Lessons Learned.

Hey Monkeys -

Hope everyone is staying safe (and sane) during these times. Was recently reflecting on my career, life in general, and more, and thought I'd throw down some of my thoughts/learnings on here in the hopes of providing perspective to those just beginning their careers - or those looking for a bit of motivation.

1. You'll never know if you don't ask: Never be afraid to ask for help, introductions, or perspective from others. You'll be surprised at what you can accomplish by speaking up.

2. Be kind to everyone: It goes without saying that relationships are the core of this industry. Treat everyone with kindness - even the assholes. Not only is this the right thing to do, but tables can turn very fast. Kindness can help to ensure you're sitting on the right side when it happens.

3. Stand up for yourself: While you can be kind, don't be a doormat. No one likes a pushover, and more importantly, you dictate your self worth based on how you allow others to treat you.

4. If it's toxic, it's not worth the money: No matter what, your sense of fulfillment and happiness takes priority above all else; you only have one life. If you're anxious inside from going into work - or if you're increasingly unhappy/depressed from work, make a change. You'll inevitably make money in this industry, but you'll never get back all the time you spend being unhappy.

5. Believe in yourself: Never give up on yourself, and always keep trying. No matter how hard things get, or how unlikely things seem. Even if it seems that you're taking back to back L's with no end in sight. You only lose if you quit.

6. Never be complacent: Always work as if someone is trying to take your job, because chances are, there is someone trying to take your job. Strive to get better, put forth as much effort as you can, and always be improving.

7. Take action: Stop wondering, and start doing. It's okay to try to formulate a plan before you try to achieve a goal, but make sure you take action. Your dream job has 500 applicants on LinkedIn? Great. Find the email of managing partner at the firm you want to work at, and pitch yourself like there's no tomorrow. Didn't get an internship spot? Sweet. Send out 30 cold emails a night until you land one.

8. Details matter: Double, Triple, Quadruple check your work. Don't turn in something unless you know it back for front and vice versa. Your work quality is a reflection of you.

9. Own your shit: If you fuck up, own it. Don't make excuses. Don't dwell on it. Accept it, improve on it, and do what you can to prevent it from happening again.

10. Don't get too attached to your successes or your failures: Don't let success get to your head, or failure get to your heart. Your career is a marathon, not a sprint.

11. Step outside your comfort zone: If an MD asks you to work on a project that seems overwhelming/a bit scary, embrace it. You'll come out the other side more knowledgable and experienced - and experience begets confidence. Could've, Should've, and Would've's don't do any good.

12. Be curious: Have a sincere sense of curiosity about people, work, the industry, etc. Curiosity builds understanding, and understanding builds knowledge.

13. Remember to Breathe : When things get stressful, slow it down. Take 5 minutes to close your eyes and refocus. This too shall pass.

14. If you don't know something, admit it: People will respect you more for saying that you don't know something than trying to bullshit your way through it. Don't be known as the guy that has an answer for everything.

15. Humility goes a long way: Always think about yourself as a perpetual student. The minute you think you "have it figured out" is the minute your ego succeeds. When your ego succeeds, mistakes ensue.

16. Never be the smartest guy in the room: If you're the smartest the guy in the room, your growth has stopped. Find a new room.

17. Stay physically and mentally fit: Lift, run, work out, box. Staying in shape is a great tool for keeping yourself mentally sharp - and also for commanding respect from others. Meditate, write, reflect when possible. Slow down your mind and decompress when you can.

18. Don't forget to enjoy life: There's no point in making money if you can't enjoy it every once in a while. Book that trip to Miami you've been thinking about, or buy that watch you've wanted after Bonus season.

19. Call and visit your parents: They aren't here forever.

20. Always try to help others: If you're in a position to help, do it. Don't be the guy/gal offering favors to everyone you meet, but if someone if struggling, do what you can to make their life better. Karma is real, and it comes around when you least expect it.

21. Keep your mouth shut: If someone tells you something in confidence, or if you have negative thoughts about someone, keep it to yourself. Loose lips sink ships.

22. Don't be afraid to walk away: From careers, people, or significant others that no longer serve you. Walking away can be scary sometimes, but your sense of self and self worth will always improve every single time.

23. Self-love: It's easy to compare yourself to others, judge your happiness based on the amount of the money you make/your career, or other tangibles. It's harder to accept yourself for who you are, including all your imperfections, and realize that while you can consistently improve, you're awesome as you are. Don't let others - or material items - dictate how you feel about yourself. People and things come and go, but your self (and self-esteem) is always there. Love yourself.

24. A sense of humor goes a long way: Try to find the humor in everything - even in tough times. Your colleagues, friends, and family will appreciate you for it, you'll win people over, and more importantly, you'll begin to find that a sense of humor allows you see that tough times aren't as initially tough as you thought.

25. Don't judge: You never know what others are going through, so don't judge. Simply observe, and if applicable, help.

26. Appreciate the little things: Value the fact that you have a job, you have a shelter over your head, and you have food on your table. Keep perspective, and don't take things for granted, because life can change at the drop of a hat.

27. At the end of the day, it comes down to you: Sure, a great school helps. So do nice degrees and certifications. So does a great firm on the resume. With this said, I've met impressive people from no-name schools, and unimpressive people from top schools. Brand helps - and matters - to a point. In the end, the "game changer" is you. Everything boils down to you, your effort, your skill set, and what you can bring to the table. Don't allow a piece of paper to dictate how successful you'll be - command your life.

-- Anon1254