Achievement Striving as a Facet of Conscientiousness
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1. Introduction
Have you ever noticed some people seem endlessly driven to improve themselves and reach their goals?
This drive is known as Achievement Striving, a vital facet of Conscientiousness — one of the Big Five personality traits.
In this article, we’ll explore Achievement Striving, why it matters for success, and how you can harness it in your personal and professional life
2. What is Conscientiousness?
Conscientiousness describes people who are organized, disciplined, and dependable. Individuals high in Conscientiousness tend to plan ahead, follow rules, and persist in their pursuits.
Achievement Striving is one of the most energetic and proactive facets of this trait. It’s the inner motivation that drives someone to reach their fullest potential.
3. What is Achievement Striving as a Facet of Conscientiousness?
Achievement Striving refers to the strong desire to work hard, overcome obstacles, and set challenging goals — all for the satisfaction of reaching those goals. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), individuals high in Achievement Striving tend to:
.Be highly ambitious — They set their sights on long-term objectives.
.Have a strong work ethic — They put in extra effort to excel.
.Pursue continuous improvement — They look for new skills to master.
.Maintain focus — They stay on track despite distractions.
“The future depends on what you do today.”
Mahatma Gandhi
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4. Why Achievement Striving Matters
People with high levels of Achievement Striving often achieve greater success in their careers and personal goals.
Research published in Frontiers in Psychology suggests that this facet is strongly linked to performance across domains — including academics, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Additionally, Achievement Striving boosts self-confidence and resilience, making it easier to bounce back after setbacks.
5. How to Develop Achievement Striving
If you’d like to cultivate greater Achievement Striving, try these proven strategies:
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Develop a growth mindset — View challenges as opportunities to grow.
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Build habits — Schedule focused work sessions to stay consistent.
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Find mentors — Seek guidance from people who inspire you.
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Track progress — Reflect regularly on your successes and areas for improvement.
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Set specific goals — Break down your ambitions into measurable milestones.
6. Benefits of High Achievement Striving
Professional success — Highly driven people often excel in their careers.
Self-fulfillment — Pursuing goals brings a sense of purpose and pride.
Resilience — Determination to succeed builds grit in the face of adversity.
A study by the Journal of Applied Psychology found that Achievement Striving correlates with higher job performance, creativity, and leadership effectiveness .
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