THe list ep. 1: goal, action, success

For this year, I want to start a series called "The List." I want to share with you the lessons I have learned, the tips and tricks I have been given by people I love and respect, and the messages I want to pass on. These are key points that I have been jotting down in my notebook to share with other entrepreneurs, who are also still learning, hustling, and experiencing the highs and lows of this exciting and liberating yet nerve-racking roller coaster ride!

For starters, on GOAL, ACTION, and SUCCESS:

1. Find a non-financial goal that excites, energizes (self-sustained passion), and empowers (self-initiated purpose) you
2. Focus on the big picture
3. Know your destination and find different ways to get there
4. Don't be embarrassed or discouraged by how big your goal is. If you dream big enough, it will always sound "silly" or "impossible" to other people at first
5. Trust your instincts
6. Listening does wonders
7. Align yourself with the right people in your field
8. Use your weaknesses and insecurities to your advantage
9. Be patient, but don't ever be complacent
10. Separate "good uncomfortable" from "bad uncomfortable"
11. Know your cards and play them well
12. You don't have to prove yourself to everyone
13. Find your own mentors, aka your personal board of directors
14. Dress for the job you want, not the job you have (Cr: K. Parnsiree Amatayakul, Managing Director of IBM Thailand)
15. Always show people your appreciation and gratitude
16. Be really, really good at what you do and the money will come
17. Talk to different types of people and learn a thing or two from them
18. Don't overestimate or underestimate people
19. Read more books and study more people
20. For whatever you do, build platforms and networks (Cr. my dad)
21. Smile also does wonders
22. Your entrepreneurial journey is a marathon, not a race
23. Don't fear people, understand them
24. Every challenge and obstacle makes you stronger and smarter
25. Not everyone is supposed to or going to be your client. Don't waste your time in the wrong crowd
26. Some people will never get you or what you do, and that's okay
27. Invest in the future through financial investments, capacity building investments, and relationship investments, as well as by making real impacts (Cr. my dad)
28. If you want it, ask for it
29. Don't take anything in business personally
30. Put your time, energy, and effort into things that matter. Your time, energy, and effort are so limited
31. Know what makes you unique
32. Don't take yourself too seriously
33. The most you can do is to do your best today and prepare well for tomorrow. Other things are out of your control
34. Everyone experiences uncertainty, ambiguity, and discomfort, no matter what. The fact that you can choose and somewhat control the kind(s) of uncertainty, ambiguity, and discomfort you experience is something you should be grateful for
35. Define not just what you do, but why and how you do it
36. It all comes down to mastering people skills
37. You don't always have to close the deals right now. Maybe what you are working on today will yield results or pay off in a few years time or even longer (Cr. my parents)
38. Working hard doesn't mean long hours
39. Working hard doesn't always lead to good results. Good results don't always come from working hard
40. Be very real with people. You are human, not a superhero 
41. There is no "lost time" even when something didn't work out. You always learn something and gain something from it
42. If they try to copy you, it is a compliment for you and a bad sign for them
43. Timing is so important. Don't force it
44. A rejection is just one person's opinion
45. "Investment" and "expense" are not the same thing (Cr. my mom)
46. Success is defined by the difference/contribution I make, the number of lives I have touched, and the joining of my passions
47. Self-promotion works, only when done subtly and smartly
48. Great work speaks for itself
49. Absolutely no need and no use to feel sorry for yourself
50. To keep going and get out of a creative rut, you need time to relax, refresh, recharge, and even completely reset (Cr. my mom)