Don’t let anyone fool you, hard work only gets you half way from that point you have to be strategic and have the right kind of allies. Favors to trade still go a long way. Find out what your negotiator is and put it on the table. Work ethic will sustain everything.

No project is too small or unimportant. And you never know who you are talking to. So don’t rank people and treat them differently. Keep the same energy throughout

You will make mistakes and it is important to take accountability and learn from that.

You will get burnt, people will screw you over. You too, will let a few people down but you have to keep going. There will be plently Ls but I promise you a series of small consistent wins is always better than that one big one.

Some days you will be tired, inspired and demotivated. During these periods, rest. Don’t try convince everyone you are ok when you are not, it will drown you. Be honest with yourself and others. Don’t take projects when your guts tells you otherwise

There will be people who gravitate towards you when things go well and some have good intentions but not everyone does. Be very careful and most importantly; play the long game. The need for instant gratification will cost you a lot especially yourself

Lastly, don’t get lost in the hype and noise. There will be critics, not everyone will like you or be cheering for you and that is ok. Cancel out the noise and focus on what you are doing and your advocates? Don’t treat them like fans. They are not.

Stick to the plan