When you’re starting out, the most important things seem to be how many projects you can jump on, how much money you’re making, and how to get that next promotion. But what people don’t often realize until much later, is how many other things are so much more important. Here are five career lessons that will truly help you succeed:
1. Don’t try to be someone else
Ever heard the phrase ‘fake it until you make it?’ While that can definitely apply to faking a little extra confidence when you’re nervous, it should never apply to your personality as a whole. It’s great to have career inspirations or role models, but at some point, you need to figure out who you are and what’s your style is. Being genuine is so much more important, and will get you ahead faster rather than pretending to be someone you’re not.
2. Learn to say ‘no’
Especially when starting out, you’ll likely want to say yes to every project, meeting, or task that’s thrown your way. But once you’ve established yourself, you need to learn to say no. That way, you can focus your energy towards doing an outstanding job on your existing projects, without spreading yourself too thin with a million other small things. You want to do the best possible, but sometimes when you’re stretched too thin you don’t finish tasks to the best of your ability. It will help you to not take on too much, and understand your own time management.
3. Money is not what’s most important
What do you truly enjoy doing? Where do you devote your free time? Working somewhere on something that you love, is worth much more than making the big bucks doing something you hate. Why waste ten hours a day doing something menial, when you could be doing something you love! It really isn’t all about the money, and it won’t bring you happiness. I know it’s hard to fall into a routine of work, and you just continue to move with the motions to pay the bills. But take it from me, don’t waste your time and your energy on something that doesn’t make you happy. Sometimes that means taking risks. Don’t be scared, jump.
4. Own up to your mistakes
We all make mistakes, it’s just a part of life. Instead of covering them up and being ashamed, just say “yes, I made a mistake, and I will learn from it”. Making mistakes can be just as important as succeeding because you LEARN. People appreciate it a lot more when you’re truthful and upfront, it could save a lot of trouble and hassle. You’ll be respected as honest and trustworthy. It’s human – everyone does it, every day.
5. Surround yourself with the right people
The worst people you can surround yourself with are the slackers, complainers, and the people who are only there for a paycheck. Instead, find the people who love what they do, and are excited about going to work! Try to diversify the interests of your circle, with people who work in finance, arts, technical, communications, anything! Just so you have a well-rounded support group of positive people!
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Were these holding you back?
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When you’’re starting out, the most important things seem to be how many projects you can jump on, how much money you’re making, and how to get that next promotion. But what people don’t often realize until much later, is how many other things are so much more important. Here are five career lessons that will truly help you succeed:
1. Don’t try to be someone else
Ever heard the phrase ‘fake it until you make it?’ While that can definitely apply to faking a little extra confidence when you’re nervous, it should never apply to your personality as a whole. It’s great to have career inspirations or role models, but at some point, you need to figure out who you are and what’s your style is. Being genuine is so much more important, and will get you ahead faster rather than pretending to be someone you’re not.
2. Learn to say ‘no’
Especially when starting out, you’ll likely want to say yes to every project, meeting, or task that’s thrown your way. But once you’ve established yourself, you need to learn to say no. That way, you can focus your energy towards doing an outstanding job on your existing projects, without spreading yourself too thin with a million other small things. You want to do the best possible, but sometimes when you’re stretched too thin you don’t finish tasks to the best of your ability. It will help you to not take on too much, and understand your own time management.
3. Money is not what’s most important
What do you truly enjoy doing? Where do you devote your free time? Working somewhere on something that you love, is worth much more than making the big bucks doing something you hate. Why waste ten hours a day doing something menial, when you could be doing something you love! It really isn’t all about the money, and it won’t bring you happiness. I know it’s hard to fall into a routine of work, and you just continue to move with the motions to pay the bills. But take it from me, don’t waste your time and your energy on something that doesn’t make you happy. Sometimes that means taking risks. Don’t be scared, jump.
4. Own up to your mistakes
We all make mistakes, it’s just a part of life. Instead of covering them up and being ashamed, just say “yes, I made a mistake, and I will learn from it”. Making mistakes can be just as important as succeeding because you LEARN. People appreciate it a lot more when you’re truthful and upfront, it could save a lot of trouble and hassle. You’ll be respected as honest and trustworthy. It’s human – everyone does it, every day.
5. Surround yourself with the right people
The worst people you can surround yourself with are the slackers, complainers, and the people who are only there for a paycheck. Instead, find the people who love what they do, and are excited about going to work! Try to diversify the interests of your circle, with people who work in finance, arts, technical, communications, anything! Just so you have a well-rounded support group of positive people!
LET’S CHAT
Were these holding you back?
Such great points! as always. This is a fantastic blog for empowering women all around the world!
I’m stuck on #3!
-Kirsten // pork & cookies
Great post! Thank you!
https://poshpossibilities.blogspot.com/
Having a support network is so important! Over the past few months I’ve made the decision to push through with something I’m super passionate about (instead of following the crowd) and I’m so excited about what’s to come ♥
Amy // Snippets of Amy
Great to learn all of them!!!
2 and 5 are so important! I am learning the art of saying “no”, but it’s hard as a person who does enjoy making things for customers. Sometimes you just have to say “sorry I can’t satisfy your expectations” and just give them their money back. I’m also learning to limit what I offer. The less I limit, the happier people seem to be with what’s there.
And I have to surround myself with positive hard workers or nothing gets done! It never occurred to me until recently but there’s just something amazing about being surrounded by people who are encouraging, supportive, and just happy.
All five tips are awesome, though!
Chris | http://www.ilovequietsundays.com
Great post!! I especially appreciate the tip about owning up to your mistakes. It is so hard to do but I really think that being upfront is better in the long run.
Charlene The Frugal Fashionista
Exactly! Well Said! :)
http://www.liliantahmasian.com
Great advice- ugh, still trying to figure out all this career stuff out! *thegoodthingscomin.wordpress.com
A big yes to #1 and #4. Often my mistakes (and the brutally honest contemplation and conversations that follow) have been my most profound learning experiences.
These are all great pieces of advice! I definitely resonate with the first tip especially because it is oftentimes so easy to try and be who others expect us to be rather than who we actually are.
-Sisi
https://www.modernbeautygirl.com
This is such great advice. I’ve learnt from experience that surrounding yourself with people who enjoy their work makes your life more enjoyable, rewarding and you reach your full potential- which in turn helps you progress in your career and grow as a person. A brilliant post?
Totally agree that owning up to your mistakes is super important. I can’t even count the times I’ve worked with someone who was unwilling to say “I’m sorry, I screwed up,” and it totally impacted the way I saw them going forward. I’d also add that it’s important not to get too attached to any one path– be open to new experiences and different opportunities as they arise.
-Sonia
http://www.prettylowmaintenance.com
Great post! All these points are very true!
http://www.upyourvlog.com
Great advice! I started my own business about a year and a half ago and all of these ring true. Thanks!