Over the years, I’ve made a lot of great decisions and a lot of bad decisions. After my mom passed this summer, a sleeping giant in me came to life that will not allow even a hint of anything that smells like bullshit to get anywhere near me in business or my personal life. My passion at this moment is the same as it has always been, but with razor-sharp intentions. It’s OK to be a little selfish—you BETTER be a little selfish—because you will get used and taken advantage of otherwise. Here are 11 valuable insights I want to offer you that it really took me 30 solid years to learn the hard way.
1. Be thoughtful about sharing your income. It can shift dynamics in ways that don’t serve anyone well – creating pressure or changing how people relate to you. Let your work speak for itself.
2. When you share your success, expect people to be curious about shortcuts rather than the full journey. Most won’t ask about the late nights, sacrifices, or learning curve – they’ll focus on the outcome. This is natural, but be prepared for it.
3. Listen more than you speak. You’ll learn more, build stronger connections, and people are naturally drawn to those who make them feel heard. Confidence paired with genuine curiosity is magnetic.
4. Step outside your comfort zone regularly. Growth happens when you challenge yourself with new experiences and environments.
5. Invest in relationships over possessions. Quality connections with family and friends create lasting fulfillment that material things simply can’t match.
6. Recognize your true supporters. Clients who consistently choose to work with you, especially when they have many options, are showing real faith in your value. Nurture those relationships.
7. Build a business people seek out. When customers come to you first, you’re in a position of strength and can focus on serving those who truly value what you offer.
8. Price with confidence. Underpricing often signals lower quality and can attract customers who don’t value your work. It’s better to work with fewer clients who appreciate your worth.
9. Curate your professional network thoughtfully. Focus your energy on relationships that are mutually supportive and aligned with your goals.
10. Approach opportunities strategically. Consider how commitments align with your business objectives and personal values.
11. Maintain healthy boundaries. Professional relationships work best when there are clear expectations about what’s included in your working relationship.Just because someone is spending money with you does not give them carte Blanch to your personal life, let them know what you will and will not discuss.
BONUS: Consider getting a dog, if you are single. Consider getting a dog, if you are in a relationship too. Dogs reduce stress by providing unconditional companionship. All you have to do is feed them and grab a handful of their sh&t when you walk them. This is also the precise time when someone will be walking by and will give you that look.. just say hello and then say “but isn’t this what we do for some humans anyway” (lol)
