How You Show Up Matters More Than You Think
Early in my career, I thought success was all about talent and hard skills. If I worked harder, learned faster, and delivered results, I’d stand out. So I did it all—I took on every project, enrolled in extra courses, and pulled all-nighters to master new skills.
And while those things mattered, they weren’t everything.
What no one tells you early on? Your attitude is what truly sets you apart.
I’ve seen it firsthand. The brilliant individual contributor who never gets promoted because he radiates negativity. The one who complains more than he collaborates, who finds problems but never solutions. And then there’s the person with a can-do attitude—the one who lifts the team, tackles challenges head-on, and constantly pushes to improve. Guess who gets ahead?
The latter. Every time.
Because no matter how smart you are, no one wants to work with someone who drags the team down.
👉 The Five Lessons I’ve Learned
Here are the five lessons I learned that transformed not just my career, but how I approach life:
1. Resilience Is Your Superpower
Early in my career, I poured months into a major acquisition—late nights, non-stop work, everything on the line. And then? Leadership pulled the plug. Just like that, it was over. I was crushed.
I could have checked out, blamed leadership, and let frustration take over. But instead, I asked myself: What can I take from this? And that’s when it hit me—how many 27-year-olds get the chance to work on a deal this big? The experience, the learning, the exposure—it was invaluable.
That mindset shift changed everything. I stopped seeing setbacks as failures and started seeing them as fuel. Because here’s the truth: challenges don’t define you—how you respond to them does.
2. Stay Curious—It’ll Open Doors
At one of my first corporate jobs, I worked with someone who knew everything—years of experience, deep industry knowledge, and no hesitation in sharing her opinions. Most people kept their distance.
I did the opposite. I asked questions—a lot of them.
Curiosity became my edge. I didn’t just learn my role—I learned the industry, the customer, the operations behind the scenes. Even as an analyst, I started thinking bigger. I built stronger relationships. And most importantly? People noticed.
The ones who grow aren’t the ones who act like they have all the answers—they’re the ones who never stop learning.
3. Effort Often Outshines Talent
In a perfect world, every office would be filled with high-IQ, high-EQ rockstars. But reality isn’t that simple. Leaders often have to choose: the brilliant but disengaged individual or the one who gives their all and lifts the team.
I once worked with someone incredibly smart—but he did the bare minimum. Missed deadlines. Ignored feedback. Showed up when it was convenient. Meanwhile, another teammate—maybe not the most naturally gifted—gave 110% every day and inspired those around him to do the same.
Guess who got promoted?
Your work ethic speaks louder than your résumé. Show up on time. Keep your word. Go beyond good enough. Talent helps, but effort is what people remember. And it’s what sets you apart.
4. Be Someone People Want to Work With
I’ll never forget a project that had me working late nights with two colleagues. One spent every minute complaining—about leadership, deadlines, the work itself. He drained the energy from the room. The other? She stayed positive, found solutions, and kept the team motivated.
Guess who I wanted to work with again?
People don’t just remember what you do—they remember how you make them feel. Be the person others can rely on. Support your team. Stay solution-focused. Because success isn’t just about getting things done—it’s about who you do it with.
5. Optimism Is a Competitive Advantage
Nothing drains a team faster than constant negativity—whether it comes from a peer, a manager, or even a friend.
I once had an incredibly talented leader on my team, someone with all the skills to move up. But I couldn’t promote him. Why? Because his negativity held him back. He complained about problems instead of solving them, and the team couldn’t rally behind him. Leadership isn’t just about being smart—it’s about being someone people want to follow.
It’s easy to focus on what’s wrong, but true leaders look for what’s possible. Optimism isn’t blind positivity; it’s believing there’s a way forward. When you’re the person who says, “Let’s figure this out,” you don’t just stand out—you become invaluable.
Your Attitude Is 100% in Your Control
When you're starting out, you don’t need to have all the answers—you just need the right mindset. Resilience, curiosity, effort, collaboration, and optimism will take you further than any résumé ever could.
My advice? Stop worrying about proving yourself and start focusing on how you show up every day. That’s what people remember. That’s what sets you apart.
Now, I want to hear from you—what’s the best career advice you’ve ever received? Drop it in the comments and let’s learn from each other.