By Tania Yuki (Founder, Wimlink)
Are there three things you’d like to accomplish in your career or business that for some reason or other you haven’t been able to accomplish? What do you think stops you from achieving these things? Not enough time, not enough support, information, opportunity, something else?
That something else may just be a gentle but persistent unwillingness to put yourself out there and pull the trigger. There are many reasons belying this, mostly along the lines of fear of failure and lack of trust. After all, what if you got it wrong?
In a recent wimlink survey and discussion thread with over two hundred professional women, the top three bits of advice that they would give to their younger self were:
- Trust your instincts.
- Be bold and speak up.
- Think less and do more –- just pull the trigger, it’s okay to fail and get things wrong.
The common theme was self trust, and a little less conversation, a little more action. Taking pressure off of yourself to be perfect all the time is an excellent start. Said one CEO, “it’s better to be bold and get it right 70 percent of the time, than to wait too long and get only a few things 100 percent right. Important opportunities may just pass you by.”
So how do you begin to take action?
Firstly, learn from those who have already done it. Although these new skills and tools may seem foreign, they have been conquered by many before you. Many of these people are willing to give of their experience, why not take it? And, of course, say thank you!
Secondly, do what you learn, and get started immediately. It is often said that you should never leave the scene of a good idea without taking one step towards its realization. It’s not enough just to nod, agree and internalize. You have to take action on what you learn, so that it becomes a part of who you are.
Thirdly, pay it forward. We often learn best when explaining concepts to others. So don’t hoard your newfound gems, share them around, tweet about them, write articles, and mentor and support the people around you. It’s a good way for everyone to get collectively better. A rising tide lifts all boats.
For a great opportunity to learn the success strategies of three inspiring women, we have created Advancing Women — what you need to succeed in 2012, and beyond.
Women 2.0 members save 50% with code “women2″. For more information and to register, click here.
In this leadership event, inspiring and accomplished women executives share their stories of leadership and success. Our elite panelists include:
- Joanne Zaiac, President of Digitas NY
- Diane Oshin, Group Publisher All You / Cooking Lite for Time Inc.
- Angela Leaney, EVP Brand Marketing for The World Famous Harlem Globetrotters.
The panel will reveal their thoughts on leadership, strategies for breaking through to the next level, as well as ideas for leveraging both inner and outer strengths along the journey to achievement. Wimlink and Hatchery are proud to co-host this premier event as a leadership forum for women to connect, exchange ideas, and plan for their businesses and careers in 2012, and beyond.
Editor’s note: Got a question for our guest blogger? Leave a message in the comments below.
About the guest blogger: Tania Yuki is a digital media executive and Founder of Wimlink, an organization that holds regular events and seminars promoting entrepreneurship, leadership, and the professional development of women. She began her career as a filmmaker and media attorney. More recently she has run an online video content network and has led product management for comScore’s Video Metrix. Currently, Tania leads the Advertiser Solutions group for Visible World. Follow her on Twitter at @taniayuki.
