Throughout my years in the tech industry, I've navigated both successes and challenges, and along the way, I’ve learned a few key truths that have truly made a difference in my career growth. Recently, I was asked about the advice I give to individuals looking to move up and around at the bank, and it got me thinking—these aren’t your typical buzzwords or generic advice you’d find in a motivational speech. These are lessons earned through real-life experience, reflection, and yes, some hard knocks.
So, I thought I’d document five key truths I wish I had
fully embraced earlier in my career. I hope they will help you as much as
they’ve helped me.
1. Your Only Competition Is You
It’s easy to get caught up comparing yourself to others,
especially in our fast-paced, high-performance industry. But the truth is, the
only person you should be competing with is who you were yesterday. My son
Brandon taught me this lesson early on when he swam competitively. I would ask
him whose time he was going to beat at the next meet, and he would simply
reply, "My own." I admired that mindset. Sure enough, he held the
best records on his team for years—until his younger brother broke two of them
during his senior year. The point is, focus on becoming a better version of
yourself every day. Learn more, grow in your skills, and push beyond your
comfort zone. Your career isn’t a race against others; it’s a personal journey
toward your full potential.
Ask yourself: What can I improve today that will
make me better than I was yesterday?
2. Think Big, Act Small
Dreaming big is vital—it provides direction and motivation.
And trust me, I am a BIG dreamer. But when it comes to execution, starting
small is the key to success. Big goals can be overwhelming if you try to tackle
them all at once. Break them down into manageable steps, and celebrate each
small victory along the way. Consistent, incremental progress is how you
ultimately achieve something significant.
Ask yourself: What’s one small step I can take
today to move closer to my big goals?
3. Break Free from the Herd
Innovation doesn’t happen by following the crowd. To truly
stand out in your career, you must be willing to break free from conventional
thinking and take risks. Don’t be afraid to challenge the status quo or bring
up new ideas, even if they seem unconventional. The most successful people in
any field didn’t get there by playing it safe—they dared to be different.
Ask yourself: What’s one bold move I can make
today that will set me apart?
4. Stop Worrying About What Others Think
This is easier said than done, but it’s one of the most
liberating truths. I’ve been there—overthinking what others might think and
allowing fear to dictate my decisions. It was paralyzing. But at some point, I
realized that I can’t control how others perceive me. I decided to focus on
what I can control—being authentic, working with integrity, staying curious,
and surrounding myself with brilliant people. The reality is, you can’t control
other people’s thoughts, so don’t let that hold you back. Trust your instincts
and make decisions that align with your values.
Ask yourself: Am I making this decision for
myself, or to please others?
5. Discipline Beats Motivation
Motivation is fleeting. Some days you’ll wake up ready to
conquer the world, and other days you’ll struggle to find the energy to get out
of bed. That’s where discipline comes in. Discipline keeps you moving forward
when motivation fades. Establish routines, hold yourself accountable, and keep
showing up—even on the tough days. Over time, discipline builds momentum, and
momentum leads to success. If you haven’t already, I recommend reading The 5
AM Club. While some parts are a little whimsical, it drives home the
importance of discipline.
Ask yourself: How can I build discipline into my
daily routine to ensure progress even on the hard days?
Bonus Truth: Embrace Discomfort to Grow
Growth rarely happens inside your comfort zone. If you’re
not feeling challenged, you’re not pushing yourself hard enough. Embracing
discomfort is key to both personal and professional development. It’s when you
tackle tasks that stretch your abilities, face difficult conversations,
or take on unfamiliar challenges that real growth happens. Discomfort is
temporary, but the growth is lasting.
Ask yourself: What discomfort am I avoiding, and
how can I lean into it to grow?
By embracing these truths early on, I found clarity and
direction in my career. Growth is a continuous process, but these principles
are timeless. Remember, your path to success is uniquely yours. Applying these
lessons consistently can set you up for long-term success.
I encourage you to take these insights to heart and reflect on how they might apply to your own journey.
Let’s keep pushing
boundaries—individually and as a team.
Stay disciplined, dream big, embrace discomfort, and break
free!
Happy Thursday all,
-srt
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