What three “gifts” would you give a 20-something if you were a “Forty-Godmother”? 40-something women share three things to help a 20-something get a head start on the confidence to make decisions that are right for themselves. No more woulda, coulda, shoulda.
1. I found that pursuing a job you love makes your whole life more interesting. I left a job as a publicist in New York City to focus on starting my own company and writing a book. Everybody thought I’d be cutting myself off from life. But the beautiful thing was that because I had this purpose and something I really cared about I had more energy. I was more interesting than when I was sitting around working in PR and socializing…thinking, “Why is my life so boring.” So I’d say pursue a passion, whether inside or outside work, to find better relationships in your life. It creates new energy.
2. Choose your battles. Figure out what is important to you so you know what is important to fight for.
3. In meetings…don’t be quiet….but don’t speak just to speak. Listen first. One of my favorite quotes (and a lifesaver at times) is…“The necessity of saying something, embarrassment produced by the consciousness of having nothing to say, and the desire to exhibit great ability are the three things sufficient to reduce a great man to ridiculousness.” – Voltaire
(and social media didn’t even exist!)