1. Be ready to run a marathon.
Gary Vaynerchuk, founder and CEO of VaynerMedia (700+ employees with over $100 million in annual revenue), NYT-bestselling author, and mentor on “Planet of the Apps“:
I’d tell my 24-year-old self: “Look, you’ve chosen long-term marathon running. So, wear a marathon outfit, not a sprinter’s outfit. Be patient and accumulate experiences. You’re 20 percent into a 100-year life. You haven’t even started.”Then I’d pat myself on the back and say: “You’re on the right path.”
3. Commit.
Grant Cardone, top sales expert and NYT-bestselling author; follow Grant on Facebook or YouTube: I lost the first five jobs I ever had and deserved it. At age 24, I was the black sheep of my family, involved in drugs and flat broke. I didn’t even like myself. Talking to that kid now, I’d say: “Get committed to success. You can do anything you want, but first, you have to commit. Every true commitment involves time and money.”4. Pay the price today.
Steve Griggs, founder and CEO of Steve Griggs Design; NYC’s premier landscape designer transforming backyards and rooftop gardens into private getaways:I must steal a quote from my good friend, Grant Cardone: “Pay the price today so you can pay any price tomorrow.” Put the time and effort into things the first time. And stop wasting weekends on nonsense.
I’d also remind myself: “You’re gonna get your ass kicked in the real world. When it happens, remember: ‘It’s not how hard you get hit, it’s the ability to get back up.'”