Being a young entrepreneur can be over whelming, especially when you are trying to juggle life, a family or perhaps even a full time job. If I had to go back and give my 21-year old self some advice, this is what I would say:
1. Show up every single morning like you're meant to be there. If you don’t feel up to it, find a way to get dressed and make the most out of the day.
2. Never tell your boss you can't do something. You can, I promise. And if you really don’t know, find a way. Ask questions, use Google. Just never say no. A can-do attitude will have a big impact on the trajectory of your career.
3. Having clothes you feel confident in is important. If you feel better you'll work better. Invest in some good basics. You'll easily earn the money back further down the line.
4. Keep a record of all of your accomplishments and achievements from day one on a new job. You'll be glad you did.
5. Everyone you work with - good or bad - is indirectly mentoring you, all the time. There is so much to be learned from observing the capable and the incompetent.
6. Stop apologizing for everything. A delayed response to an email or not being able to work late again doesn't warrant an apology.
7. But do take ownership when you truly mess up - people will only respect you more for it.
8. Having money in a savings account is the difference between freedom and having to stay in a job you hate because of financial constraints. It's that simple.
9. Never get complacent. Even if you love your job, keep your LinkedIn updated and your mind open to other opportunities, always.
10. Mistakes are healthy. If you're making mistakes, you're learning quicker. Don't be afraid of them. Just try not to make the same one twice.
11. We all have bad days. But no job is worth bad weeks that turn into months.
12. Times are changing. You don't get ahead just by doing your job well, you progress by making things happen that are beyond your job description.
13. No matter how much you achieve, never forget what it felt like to be the new intern on his or her first day.
And last, but not least, praising someone else doesn't steal your shine. It only makes you shine brighter.
With Love | Nikki xo