If I could go back and drill one lesson into my younger self’s head, it would be this: Failing is necessary. Not just “okay” or “part of the process.” Necessary. Essential. I used to think failure meant I was doing something wrong, that I wasn’t good enough, smart enough, or ready. What I didn’t realize is that failure is the actual training ground. It’s not the detour — it is the road.
Don’t Fear “No”
I used to be terrified of rejection. A “no” felt like a door slammed shut forever. So, I avoided asking, pitching, applying — anything that left room for someone to say “no.” But here’s the truth: the people who win big are the ones who hear the most no’s. Why? Because they’re out there trying. They’re putting themselves on the line. Every “no” is one step closer to the right “yes.” And once you stop giving “no” so much power, you start moving faster, further, and bolder.
Work for Yourself — Even Before You’re Your Own Boss
No matter who signs your paycheck, you should always be working for yourself. That means taking control of your growth, your learning, your time, and your energy. Don’t wait for someone else to give you permission to develop your skills or chase a goal. Build your own foundation. Build your own worth. Because at the end of the day, no job title can replace what you invest in yourself.
Bet on You
The best investment you’ll ever make is in yourself. Books, courses, experiences, risks, therapy, gym memberships — whatever pushes you forward or strengthens your mindset is worth it. It might not show up in your bank account immediately, but it always pays off in the long run.
Rethink the “Cons”
We’re taught to weigh pros and cons, and it’s a good exercise — but somewhere along the way, we start treating any cons like flashing red lights. “It’s risky.” “It might not work.” “I could lose money/time/face.” Yes, you could. But that doesn’t automatically mean don’t do it. It just means you need to be smart about it. Some of the best decisions come with a list of cons and a payoff that makes every one of them worth it.
Learning this changed how I approach everything
Now I take more chances and don’t wait around for perfect conditions. I treat failure as feedback, not a stop sign. The sooner I started thinking this way, the more progress I began to make. Growth doesn’t come from playing it safe. It comes from showing up, trying hard, and not backing down when things get tough.