Whether you’re just starting out in your career, diving into a new business venture, or well along your path, we all reach points where we wonder how to make work more fulfilling. I’ll admit, sharing my own thoughts on this feels a bit humbling. At 39, I’m still learning and have nowhere near the decades of wisdom others might. But in my own journey, I’ve found that a few small shifts—often surprisingly simple ones—have made all the difference, helping me feel both successful and genuinely satisfied with my life and work.
These aren’t grand revelations or secret formulas. They’re little lessons I’ve picked up along the way that have helped me bring more meaning and joy into my career. I hope that sharing them will offer something valuable for anyone seeking a deeper sense of purpose and happiness in what they do. Whether you’re at the beginning of your journey or somewhere further along, may these insights add a little light to your path.
1. Make Reading Books or Listening to Podcasts Your Daily Habit
While it’s true that some people succeed without ever picking up a book, there’s one common thread among many of the world’s most successful people, like Warren Buffett, Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, and Elon Musk—they all make lifelong learning a priority. For them, reading isn’t just a habit; it’s the foundation of their success.
Books are gateways to knowledge and perspectives we might never encounter otherwise. As George R.R. Martin wisely said, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” Through books, we access powerful ideas, lessons, and stories that help shape our thinking and guide our paths forward.
“Today a reader, tomorrow a leader.” — Margaret Fuller
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” — Dr. Seuss
For me, reading has been an indispensable guide. Books like How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, which taught me the timeless principles of relationship-building, and The Untethered Soul by Michael A. Singer, which opened my eyes to living with less internal resistance, have shaped both my professional life and personal growth. These books didn’t just teach me how to manage business—they transformed how I relate to others. They’ve made me a more empathetic leader, a more patient friend, and a more present daughter. By learning from the experiences of others, I’ve been able to avoid costly mistakes and gain insights without going through the same struggles myself.
In today’s fast-paced world, setting aside time to read can seem overwhelming. That’s where podcasts come in. Many successful authors and thought leaders share their knowledge through interviews and talks available for free on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. The wealth of insight available in these formats is endless, making learning more accessible than ever.
When I first ventured into paid advertising, I had no one to guide me. But through reading, I taught myself, eventually generating eight figures in revenue and millions in profit. Similarly, I knew nothing about running a company, but books guided me through every step, leading me to own seven companies globally. And through it all, I became a better leader in the process.
Just four years ago, I was a real estate novice. But through books and podcasts, I’ve gained the knowledge to make confident decisions and even share some of my advice previously here on my blog.
During the toughest times of my life—when everything felt meaningless—the stories of others who faced adversity were not just helpful, they were lifelines. They reminded me that growth doesn’t happen overnight, but through the daily, consistent steps we take to persevere. Listening to these voices helped me find my way again, giving me the strength to move forward when I thought I couldn’t.
So, how can you start today? Commit to just 15 minutes a day. I promise, it’s a habit that will transform your life mentally, emotionally, and professionally, one book, one podcast, one lesson at a time.
And yes, you can thank me later. Hehehe. 😉
2. Make Yourself Look Presentable
It might sound shallow, but bear with me—it’s the truth. People who say looks don’t matter are usually in denial. There’s a reason why the phrase “You never get a second chance to make a first impression” exists.
Throughout my career, I’ve seen how much of an impact appearance can have on business. When I attend conferences or networking events, I’ve noticed that people always remember my name, my face, and the stories I share. I got invited to VIP events, even before I made any sales. Looking presentable makes networking not just easier but also more effective.
I’ve run some actual “tests” to see how appearance really affects outcomes. The first time I went to ING Bank to sort out a business issue, I showed up with no makeup, wearing casual, everyday clothes. I was treated like just another customer—nothing special, no extra attention, no urgency to solve my problem.
A week later, I went back dressed up, with makeup and a nice outfit. Same person greeted me. This time, he gave me his personal contact details, cracked jokes, and even called his colleagues to fast-track my request. Funny how a little effort in appearance can get things moving, huh?
This doesn’t just happen in business. Even socially, looking presentable works wonders. My friends and I have had the luxury of skipping lines, getting immediate seating at restaurants, and having waiters check in every 15 minutes to ensure we’re taken care of—simply because we looked good enough to deserve it.
For years, I worked long hours, but I always made staying in shape a priority. Sure, it was about mental and physical health, but I also knew my appearance was an asset in business. It’s not about being “perfect”—it’s about presenting the best version of yourself. And you don’t need to be stunning to get the benefits—just look put together. Wear nice clothes. Put on makeup. That’s it.
For the guys—don’t worry, I’m not suggesting you wear makeup. Hahaha. But please, make sure your hair and beard (if you have one) don’t look like a bird’s nest after a storm. A little grooming goes a long way!
I’m telling you the truth: without makeup, I think only my fiancé believes I’m beautiful (love is blind, right?). The moment I throw on a bit of makeup and wear some nice clothes, though, I look like a completely different person—even he admits it. That’s the power of investing in your appearance. If I looked the same as I do in my gym clothes—well, then wearing makeup and nice outfits would be a useless investment. But when I look like I’ve made an effort? It pays off, big time.
So, if you still think wearing nice clothes or makeup is “fake,” maybe you’ve never truly experienced the magic of putting your best foot forward. It’s not about changing who you are—it’s about showcasing who you are at your best.
Looking presentable isn’t just about vanity; it’s a business tool, a social shortcut, and a confidence booster all rolled into one. So, trust me on this—make the effort, and you’ll be amazed at the doors it opens for you.
3. Give a Helping Hand, and Give People a Chance
For me, nothing has opened doors faster in my career and entrepreneurial journey than genuinely supporting others whenever I can. Whether it’s making an introduction, offering honest advice, or sharing a bit of my own success strategy, those small acts of generosity seem to go a long way.
I always have a real soft spot for hardworking people who might face barriers—like social anxiety, language challenges, physical limitations, or simply a lack of experience. Most of us have needed a break at some point, and you’d be surprised at the impact a single opportunity can have on someone’s life. What’s more, people given a chance often work their hearts out to prove themselves, bringing loyalty, dedication, and fresh perspectives. I’ve seen this time and again in all my businesses, and it’s incredible to witness.
There’s even science behind this: psychologists have discovered that when we help others, our brains release “feel-good” chemicals like dopamine, endorphins, and oxytocin—creating that natural rush of happiness and fulfillment. Studies show that acts of kindness can reduce stress, improve relationships, and boost overall well-being. So really, helping others doesn’t just brighten their day; it makes ours better, too.
Spiritual leaders like the Dalai Lama and Thich Nhat Hanh have long emphasized that compassion is a foundation of lasting happiness. And if you’re ever unsure when to lend a hand or give someone a chance, remember that simply treating others with kindness and respect is already a powerful way to make a difference.
4. Show Your Loyalty
“Never forget the hands that raised you up when you were down.” We all experience times when we need help, whether it’s in life or in our careers. But the real challenge comes once we’re back on our feet—how do we show up for those who helped us when we were struggling?
For me, loyalty has always been about giving back in a simple, genuine way. When someone offers me a hand, I make sure to return that loyalty—whether it’s supporting them in their work, showing up when they need help, or just being there for them as a friend. I remember when I was just starting out in affiliate marketing. I was a nobody, and one of the first people to give me a chance went out of his way to help me. His kindness left a lasting impression. When I found my footing, I made it a point to prioritize his offers first. His success was my success.
That loyalty didn’t go unnoticed. In return, he made sure I had the highest rates, exclusive opportunities, and insights no one else had access to.
I’ve seen this cycle play out in other areas of my life as well. I once hired an employee who struggled to find work due to a language barrier and lack of experience. I took him in, trained him, and showed him that I believed in him. His loyalty was unwavering—he went above and beyond not just for the job but for the company and for me. And this formed the foundation of a relationship built on trust, respect, and a deep sense of partnership.
What I’ve learned through these experiences is that loyalty doesn’t just strengthen relationships—it builds something more meaningful: a shared sense of purpose and mutual respect. Research backs this up, showing that loyalty fosters deeper connections, making people feel valued and secure.
Looking back, I realize that the real gift of loyalty is not just what you give—it’s the lasting bond that it creates. It’s not always about getting something in return. It’s about building a relationship based on trust and care, which can last far beyond the moment itself.
So, when we show loyalty—whether through simple acts of kindness, standing by someone in need, or supporting others as they support us—it has the power to enrich both their lives and ours.
5. Learn to Develop a Thick Skin
Developing thick skin isn’t about becoming insensitive or shutting off from the world—it’s about protecting your inner peace and staying grounded, no matter what life throws your way.
Having thick skin means standing up for yourself, setting healthy boundaries, and being willing to ask for help when needed. True strength is in asserting yourself with grace, humility, and courage.
Building thick skin isn’t an overnight process. It requires patience and self-compassion. At times, others’ judgments or expectations may feel overwhelming. But over time, you’ll realize that letting go of the need to please others is liberating. The opinions and criticisms of others lose their power when you choose not to internalize them.
I’ve experienced this firsthand. I speak English with a noticeable Vietnamese accent, and I’ve been mocked for it. But instead of letting it affect me, I focus on how far I’ve come. Their judgments don’t change the fact that I’m still moving forward, working hard, and growing. Yes, I have imperfections—but they don’t define me, and neither do yours.
If someone disrespects me, I simply move on. I don’t need their validation, nor do I let their negativity impact my peace. I protect my energy by setting boundaries and distancing myself from toxic people.
An effective way to build thick skin is through daily affirmations. Remind yourself that you are enough, that your worth isn’t defined by others’ opinions, and that you deserve respect. The more you reinforce these truths, the more natural they become, strengthening your resilience.
Once you build your thick skin, your happiness and fulfillment grow, and your career can skyrocket. With strong mental resilience and clear boundaries, there’s only one direction for you to go—UP. You become unstoppable. You channel adversity into growth, creating opportunities and advancing in ways others can only dream of.
Final Thoughts
Have you experienced any shifts in your life or career that have made a significant impact, but weren’t mentioned here? It’s amazing how even the smallest changes in mindset or daily habits can create a ripple effect, transforming our overall well-being and happiness. If you’ve found any practices or approaches that have helped you, feel free to share—sometimes, the most unexpected shifts can be the most powerful.
