Inspirations on a Business Career
by Emily Kay
Below is a list of five lessons I have learned in my experiences so far that have helped me be earnestly and ultimately totally me and find success in my career.
1. There are only two things guaranteed to be in your control: effort and attitude. There are often many things that are out of your control, and it is difficult to find success if you spend your time worrying about them. Regardless of external factors, you can always give your best effort in everything you do and keep a positive attitude in challenging situations. Work hard, be diligent, and have grit. At the end of the day, you will be proud of the work you put in and your positive attitude will allow you to overcome obstacles and achieve success. Most importantly, never give up. “People who wonder if the glass is half full or half empty miss the point. The glass is refillable.”
“Not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord.” Romans 12:11
2. When starting at a company or joining a new team, it is natural to want to change yourself to fit in with everyone in order to feel like you belong there. However, you were hired or chosen because of your unique differences and the value you can add to the team. Your biggest insecurities will often be the reasons you are able to stand out so it is important to embrace what makes you different and use it to your advantage. The most innovative and successful people and companies are the ones that encourage diversity and collaborate amongst people with different viewpoints.
“We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8
3. Be confident in what you know and be confident in what you don’t know. If you have something to contribute to a conversation, don’t be afraid to speak up. Even when you think what you are saying is obvious or others already know it because they have more experience than you, say it anyway. It will show you are critically thinking about the matter and are eager to be involved in the discussion. You will be surprised how many brilliant ideas you come up with. On the other hand, don’t hold back from asking questions when you don’t know or understand something. This will show your eagerness to learn. It is better to ask a lot of questions early on than not knowing how to perform a task later. Any company that puts you down for asking questions or not helping you learn will most likely not be the best place to grow your career in the long run. The right people will respect you for showing up and raising your hand.
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:35-36
4. Your reputation means everything. Many people have said it takes a lifetime to build a good reputation and a second to destroy it. Don’t let anyone or anything compromise your integrity. Your character is built by your daily actions and how you act when you think no one is paying attention. Let your “handshake agreement” be meaningful to others. Have a firm understanding of the person you want to be and what you want to be known for and commit to being that person every day.
“A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold.” Proverbs 22:1
5. Don’t expect to know how to navigate every situation on your own or always know the best choices to make. It is important to find a mentor you trust. Good mentors have often learned from their mistakes and will impart wisdom and advice and offer encouragement to their less experienced mentee. It is wise to get an unfiltered opinion from an outside party when making big decisions. It is also important to give back to others and find mentees to share your own knowledge with. Building meaningful and empowering relationships with others will lead to new opportunities and successes.
“Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed.” Proverbs 15:22
Photo by Sky Space via Unsplash