Lessons from the Trenches

Mistakes are inevitable. They’re part of being human and an integral piece of personal and professional growth. The difference between stagnation and progress lies in how we choose to react when faced with our errors. In my journey as a professional and entrepreneur, I’ve made my fair share of mistakes—some small, some impactful—but each one has offered an opportunity to learn, adapt, and improve. Here are key lessons shaped by both personal experience and universal truths about professional growth.

Effort Alone Won’t Guarantee Success

Hard work is essential, but it’s not a guarantee of success. Early in my career, I poured myself into every task, believing that effort alone would open doors. I made myself into a veritable "yes man", where saying no felt irresponsible. While this increased my opportunities, I learned that directing effort strategically is even more critical. Knowing where to place your energy can amplify your chances of success while avoiding burnout. There's a time and a place for saying yes to everything - during your schooling or studies - but as a young professional the focus must transition and shift to quality projects and output.

Know Your Worth and Protect It

I’ve been asked to take on major roles and tasks for free, and this is a line I firmly believe no one should cross. Your skills and services are valuable and should always be compensated accordingly. Advocating for your worth is non-negotiable—never let loyalty to a person or company override your own financial stability, especially if the loyalty is not being reciprocated.

The Hidden Value of Titles

While I’ve always prioritized skills over titles, I’ve come to realize that titles carry a certain gravitas. They can lend credibility and influence, especially when it comes to decision-making or building trust. Don’t underestimate the reach a strong title can provide, but understand that taking on big titles early on can weigh heavier if you don't have the skills to match.

Leadership Isn’t Always Perfect

Navigating leadership dynamics can be tricky. I’ve learned that balancing respect for authority with presenting alternative ideas is critical. Depending on your role, this might mean proposing a new direction or supporting your superiors direction despite personal doubts. The key is fostering collaboration while maintaining professionalism. If the direction your superior or leader are headed on no longer align with your goals or values, then find an environment that's more suitable.

Build Relationships That Matter

Networking has played a vital role in my career, but not all connections last forever. Some contacts become irrelevant over time, and that’s okay. The important thing is to approach networking authentically. Avoid pretending to be interested in someone or using them for personal gain. Genuine relationships always yield the best results.

Protect Your Energy and Time

There have been times when I’ve pushed myself to the brink. Burnout isn’t glamorous, and it’s certainly not sustainable. Building time for yourself is critical because no one else will prioritize your well-being for you. Work smarter, not harder, and protect your energy.

Growth Demands Discomfort

I’ve never settled in my comfort zone—a blessing and a curse. This approach has led to conflicts earlier in my career that might have been avoided, but it has also fueled tremendous growth. Pushing boundaries is essential, but you must be able to back it up with skill and preparation.

Feedback Fuels Improvement

Early on, I realized that feedback is invaluable. If you’re not receiving it, seek it out. I operate under the philosophy: if you’re not assessing, you’re guessing. Know what type of feedback you value, and actively pursue it to refine your craft.

Standing Out in Your Role

No one is truly irreplaceable, but you can strive to make yourself indispensable. By consistently adding value and going above and beyond in your role, you increase your professional significance. Being hard to replace means you’re doing something right.

The Balance Between Quality and Speed

Perfection must be skillfully applied. It’s critical for building quality and reputation, but it can’t come at the expense of volume and speed. The reality is that high-quality work sustains long-term success, but delivering on time and within scope keeps the bills paid.

Embrace Detours and Failures

Career growth often involves side steps, pivots, and failures. These detours can lead to the biggest wins if you approach them with the right mindset. Each challenge offers an opportunity to learn and adapt. You never know when an experience will truly show its value.

Take Control of Your Path

Taking ownership of your career is non-negotiable. No one will advocate for your success more than you. Push for opportunities, seek growth, and take the reins of your professional journey.

Overarching Lesson? Reflection and Resilience

It’s easy to feel defeated when you make a misstep, but every mistake carries a lesson—if you’re willing to look for it. Regularly reflecting on your experiences helps you identify patterns and adjust your approach. Resilience, on the other hand, ensures you keep moving forward, even when the path feels difficult.

Let’s Connect!

Thanks for reading—I truly appreciate you taking the time to explore these ideas with me. Helping people turn their goals into lasting success is something I’m passionate about, and I’d love to connect with you beyond this article. Whether you have questions, need advice, or just want a little extra motivation, I’m here for it!

Facebook: Richard Performance Training
Instagram: @richard_performance
LinkedIn: Erik Richard, MSc

Let’s keep the conversation going and work together toward building habits that truly stick! Reach out, follow along, and let’s make those goals a reality.