Pursue something meaningful to you. Committing yourself to a fulfilling pursuit means that passion can pick up the slack when you’re not feeling especially driven. This doesn’t necessarily mean to pursue something you find fun 24/7, but it should be meaningful to you. The effort you exert should be on something that will make you proud in the end.
Prioritize your tasks. Focus on completing the tasks which
will benefit you the most in the long run. Learn to identify the difference
between “high-value” tasks (that which will benefit you the most in the long
term) versus “low-value” tasks (that which may be easier, but will offer much
fewer benefits).
Complete your projects. Follow through on that which you’ve
begun. Finishing one project will teach you exponentially more than a dozen
fizzled-out attempts, even if you never want to look at that project again.
Introduce the unexpected. Successful innovators are often
lauded and idolized, but it can still be terrifying to pursue the unproven
idea. Don’t be afraid of venturing into the unknown—great ideas may be a dime a
dozen, but actually putting in the work to pursue a great idea can be extremely
rewarding.
Network like a human being. Networking can easily feel
mercenary and shallow when advertised too overtly. Understand that networking
is crucial to success in most industries, but that you should never forget that
you’re forging connections with other people. You never know when you might
form a true bond on an unexpected occasion, and find your next business
partner, investor, or employer.
- Studies have shown that the most successful business people excel in both cognitive and social skills. Don’t neglect your interpersonal skills!
