For the past few years, I have noticed - more than ever - that I hear about stories of young entrepreneurs and their successes. I have a board of advisors for DatePlay, who helps me make good decisions and who I call upon whenever I need guidance. None of them are millennials. They are all in Gen X.
Here are 4 things I have learned from Gen X women who I admire:
1. Work with your heart, money will follow.
This is one of the most important lessons and it's especially relevant to millennials, like me. Suelyn Farel, the CEO of Julien Farel Group taught me the importance of grit. Nowadays, we focus on quick fixes and short term goals but it's more important to keep your eye on your long term prize. It's important to work with relentless commitment and find your passion so you still excited about Mondays.
Photo credit: Chris Sorensen
2. When times get tough, look at the bright side, DO NOT quit.
When things get tough, it's so tempting to give up and move on to a new project or focus. I learned this from Soul Cycle's Stacey Griffith. Audiences nowadays have shorter attention spans than ever. This is evidence that we need to learn to stay focused and keep at things. In her book, Two Turns from Zero, she talks about changing the way you think. You can change the way you view adversity if you change your mindset and look on the bright side.
Photo credit: Matthew Christopher Miller
3. Don't look for quick fixes. Be patient.
This is the lesson I learned from a seasoned architect, Maria Gomez, who has designed iconic buildings around the world at KAPC Architects. Architecture degrees are notoriously grueling and tough to complete; that must be where she got her patience from. I learned from her that slow and steady definitely wins the race! If you focus on building long term relationships and think about your work as a marathon, rather than a sprint, you're much more likely to succeed in the long run.
Photo credit: Alexa Sofia Inc.
4. Learn what you're good at and what you enjoy doing.
When I first got into banking, I realized quickly that I was not very good at it. I didn't like the repetition and routine. Alexandra Wilkis Wilson of Fitz taught me the importance of digging deep to find out what you're good at and what you enjoy doing. The truth is, there is usually a relationship between these two things. Usually, you enjoy doing what you are good at. I believe this is something that we should be learning in university. Everyone should find the functional areas where you can shine!
Photo credit: Cory Vanderploeg
I hope that these tips resonate and add value for you. These four tips have helped me shift the way I view my future and the way I work on a day to day basis.