Lessons From the 2011 ProInspire Fellows

• Ask co-workers what they read frequently
• Get champions & other people involved “early and often”
• Don’t be afraid to take the big projects – Fail BIG.
• Recognize yourself for what you accomplish along the way.
• Take time to think things through and then ramp up.
• Ask people in your organization to lunch, especially people who do completely different things than you do.
• Ask LOTS of questions. All the time. Be aggressively curious.

• Don’t be afraid to manage up, but don’t try to be the boss
• Seek out mentors (within and external to work) who believe in you and are active mentors
• Seek “buy-in” and input for your ideas before you present to the senior team
• Go to every event you are invited to (this is real life!). Speak whenever you have the opportunity.
• Speak your mind, even if you are the only person in the room saying something different.
• Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today – as long as you still get 8 hours of sleep.
• Take advantage of all the networking and professional opportunities in D.C. -> especially within the ProInspire community.
• Reat lots of books, ask people whom you admire what they are reading (look @ fellow interviews on the blog to see what we read)

• Take care of the body and you will take care of the soul
• Prioritize yourself and everything/everyone else will follow
• Life ain’t a track meet – it’s a marathon 
• Practicing loving-kindness to yourself allows you to be kind to others.
• Take time to reflect on your experiences (in whatever way works best for you). Prioritize that.
• Take time to be along every so often
• Discipline is a transferable skill (this on is of the non-Type A)

• Not everyone wants to be inspired in the ways you do.
• Relationships are important. But it’s OK to let them grow organically.
• What you tell a speaker that you intend to follow-up with coffee or lunch  
• “Like energy attracts like energy”
• Try not to judge people before getting to know them – you may be surprised.
• Brand yourself in social media.
• Don’t waste your time on people with negative energy.
• Don’t "sleep" on gchat! It's a great way to develop relationships with the other Fellows.
• Bring your whole self to relationships. Let people get to know who you are and you will build deeper, more authentic relationships.

• Write down the reason you started this and what you hope to accomplish. Update it when necessary, but refer to it during every tough moment. In short: be anchored by your purpose and goals.
• Just remember that times were probably worse in your prior job.
• You are still marketable – know your story and SELL yourself.
• When you need a glass of wine, invest in a case – cheaper in the long run.
• Read Chodron “when things fall apart,” and schedule time for thinking, talking, a therapist.
• When this moment becomes a memory, it will be a lesson and a blessing.
• Make time for things that re-energize you – it’s most important during trying times.

• Be flexible. 
• Trust your gut. 
• Document what you want periodically
• Learn to say “no”, nicely, when you need to. 
• Bounce your ideas to people you admire – get their feedback and see if it strengthens your offering (do a feasibility assessment on your career path!)
• Know no fear.
• Take chances.
• Remember to be opportunistic – plans are made to be broken.
• Stay disciplined. Stay focused.