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Success doesn’t just happen. It’s not magic, luck, or some secret sauce only a few women get access to.

It’s built.

Decision by decision. Habit by habit. You don’t need to overhaul your entire life. You need to adopt the habits that successful women swear by.

If you’re a driven woman who’s climbing the ladder, building your own lane, or leading a team, these 10 habits for career success can help you lead with clarity, communicate assertively, and protect your time and energy.

1. They Know Their Core Values, and Live By Them

Successful women don’t make decisions based on what looks good on paper. They choose based on what aligns with their values. When you’re clear on your non-negotiables, you stop chasing titles or roles that drain you. Instead, you lead with purpose.

Pro tip: If you’re feeling stuck or misaligned, your values might be the missing link.

2. They Set Boundaries, and Enforce Them

This is a big one, especially for women in leadership or growth phases. Saying “yes” to everything is a fast track to burnout. High-achieving women protect their time like it’s a limited resource—because it is. They’re not afraid to say, “That doesn’t work for me,” or, “I don’t have capacity right now.” Want to be respected in your field? Start by respecting your own limits.

Pro tip: If you struggle with saying “no” start with “yes, later.”

3. They Prioritize Assertive Communication

They don’t water down their emails with “just” or apologize for having an opinion. Assertive women speak clearly, directly, and with intention. They don’t beat around the bush or wait for permission to lead. If you struggle with this, start by cutting back on qualifying language like “I think” or “I’m not sure, but…” Your ideas are valid. Own them.

Pro tip: Download my chart on the difference between assertive, aggressive, and passive-aggressive behavior.

4. They Invest in Their Growth

Whether it’s coaching, courses, or books, successful women know that personal and professional development isn’t optional; it’s essential. They don’t wait for their employer to offer a training opportunity. They create their own growth path because they know the payoff is adding tools to their own career toolbox. If you’re serious about leveling up, you need to treat your development like the investment it is, not a luxury.

Pro tip: Contact me for one-on-one coaching here, and check out my leadership book list on Amazon for some great tried and true book recommendations.

5. They Have an Evening and Morning Routine That Sets the Tone

This doesn’t mean waking up at 5am to meditate, journal, and train for a marathon (unless that’s your thing). It means preparing for your morning so you aren’t rushing around making last-minute decisions about what to wear or what to eat for lunch. It means giving yourself enough time to commute, if you do, and setting yourself up for success before the first meeting. It means giving yourself time to detach from work, whether that’s a hobby, exercise, music, or whatever helps!

Pro Tip: If I’m commuting to the office, I find it useful to pick out my outfit and pack my lunch the night before. I’ll also block time on my calendar before scheduled meetings to prepare for them. If I don’t do that, someone will inevitably try to squeeze in a 30-minute meeting immediately before (project managers, I’m looking at you!)

6. They Delegate Without Guilt

Whether it’s at work or at home, successful women aren’t trying to prove they can do it all. Because doing it all usually means doing a lot of it halfway and getting resentful in the process. They know their zone of genius and stay in it. Delegation is not weakness; it’s leadership. If you’re still holding on to tasks because “no one else can do it right,” ask yourself: Is your perfectionism getting in the way of your progress?

7. They Track Their Wins (Not Just Their To-Do List)

High-performing women make it a habit to track accomplishments, big and small. Whether it’s landing a new client, setting a boundary, or finally sending that pitch, they acknowledge their progress. This keeps imposter syndrome in check and reminds you: You’re not just busy, you’re building.

Pro tip: set up an “awesome file” for yourself to keep kudos from your boss, client appreciation notes, and your wins. It will help during annual review time and for when that dreaded imposter syndrome kicks in.

8. They Build Powerful Relationships (Not Just Networks)

I know networking feels icky, as it can feel transactional or even a little fake. But successful women go beyond the business card exchange. They build relationships rooted in mutual respect, real conversation, and follow-through. They check in, support others’ wins, and aren’t afraid to ask for support, either.

You don’t need to be extroverted to build a strong network. You just need to be intentional. One coffee chat. One “I saw this and thought of you” message. That’s how you start.

Pro tip: Make it a habit to reach out to someone in your network each week to share something that made you think of them.

9. They Own Their Career Story

Here’s something I tell my clients: if you don’t tell your story, someone else will tell it for you, and they might not get it right. Successful women are clear on the value they bring. They’ve done the work to connect the dots between their past experience, current skills, and future goals. They don’t downplay their wins, and they’re not waiting for someone to “discover” them. They pitch themselves. They speak up in meetings. They make their goals known. You don’t need to be arrogant; you need to be articulate. Owning your career story is about being confident in how you show up and making sure your brilliance isn’t hiding behind “humble.”

10. They Rest Intentionally

You can’t lead effectively if your tank is always on E. The most successful women I coach don’t squeeze in self-care when they’re already burned out; they plan for it before they need it. They block time on their calendar for thinking, for unplugging, for rest that isn’t “productive.” Whether it’s a walk without your phone, a long bath, or an actual vacation, rest is a career strategy. It creates space for clarity, creativity, and long-term sustainability.

So if you’ve been grinding nonstop, consider this your permission slip: real leaders rest. You don’t need to earn it, you need to honor it.

Final Thoughts: Success Is Built on Habits, Not Hustle

Here’s the truth no one talks about: successful women are not superhuman. They’ve simply learned to be intentional with their time, their energy, and their voice. They’ve built habits that support their goals, and they’ve released the pressure to do it all perfectly. These 10 habits for career success aren’t about being someone you’re not; they’re about helping you step more fully into the leader you already are.

Comment below or DM me—I’d love to hear your thoughts. If you found this helpful, send it to a career-minded woman in your circle who’s ready to lead with more clarity and confidence (see number 8).

P.S. Want more tips like this? Subscribe to my newsletter where I break down actionable strategies for women who are done playing small—from setting boundaries at work to speaking up without second-guessing yourself. You’ll get prompts and coaching-style insights designed to help you lead, grow, and thrive.