Every conversation tempts us to open with our own agenda: our plan, our needs, our enthusiasm. The people who persuade best flip that script and start with what the listener cares about. It's harder than it sounds, because our minds default to our own point of view.

Most people try to win others over by pushing harder. They explain louder, argue longer, and pile on reasons. Yet the most effective persuaders do the opposite. They pull back, get curious, and let the other person's own desires do the heavy lifting.

One of the hardest, yet most impactful, things we can do… is be positive. To smile. To add joy to the lives of others. It is hard because it is demanding. We are not built to always be positive; in fact, we are built to do the opposite- to point out the bad and highlight the negative.

When it comes to building your career, growing a business, or pursuing a meaningful goal, there is one advantage that is often overlooked: having someone willing to advocate for you. Everyone needs someone in their corner, especially at their place of work.

This one may seem like a no-brainer, but… log your work! We cannot expect to get credit for things that are not noted down somewhere. I cannot tell you how many individuals I have seen (because the number is too large to remember) who do a lot of work, like a lot, a lot - and fail to note the work they have done.