Do you ever look back and think “I wish I knew then what I know now?” Well, these thought leaders are sharing just that. From the difficulties of moving up the ladder to dealing with setbacks, this article is filled with tips on navigating the professional world from those who’ve been through it all. Below, 10 small business leaders each share a piece of honest advice to their younger selves.
Read on for a peek into what they’ve learned over the years.
Trying Is Doing Your Best
“Doing your best” looks different on different people. If you try at all, that means you tried, period. In the end, trying is doing your best, because you cared enough to try in the first place. Plus, taking some time for yourself means you can always try your best when you need to the most.
Tara Thompson, SEO Marketing Company
Learn to Change Gears Quickly
Nothing stays the same, so in order to be successful, you must learn to change gears quickly. People come and go, jobs come and go, responsibilities come and go….but as long as you perfect the art of changing gears to accommodate whatever is coming at you, you will encounter success!
Vicky Franko, Ohio Insurance Company
Patience
Patience. I love working with young people. It used to annoy me that they felt they were ready for my job after six months or so until I realized I was the same exact way. In today’s world, there is faster acceleration to senior positions or even ownership thanks to the digital space. But as much as a Young Turk feels they know it all, they don’t. Absorb, absorb, absorb, then go take on the world.
Eric Rutin, Rutin Marketing
Swing Big
Go for those things that your heart desires. I think so many times if you can match your passion with your skills and talents that’s when you have an opportunity. But many people never step up to the plate and try. The worse pain is not in failure, it’s in regret.
Gresham W. Harkless Jr., Blue 16 Media
Keep the Good and Refine the Rest
You will make many mistakes, but none of them fatal. Find out your mission, vision, and values ASAP and follow them carefully in both professional and personal terms. Keep the good and continue refining the rest.
Yuri Kruman, HR, Talent & Systems
Don’t Live Your Life in a Hurry
Don’t be in such a hurry. I’ve been living life at break-neck speed for a long time. Slowing down to appreciate some of the hard work would be my advice to my younger self.
Sharon Delaney McCloud, Walk West
Enjoy the Hard Journey
Enjoy the journey. It’s the hardest part, but the best part.
Vanessa Molica, Eyelash Extension Company
Lean into Your Curiosity
Never stop asking questions. If you are working for someone who is dismissive of your curiosity, you need to find a new job.
Dan Reck, Suboxone Treatment Company
Learn about Your Passions
Pursue what you are passionate about, but have an expiration date and a backup plan. Your 20’s are for learning about yourself and what YOU want out of life.
Rex Murphey, Pipeline Pigging Company
Focus on Today
I would tell myself to focus on what’s in front of me each day. The rest will fall into place. By looking too far out, you can lose sight of what’s right in front of you. Treat each day as a stepping stone toward a larger goal.
