What every young professional should possess
IDGAF attitude- somewhat
What I mean by this is that we care too much what people may think of us, what they might say, and that just needs to stop. You will not be able to please every single person and every single person has their right to their own opinion. Yes just listen to what they have to say but only YOU know how you feel. Which leads to my next advice...
Write, record, or meditate.
You will feel lost and just confused with the world and your life at times. So in order to organize all your thoughts keep a journal. In my journal I try to only write positive things inside, but hey stuff happens and I just have to vent too. You can also record yourself either video or audio. Say whatever you feel and don’t be shy. The best part is that no one will listen to it. It’s great to look back months or years later and you’ll see how everything happens for a reason. You can also meditate or pray and maybe just try to clear your mind for a while. Whatever works for you. Try all of them. Which leads to my next advice...
Just try it
So we’re young and new to this whole thing. You think we’re never going to make a mistake and it’s going to be all perfect? Think again, but it’s OKAY. Try to be open to new opportunities and risks. If it doesn’t work and you don’t like it then don’t do it again or try something different. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and most importantly don’t give up. We are always learning and growing. Which leads to my next advice...
Never stop learning
Try to schedule a minimum thirty minutes of personal development. It could be reading, watching an informative documentary, reading articles, and just keep it consistent. You must keep feeding your brain and stay updated with what’s going on in the world. I really like the app Quartz and the app Flipboard that gives me new short and sweet information. Take a break from your Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat for a while and learn something new from this world. And finally…
Share your knowledge and your skills.
All this personal development, all this growing you will most definitely be more knowledgeable. Do some kind of volunteering and stay connected with the community. The professor Jeff Duncan Andrade who goes around the world about the elements of effective teaching in schools serving poor and working class children says, “As we rise we lift,” which means that as you rise and go forward you must bring others along the way. What’s the point of you knowing it all and not helping others? Two ways I see myself volunteering is hosting young women empowerment workshops at my local high school. I organize workshops that talk about goal-setting, self-esteem, college, financial literacy and much more. We also just have some girl talk and share our stories. Another goal I have is to write letters to people in jail. I am in the process of finding a penpal from someone who is incarcerated. Just remember to keep your head in the clouds but feet on the ground.