Seven Things to Think About When It Comes to . . . Big Life Lessons We Can Learn from Small Professional Experiences

We all have everyday experiences that unknowingly prepare us for some other aspect of life. The trick to using this information to your advantage is learning how to apply what you learn from one area of your life to help you advance in another. Here are seven huge life lessons that I have learned from simple career experiences.



1. There are rules in everything -
The trick to applying this to your life is learning which ones you must follow, which ones you can bend, and which ones you need to throw out the darn window.

2. Everyone appreciates a “yes mam and thank you sir” -
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege to work with and know two United States Marine Corps. generals and several high-ranking military officers. You might think that these men and women taught me about grit, courage or strength. However, the biggest lesson I learned about life is that everyone appreciates a “yes ‘mam and thank you sir.” These simple words make anyone at any age feel respected.

3. Working with things teaches you how to “do” … working with people shows you how to “create” -
Even the biggest introverts succeed in life because of their “social” abilities. The most important social skill you need to succeed in life is sharing with the world who you are and what you can do.

4. Music motivates, inspires, and sets the mood-
Spending years planning celebrity and corporate events – I have learned to throw and appreciate a great party. I’ve learned that the magic recipe for a magnificent event is part making your guests feel welcome, making sure you always add in a “wow” factor, and most important ingredient – the right music.

5. Everyone, at times, is shy – so learn ways to help others NOT feel that way -
Working for decades with celebrities, highly accomplished professionals, and high-net worth individuals I have learned that everyone is shy but there are times in life that we all must stand up and perform for others.

6. No one’s life is exactly as they imagined it -
Just having fame does not mean that you are automatically successful or happy. Success and happiness come from finding meaning and purpose, and receiving recognition for your efforts and contributions. Fame takes away the one major thing that we all seek and need - privacy.

7.!When it comes to people don’t assume – ask permission:
When it comes to your career, it’s best to embrace an “ask forgiveness not permission” mentality. However, I have learned throughout my career that when it comes to people it’s often best NOT to follow this rule. Working with my first celebrity client (Montel Williams) at 23 years old, I learned you should ask others if it’s OK to take someone’s picture (before you take it) and to never assume that other people know who you are.
Life is about learning from your every experience to help create and maximize life and career opportunities. This week start cultivating this critical life skill by making a list of the top 10 career lessons that you have learned. Then pick one that you can apply to another aspect of your life.