Having recently re-read Richard Branson’s book ‘Screw It, Let’s Do It – Lessons In Life,’ I realised that his ‘life lessons’ equally apply to our careers.
So I have adapted his 9 Life Lessons into the 9 Career Lessons below:
1. Just Do It: If you have a career ambition which you passionately want to pursue - then just do it. So set goals for yourself - no matter how big or small. Develop a simple plan (DON’T over-plan), take action consistently and have the faith and belief in your ability to achieve it along with a healthy amount of realism.
2. Have Fun: Stay positive and have an upbeat outlook on life. Do work you enjoy and work with people you enjoy being around. If you get to the stage where you have spent far too many days not enjoying yourself - then it’s time to: a) change your mindset and how you view things or: b) change your job.
3. Be Bold: If you want to do something - go for it. You don’t want to have regrets. Bold does not mean reckless - it means going for what you want whilst taking measured risks. Weigh up the risks and rewards objectively and then use your intuition to make the final call.
4. Challenge Yourself: Apply for jobs which are out of your league, network with people more senior than you, mix in circles you don’t normally mix in, go learn some new skills. As human beings we are naturally wired for growth. Being static is a sure way to lethargy, frustration, depression and regret. Challenging yourself improves your confidence whilst making you a much more valuable employee.
5. Stand On Your Own Feet: Yes, challenge yourself but expect to pick yourself up when things go wrong. Take personal responsibility for your career and don’t expect a recruiter, head hunter, your boss or HR to manage it for you.
6. Live In The Moment: Don’t let thoughts about the future or the past distract you from what is happening right now. No matter how bad the market is, how bad your job is or how bad your job searching is going - if you stay focused on the now, there is always something of value for you to appreciate and enjoy.
7. Put Family And Friends First
If you were to get seriously ill tomorrow or even lose your job then it’s your family and friends who will get you through it - not your clients, not your employers and not your team. So start putting your family and friends before everything else.
8. Have Respect: Having respect for everyone and not just people you want to impress is the path to long-term career success. In the hyper-connected world we live in, it is very easy to find out about someone’s real character and reputation very quickly. Sounds ‘fluffy’ I know, but be nice, have respect and don’t damage your reputation.
9. Do Some Good: Helping a client out with a problem, mentoring junior colleagues and getting involved in community projects that your business supports are all activities which enrich people around you. But they also help you build character, develop new skills and widen your network, whilst at a personal level giving you a greater sense of satisfaction from your working life.
The last paragraph on the last page of Branson’s book reads “Whatever we want to be, whatever we want to do, we can do it. Go ahead, take that first step - just do it.”
So what’s your first step…?
By Sital Ruparelia. Cross posted on the 6 Figure Career Management Blog
I'm Louise Fletcher. As President of
I'm Chandlee Bryan. As a career coach and resume writer with experience from Manhattan to Main Street, I help job seekers connect with opportunity by sharing news, trends and best practices. I'm the Managing Editor of Career Hub and run 


















Sital, great adaptation. It all sounds straight from Branson's mouth, what a wonderful personality.
Stumbled this for you:
http://jobmob.stumbleupon.com/review/25253986/
Posted by: Jacob from JobMob | September 10, 2008 at 03:16 AM
Nice article! You might also want to check out Matt Rissell's productivity interviews and article:
http://blog.tsheets.com/2008/business-help/productivity-secrets-of-the-most-successful-people.html
Posted by: Time Tracker | September 10, 2008 at 04:40 AM
Excellent article! The fact that RB is also dyslexic makes his achievements and viewpoints even more admirable.
Stumbled!
Barbara
Posted by: Barbara Ling | September 10, 2008 at 05:51 AM
No matter how busy life can become, always put your family and friends first. Life is short, spend time with the people you care for most. They will not be around forever. Be a good person too.
Posted by: Hairstyle | September 12, 2008 at 10:44 AM
It is perfect that people can get the home loans and it opens new possibilities.
Posted by: LOWEGuadalupe22 | May 30, 2010 at 08:04 PM
No road is long with good company.
Posted by: ugg store | November 15, 2010 at 06:42 AM
Nature is more and more be destroyed, we must self-inspection
Posted by: cheap jordans | November 16, 2010 at 07:23 PM
Prefer Canada Goose Jackets in Canada Goose Jacket online store, more experience for winter life ! With winter coming, the Goose Down Jacket Canada and Women Canada Goose Chiliwack Parka BLACK with authentic quality will be the best choice for you.
Winter coming, everyone is starting to shop around for a warm winter coat. But the big question is: which one will keep you the warmest without making you look like an abominable snowman? Today´s article highlights for you two coats that meet these important criteria: Canada Goose Men's Yorkville Bomber and Canada Goose Outlet Trillium by Canadian Goose.
From Canada Goose Sale, Canada Goose Parka inspired by the label´s iconic Canada Goose Women Expedition design. It´s fitted with plenty of internal and external pockets as well as a versatile removable down filled hood, secure Velcro collar and storm flap protection over the front zipper. The cut is a bit slimmer than we´re used to seeing on vests and outerwear pieces alike, which definitely works in your favor when traveling from work to play and vice versa.
Posted by: Canada Goose | December 01, 2010 at 09:37 PM
I agree with you . Now all became clear, I thank for the help and I hope to see more such articles.
Posted by: supra shoes | December 14, 2010 at 02:54 AM
Sound commentary.I pense que votre droit, que thefunded.com est faussée par un public de gens qui ont entendu plus de pas que oui l'.
Posted by: Air Jordan Retro | December 28, 2010 at 04:57 AM
I find life an exciting business,The point is succinctness of expression.
Posted by: cl boots | December 29, 2010 at 04:10 AM
Wow! Très belles photos.
Posted by: Taobao.com china | December 29, 2010 at 09:27 PM