…and don’t lead to failure.
I was in a meeting the other day where the discussion turned into something larger than the project we were working on. It felt like one of those conversations you don’t forget because the points apply everywhere, not just the office.
Funny enough, it reminded me of a TikTok I had watched from Savannah Gamblin, and even some of the books I’ve read over the years — The Leadership Handbook from my time at Marriott, The Four Disciplines of Execution by Chris McChesney, and of course Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, just to mention a few. Lessons hit differently when they show up in real life.
So, I wanted to share them and inspire myself (and you) especially when we are feeling helpless.
1. Protect your schedule.
A friend wakes up at the same time every day, even on weekends. He says it’s not about discipline; it’s about peace of mind. Routine can become your shield, and it makes you dependable.
2. Don’t let feelings hijack the plan.
I skipped the gym once because I was “tired.” That one day turned into three weeks. Feelings pass, but broken habits linger. Words from my siblings and friends.
3. Manage your emotions.
We’ve all fired off a text too quickly or said something sharp we regret. Emotional control is free insurance.
4. Stay consistent even when you stumble.
A colleague failed a project twice before nailing it on the third try. Quitting would have erased all that progress.
5. Keep friendships and business separate.
Boundaries protect relationships. Choose your friends wisely.
6. Move your body daily.
Even a 30-minute walk clears my mind better than any podcast. Exercise is a mental reset as much as a physical one. (Have I been doing this? Honestly no, so now I have to start — keep me accountable!)
7. Avoid cheap dopamine.
Scrolling on my phone for “just five minutes” has cost me entire afternoons, and inconsistent sleep schedules. It feels good in the moment, but it keeps you broke in time and money.
8. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.
I learned this the hard way when my laptop crashed and all my work was in one folder. Backups matter. This is applicable to money, time, emotions, energy, trust and income. Diversify or crash!
9. Relationships need maintenance.
The best marriage I’ve seen was between two people who still went on weekly “first dates” after 20 years. Create friendship and relationship goals, and add them to your schedule.
10. Ask for what you want.
Close mouths don’t get fed. (I love this quote). I once stayed quiet about a raise. Someone else asked, and they got it. Who do you get angry at?
11. Rich vs Wealthy
A quiet neighbor of mine never showed off but retired early. Wealth whispers. Don’t aim to be rich, work at being wealthy, it’s not loud.
12. Move with logic and intention.
Reacting or moving without aim leads to disorganization and impulse moves create chaos. Thought-through steps save time later.
13. Respect time by being on time.
Be on time. Better yet, come a bit earlier.
14. Build habits that are easy to follow, they will stick better.
When creating any new habits, make sure they are easy to follow through. Habit of being on time. Set all schedules to begin 15 minutes earlier than they should. This may help.
15. Value time with loved ones.
One of my mentors always sealed off between 1pm — 2pm to have lunch with his loved one and had a “no meetings on Fridays” policy for his employees. Money can be earned again. Time can’t.
What struck me most was how these lessons weren’t just “new ideas.” I’d seen them scattered across TikTok clips, leadership books, and motivational reads, but hearing them tied to real experiences made them stick. It’s one thing to underline a passage in a book, it’s another to live it.
What other lessons have you learned?
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