interpreted. Positive, engaging body language can help put others at ease and build rapport.

Communication is a two-way street, so share information about yourself too and build connections. Look for common ground and express interest in learning more about the other person. Building rapport and trust will make communication easier.

Review and evaluate your communication skills regularly. Think about recent interactions and how they could have been improved. Look for patterns in communication breakdowns and determine ways to strengthen your skills. With continuous practice, effective communication can become second nature.

Mentorship is one of the most powerful ways to grow in your career and life. Having someone to guide you through challenges, provide advice, and push you outside your comfort zone can accelerate your progress. At the same time, being a mentor to others is a rewarding experience that allows you to share your knowledge and support the development of someone else.

Finding a great mentor and being an effective mentor yourself both require effort and commitment. As a mentee, look for someone you respect, who has experience in areas you want to develop, and who has time to invest in your growth. Do some self-reflection to determine what you specifically want to learn, and look for a mentor with relevant expertise. Reach out and explain what you’re looking for, then make the time to meet regularly, ask questions, listen, and implement their advice.

As a mentor, start by looking for opportunities to support someone just beginning their career or looking to advance to the next level. Meet with them to understand their goals and determine if there is a good fit. If so, commit to providing guidance and sharing insights, while also challenging them appropriately. Give constructive feedback and hold them accountable. Make introductions to others who can help them. And share both successes and failures you’ve experienced.

Mentorship works best when both parties are fully invested. As a mentee, that means being proactive, following through on commitments, and implementing feedback. Thank your mentor for their time and guidance. As a mentor, be available to your mentee, provide useful advice and contacts, and take an interest in their growth and progress over the long-term.

Mentorship can be formal or informal, but in either case, it requires effort from both sides. When done well, it is a rewarding experience for both mentor and mentee. Mentees gain valuable guidance and support. Mentors gain the satisfaction of helping someone else develop and achieve more in their career. Overall, mentorship is a powerful way to drive both individual and organizational success.

Overcoming procrastination is a challenge many people face. The key is developing practical strategies to avoid delaying important tasks and get started. Here are some proven techniques to overcome procrastination:

Break down large, overwhelming tasks into small, concrete steps. This makes the tasks seem more achievable and less intimidating. Take the first small step to get started, and you will build momentum.

Start working, even if you don’t feel like it. Getting started is often the hardest part, so just dive in and you will usually gain motivation along the way. Sit down and begin, and avoid waiting for the “right” mindset or mood.

Remove distractions. Minimize notifications on your devices and try to limit interruptions. Find an environment conducive to focus and productivity. The more focused you can be, the more engaged you will become in the task.

Promise yourself a reward. If you complete the task, reward yourself with something you enjoy, like a coffee break, reading or exercise. This can motivate you to push through and get the work done. But don’t reward yourself until you’ve accomplished what you need to do.

Break down reasons for procrastination. Identify any irrational thoughts or beliefs that cause you to avoid the task. Then challenge those thoughts and replace them with more constructive ones. This can help shift your mindset to one that is ready to get started.

Review the benefits. Remind yourself of the important reasons you need to get the work done. Think of the value of accomplishing the task, and how good you will feel once it is complete. Envision the outcomes and results, which can strengthen your motivation.

Be flexible in your approach. If you get stuck, try changing your environment or switching to another task you need to complete. Take a short break to rest your mind, then revisit the work with fresh motivation and energy. Stay open to different strategies to make progress.

Learn from your experiences. Note what worked well for overcoming your procrastination and apply those lessons the next time. You can build better habits and stronger motivation through consistency and practice. Be patient with yourself, and maintain a positive attitude. You’ve got this! Overcoming procrastination gets easier with regular effort and time.