Months before I celebrated my 30th trip around the Sun, I really started to reflect on the many lessons I’d learned in my 20s. My 20s were nothing short of amazing and served as such a pivotial time in my life. 2 graduations, a career, an engagment, a wedding, a baby, and a death later, life did me a favor of teaching me who I really was versus who I’d like to “think” I was.
Professionally I learned just how much grit I had in the tank and how high my ambition and drive could reach. I was blessed to find my career calling early but was challenged to know that “to whom much is given, much is required”. As I look back at the 20 something girl striving to be a career woman, I smile at the wins but also can’t help but to laugh at some of the rookie mistakes I made too.
Life is forever a teacher but 20 of the most critical lessons I learned:
- Find a mentor. Like tomorrow. You’ll never get where you want to go if you don’t align youself with those who’ve achieved the success you aspire to have.
- Grow your network. Iron sharpens iron so continue to grow your network professionally. Diversify your circle with visionaries, trail-blazers, and innovators.
- Invest in a suit. Black or Navy. Dress for the job you want, not the one you’re in. True enough suits can be super expensive. But treat this as an investment. You work too hard to not be taken seriously.
- Shoes specifically heels are not always multi-purpose— You love your 6 inch Jessica Simpson’s and love the idea of wearing them to work and then happy hour later with the girls. But DON’T. Heels too high at work can not only break ankles but break necks..in the wrong kind of way. Heels 4 inches or less for work are just as cute.
- Early bird always gets the worm.-This was hard one for me because I am not nor have I ever been a morning person. But once I realized their were zero downsides to being an early riser, I grew to appreciate the dawn of a new day.
- Build margin in your routine- Being “Booked and Busy” is cute and all until you are officially “Booked and Batty”. Slow down and create a buffer between activities/events/tasks. Take and enjoy lunch. Don’t overbook yourself.
- Don’t villianize the word “No.”- I’m sorry but I cannot right now. Can I back to you on this? When do you need this done? I’m currently working on another project and cannot add anything else to my plate”. There’s no harm in saying no. Especially if it cheats you from being productive.
- It’s ok to ask for help.- It is OK to not know everything. And it’s ok to seek help from others or to go back to gain clarity on instruction.
- Read often-Being an avid reader has its benefits. If reading an actual book really isn’t your thing, try audibles. Set a reading goal each year
- Take the day off Sis– Mental health days are a necessity. Who cares if you don’t have an actual vacation planned. Take a day strictly dedicated to self care. Never leave unused PTO on the table…EVER.
- Go Home!-Staying over occasionaly to finish up some last minute work happens. But don’t make burning the midnight oil a habit. The work isn’t going anywhere. Learn when to call it at day!
- Be about your business but don’t be an ice princess– It’s ok to keep things professional but showing a little personality goes a long way. Having allies is critical to your success.
- Listen more. Talk less– I know you know a lot. But it pays to listen to understand versus listen only to respond.
- Think outside the box and challenge the status quo– Be fearless and take the path less traveled
- Plan for retirement today– Contrary to what you may think, you will not stay young forever. Invest early and prepare for your future now.
- Remain a student– Take each day to learn something new whether it be a new aspect of business, skill, application, etc.
- Make goal-setting a part of life-Be diligent to your goals and get in the habit of writing them down. Create yearly and monthly goals and hold yourself accountable to reaching them.
- Consider failure your friend– I know it sounds crazy but failure is not your enemy. Embrace and accept the fact that failure is inevitable. But it only exists to help you grow.
- Do it afraid- If it doesn’t scare you then it’s not worth it. Don’t allow fear to steal the gift of possibility
- If your dreams don’t scare you, then they aren’t big enough– Don’t just chase your dreams; Run toward them head-on. Dream even bigger.
Kanice
Every single one of these!!
Christine
This!!! I’m an early bird during the work week – not particularly by choice, and not always a happy one, still working on that one myself 🙂