Here’s one of my favorite posts. It’s by Duncan L. Niederauer, former CEO of the New York Stock Exchange. Duncan went to Emory University too. :) I loved it when I read it in 2013 and saved it. I pulled it up this week and realized how useful it is regardless of what year you read it! I hope you find this helpful. The original article is on Linkedin here.

1) Have a plan, but not one that is over-engineered. Opportunities will inevitably come your way, and you want to be poised to consider them.

2) Every boss is a role model from whom you can learn. Some will be role models you'd do well to emulate, and others...not so much. Either way, you can learn a lot from them about what to do or what not to do.

3) The road less traveled is more interesting, so take it once in a while. It will give you the courage to stand behind your convictions.

4) Remember that most of the advice you will get is conventional wisdom, which is synonymous with playing it safe. Follow your heart, not someone else's mind.

5) Bring passion and energy to what you do every day. If you find things you enjoy, this won't be a challenge.

6) Success is highly correlated with one's self-awareness quotient. Play to your strengths, and understand your shortcomings.

7) Keep your friends and family close and consider them your personal board of directors. They will be your compass and your foundation.

8) Show up prepared...for every encounter.

9) Stay on the high road - it isn't very crowded, but it should be!

10) Treat everyone with respect and kindness, not based on what they can do for you.

11) Be an optimist. As the saying goes, a pessimist sees the challenges in every opportunity, while an optimist sees the opportunities in every challenge.

12) Expect more of yourself and those around you.

13) Leave every situation better than you found it. Find your own way to pay it forward.

To sum it all up, pay more attention to your self-worth than your net worth, spend time with people who tell you what you can do rather than what you can't, dare to do great things and commit to making a difference in the lives of others.