Success Secrets from Top CEOs - and Abraham Lincoln

Posted by in Career Advice


It's the dog days of summer and between the oppressive heat and overwhelming humidity, even the most heat-loving of people are getting tired of being sweaty, over heated and just miserable. Even  though there are plenty of things you can do to cool off, it's hard not to let the heat go to your head and make you feel discouraged. It's difficult to be motivated and enthusiastic about your job search when all you really want to do is jump in the nearest pool. The nice, cool water would feel amazing, but when you're focused on finding a new career, you can't spend every day hanging by the pool.

 

In an effort to help us all get, and stay, motivated, I thought it might be nice to get career advice from some of the best in their fields. Here are 5 pieces of advice from the experts about how to live your best life and how to be fulfilled both professionally and personally:

 

From Byron Wien, Vice Chairman of Blackstone Advisory Partners LP (who recently turned 80):

 

  • Network intensely – Luck plays a big role in life and there is no better way to increase your luck than by knowing as many people as possible. Nurture your network by sending articles, books and emails to people to show you're thinking about them.

  • When you meet someone new, treat that person as a friend – Assume he or she is a winner and will become a positive force in your life. Most people wait for others to prove their value. Give them the benefit of the doubt from the start. Occasionally you will be disappointed but your network will broaden rapidly if you follow this path.

 

From Tim Westergren, the founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Pandora

 

  • Notice ideas when you have them – Stop. Take the time to consider them seriously. If your gut tells you they're compelling, be fearless in their pursuit.

 

From Alexander Ljung, co-founder and CEO of SoundCloud

 

  • Learn the importance of simplicity – Sometimes it takes more mental (and sometimes physical) bandwidth to create something simple or communicate something complicated in basic terms. It's not about building every feature or understanding everything the first time around. It's about creating the best, tailored experience.

 

From Abraham Lincoln, the 16th President of the United States

 

  • Your professional reputation is more important that you think – Abraham Lincoln said, “Reputation is like fine china: Once broken it's very hard to repair” How you carry yourself, how you dress, how you socialize, how you use social media and how you treat the people you work with all contribute to the way other professionals view you. Strive to be someone who lifts others up and strives for the utmost degree of professionalism.

 

There is so much we can all learn from the mistakes and the successes of those who came before us. When you find that your motivation is reaching an all time low or you want to get motivated, take a look at some of the advice from successful people. It really does help.

 

What other quotes or sayings do you find helpful? Please share your thoughts in the comments.

 

Image source: Wikipedia

 

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  • Earlene R
    Earlene R
    Very good. I needed that.
  • Mark G
    Mark G
    I here what you are saying but to be honest with you recruiters are to rigid in their thinking.They all want everything to be just so and life is just not like that.Image is not everything and sometimes someone just needs a chance to get into the job and see if it is a good fit.To think that someone can't be cultivated is the wrong approach.I speak to you from both positions, as a small business owner and a person looking for a better job.The process has become so subjective that there is a lot of time and resources spent trying to find the perfect person.Give someone a chance and if it does not work out get over it.move on and try someone else.  
  • Lovette L
    Lovette L
    Well done! Loved your sources:) Looking forward to your next article!
  • Misi B
    Misi B
    This was very helpful
  • Bernie V
    Bernie V
    You can quote all the great leaders of the world; you can deliver the best Sales pitch imaginable, but always remember the CEO you report to every day- GOD! So the quote is this: GOD HELPS THOSE THAT HELP THEMSELVES! Never, never, never, give in and let your guard down. Believe in yourself. Afterall, if you don't believe in yourself, who will? Just GO FOR IT!
  •  Nicholas C
    Nicholas C
    Powerful messages from empowering people.
  • Mirza A
    Mirza A
    Thank you for this very interesting and informative article. Awesome. If some one seriously work on it, every sentence has huge impact on our job search as well as in continuing the current job.
  • Angelo V
    Angelo V
    You are also an inspiration. Thank you.
  • William C. G
    William C. G
    "Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll fall among the stars." Whenever I feel that lump in my throat and fear to move ahead, I think of this saying.Trust yourself!Billy Night Brother  
  • Richard W
    Richard W
    That's just an awesome article! Thanks for your advice
  • S.ANTONY N
    S.ANTONY N
    ndeed very good article. Particularly I like Lincoln's words they are very apt.
  • Thomas A.
    Thomas A.
    Thought provoking article that is easy to apply and possesses great pointers for success.  Thanks!
  • Susan P
    Susan P
    Melissa,This is a great peice for linkedin! As an HR Manager, I'd love to post it on my page so my team see's what you've said! I've tried to coach my younger staff members about professionalism and Abe's quote is perfect!
  • Melissa Kennedy
    Melissa Kennedy
    Thanks so much. I agree with you, Chad - Honest Abe gave good advice!
  • Vaduganathan M
    Vaduganathan M
    Indeed very good article. Particularly I like Lincoln's words they are very apt.
  • April D
    April D
    Luck is luck
  • Chad S
    Chad S
    Awesome advice.....well said!....especially Honest Abe

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