What I would tell my younger self…

When asked to write about this topic, I struggled with where to begin. Recalling the lessons I have learned through the years brought back a flood of all kinds of memories. As I relived each of these earlier experiences, I found a recurring theme that stood out. You have to believe in yourself.

One of my earliest standout moments on this topic occurred when I was seventeen. I applied for a job at my local Kmart never expecting what happened next. Nothing. Not a call, email, letter. Refusing to let that get me down, I went next door to Radio Shack and secured a job that would lead me into technology & finance. I credit many of the lessons I live by today to the early training and mentorship I received there. Never give up and always believe in yourself.

There will be people who tell you you’re too much… Ignore them & believe in yourself.

There will be people who talk behind your back… always act with integrity and believe your reputation will speak for itself. 

There will be people who bend and break the rules and seem to get ahead… Don’t let the system frustrate you. Persist in doing the right thing. One day you will look back and see that you’ve gone places, they never will. You can overcome but you have to believe in yourself.

Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try new things. Everything you do in life is an opportunity to learn. Each of these experiences and the lessons learned from them provide the ability to bring unique perspectives to future endeavors. You can do it but you have to believe in yourself.

There will always be people who make you feel unappreciated for your efforts. Always give 100% anyways. Your efforts do make a difference. You have to believe in yourself.

Know that you can do and achieve anything you put your mind to and are willing to work for. Believe in
yourself.