Things I've Learned in Corporate

For a while, I've wanted to write down things I've learned in the corporate world, working for brands as an individual contributor and, latterly, a manager.

Now I've found the time, here they are:

1. Know yourself

Before you can answer the question “How can I be myself?” you must strip away all of the social cues in you've accumulated over the years at work.

Your true self is underneath.

2. Let go of negative self-talk

Listen to your inner monologue to overcome limiting beliefs and learn how to start being yourself.

Is it masking who you are?

3. Focus on your strengths

Your negative traits are not who you are. Replace negative self-talk with positive thoughts that empower you to be yourself.

4. Stop living in the past

Your past does not equal your future. Everyone has made mistakes. They don’t have to define who you are; you don’t need to spend your life atoning for them.

Learn how to let go of guilt.

5. Stop caring about what others think

Remember that what people think of you is actually a reflection of them, not you. You can’t control other people’s opinions.

All you can do is learn how to be yourself – and how to be happy with that.

6. Be open to change

The brain is always learning and changing, so how can we expect ourselves to stay the same? Realize that you can change your opinions and preferences while still fundamentally knowing how to be yourself.

7. Be vulnerable

Be open and honest with your partner and your friends. Tell them how you really feel. Share your deepest fears.

You might be surprised how it strengthens your relationships.

8. Express yourself

Express yourself through art, writing, music or whatever you love to do. It’s while we’re engaged in things we love that we feel most ourselves.

9. Get out of your comfort zone

The journey to learning how to be yourself starts there, too. Experience new things and notice how they make you feel.

You’ll learn more about yourself by leaving your comfort zone than you ever thought possible.

10. Find your community

When you surround yourself with the right people, they’ll elevate your best traits and build you up instead of holding you back.

You’ll finally feel like you can stop searching for how to be yourself – everyone already knows who you are and loves you for it.

PS - The photo above is from my favorite job and workplace at OnePlus.