every project has legs

this knowledge has been a gift and a stepping stone in my career, so I thought to share it with you

Dear You,

I met someone two months ago, and he told me he really needed new jobs and wanted recommendations. He had spoken to five other people in my presence, and I am sure they would have been happy to recommend, but we all wanted to experience his work. I am not his employer, but I was lucky to be in close proximity to the work, as were the five others. He was dissatisfied with the amount he was paid, and spent more time complaining than executing. The dissatisfaction affected his output, making it difficult for him to give his best as he would have done naturally. I remember hearing three of those five people comment on how disappointing his work was that they would never recommend him even if they were paid to. I imagine he was better than his output on that project, but there was no way to know. This was his first impression, his one shot, and he blew it.

I understand how sometimes our environment and the amount we are paid can affect our ability to show up as our best. It took me a moment to reflect and realise that many years ago, I made a decision to do one of these two things: say no if the offer will hinder me from giving my best, or say yes and do my very best despite the environment.

I took on a project, and while I was part of it, there were many setbacks, but I kept telling myself, "As long as my name is there, I must give it my best". I see now that this mentality has helped me in my career. Almost every job or project I have worked on has been a stepping stone, and my clients and employers have always referred to a work of mine they saw or encountered. I believe every project has legs.

Every project is a billboard.

Every project is an opportunity. Don't be flimsy with the opportunities you have in front of you. Be Bold. Use the opportunity, platform, job, or project you have right now to create more for yourself by giving it your best shot! No excuses. If you find yourself complaining too much about it, do something to change something - change the terms, the environment, quit if you have to. But once you say yes and commit, give it your best shot!

With Love,

Blessing Abeng