Tag: mental-health

How to Succeed in Life… Not Just Your Career

In a recent post, How to Succeed in Your Career… by Really Trying, I offered some thoughts to recent graduates about achieving success through leadership. This follow-up takes a step back—and a step deeper. Career achievements matter, but true success goes beyond what you do for a living.

Here are three guiding principles to carry with you:

1. Family Comes First

Never lose sight of your priorities. A successful career can bring intellectual satisfaction, financial security, and a sense of accomplishment. Work hard, stay dedicated, and pursue excellence. But always remember: nothing replaces family.

Your job may feel like your “baby,” but it’s not your child. A well-lived life includes balance—devotion to your work, yes, but also passion for the people you love. I’m proud of my career and the roles I’ve played. But nothing compares to the pride I feel in my wife, Fern, our two children and daughter-in-law and our delightful grandson. Their successes are my joys. Their pain is my pain.

2. Your Most Important Asset Isn’t Inside Your Financial Statement—It’s on the Top: Your Name

When it’s all said and done, your reputation is what you have. At a bank, a loan officer may scrutinize every asset, liability, and contingency on your financial statement—but the most critical evaluation is of you. Your character. Your word. Your motives.

Protect your name. Build trust. Let your integrity be the foundation of every relationship and decision. Because when others speak your name, it should carry weight—the kind that comes not from wealth, but from values.

3. Live a Life Worth Living

Treat others the way you wish to be treated. Selfishness may yield short-term gains, but over time, it limits the depth and meaning of your life. Seek purpose beyond success. Cultivate kindness, empathy, and humility.

Live a life that reflects you: your talents, your interests, your passions….a life guided not just by goals, but by principles.

Now it’s your time. Not just to show up—but to rise. To lead. To soar.

How to Succeed in Your Career…by Really Trying

Some years ago, I helped a friend prepare a commencement speech for graduating business students. We asked ourselves: What truly separates those who rise to the top from those who don’t? What distinguishes one colleague from another?

We came to this conclusion: the people who succeed over the long term share one key trait: leadership.

So how do you become a leader—in business, law, nonprofit work, or any other field? Here are six essential traits that set leaders apart:

1. Don’t Just Show Up

In your career and in life, don’t settle for simply being present. Come to play. And play to win. Punching the clock may get you a job, but if you want a career, you need to be emotionally invested and fully engaged. Don’t be a passive worker. Be a passionate contributor.

Be an active participant in your organization. Who knows? Someday, you might lead it.

2. Build Meaningful Relationships

Your career is a long journey—don’t walk it alone. Along the way, you’ll meet people who may become mentors, advisors, or lifelong allies. These relationships can open doors in ways you can’t yet predict.

Seek out mentors. And one day, become one.

3. Take Ownership

Whether in your job, your relationships, or your personal development, take ownership. Be accountable. Show up as if you own the place…not with entitlement, but with care and commitment. Speak up. Solve problems. Add value.

What sets you apart from every other job seeker or employee? Your sense of ownership. A strong work ethic, solid values, and a mindset of contribution will take you far.

Take initiative. Lean into challenges. Fill the room with your energy.

4. Become an Expert

Generalists have their place, but expertise is what propels careers forward. Start broad, but chart a course toward specialization. Develop deep skills and experience in an area that matters; then leverage it.

Know what you know. And just as importantly, know what you don’t.

5. Think—and Act—Like a Leader

No matter your role—at work, in your community, or at home—step up. Leadership isn’t about titles. It’s about mindset, vision, and the ability to inspire others.

Develop a vision. Communicate it clearly. Rally people around it. Great leaders aren’t just thinkers. They are communicators, collaborators, and do-ers.

Above all, lead with passion. If your energy is contagious, your influence will grow. And remember: if you’re not the lead dog, the view never changes.

6. Don’t Just Do Well—Do Good

A successful life isn’t just measured by titles or salaries. Some of your most meaningful achievements may come from giving back — through service, advocacy, or philanthropy.

Get involved with causes that matter to you. Join organizations. Serve on boards. Chair events. Don’t just write a check—give your time, your voice, your skills.

Give back. You’ll be surprised how much you get in return.

You can succeed in your career, by really trying. Show up with passion. Own your path. Build relationships. Lead with vision. Strive for excellence. And along the way, make a difference.