Decades of research on achievement suggests people at the top of their game tend to reach their goals because of what they do—not because of who they are. In this short, provocative, and useful HBR Single, motivational psychologist Heidi Grant Halvorson translates the psychological secrets of these winning human beings for your use. Halvorson expands on her immensely popular blog post to give more detail on each of her nine suggested actions—from getting specific about goals and aggressively monitoring your achievements to understanding the importance of having "grit."

By emphasizing what successful people do consistently and effectively, Halvorson provides the path to help you accomplish your goals, once and for all.