A manifesto, of sorts

Over the last few months, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring a collection of students through the Brightside Mentoring program. While I’m almost certain I’ve learned more from them than they have from me — it was a great opportunity to discuss a decade of doing this thing called a ‘career’.

Finding answers to questions that might come naturally now, can be anything but to those starting out. Building from general work-related questions and industry insights, in the final week I was asked this question:

‘I just wanted to know if you had any final life advice in general, what to expect and what to do.’

Where to even start with that one. It’s very apparent that my experience is dramatically different from that which new students will face now. The world has changed, and so should my answer. Instead, I approached the question not so much as a ‘how-to’, but more from a mindset perspective.

Tech/work/life changes — a successful mindset doesn’t.

Be patient with yourself

It can be frustrating starting anything new. We all suck at everything until we practice. Sucking at something isn’t a failure. Persevering over time to improve is a success. Everyone works at a different pace and is talented at different things. Avoid comparing yourself to others, celebrate the progress you’ve made on your own.

Embrace the unknown

New is scary. The future is uncertain. Your direction is your choice. Whatever you decide will have been the right decision at the time for you, so bear that in mind when you look back on the choices you make. You would never deliberately take the wrong path, so don’t punish yourself if in hindsight those decisions could have been better!

Be interested and interesting

Everyone has a story. Learn how to truly listen to what they have to say. Explore new ideas and look at things you know with an alternative lens. Take time away from screens and find inspiration in the mundane.

Break apart big challenges

Every big decision and problem can be broken down into smaller, actionable chunks. Write down to-do lists every day. Give yourself reasonable time to achieve each step, and follow your progress.

Explore the opposite

If you’re not sure where to take a project or brief, consider the complete opposite of what ‘should’ work. Investigate those ideas and discover insights into what might work, or even what could be truly disruptive.

Distractions are good

We’re taught that focus and sustained work are the only measurable metrics of productivity. That’s wrong. Daydreaming, researching, reading, and exploring are far more productive for a creative mind than forcing ideas to a deadline. Take your time, note down ideas, and talk out loud about your thoughts.

Value your purpose

We live in a world that values material gain over everything else. Discover what matters to you and what gives you genuine joy. Focus on that and keep it in mind when it comes to working with purpose. Do companies hold similar values to you? Do the people and the work that surrounds you give you joy? If not, why not?

Never settle on normal

Normal is both impossible to describe and everywhere at the same time. Notice the things that stand out and process why that is. Push yourself beyond what was required. Always move forward and progress. Progress can mean anything too: Wellbeing is progress. Enjoyment is progress. Sitting still and listening to the wind is progress. They all add value to your life experience.

Never stop enjoying the time that you have.