Dishing the Advice

As we approach the 25th anniversary of Lita Dirks & Co we decided to do a little twist to our normal “Dish with a Designer” series. We thought this important milestone deserved a little more digging. To that end, we surveyed the staff and asked “what is the best advice you’ve received?” The survey did not specify advice genre and as a result, we received a myriad of gems. Enjoy!

(Also it is important to note that we semi-arbitrarily categorized these. Many of these nuggets of wisdom can, and should, be under multiple headings.)

Career Advice

  • It’s not what you know, it’s who you know!
  • Just do it. Deal with the consequences later. Don’t be afraid, mistakes are fantastic learning opportunities.
  • Play to your strengths. Realize that what you are good at is often invisible to you, since it comes so easily.
  • Believe the positive feedback you get – from bosses, clients, and colleagues.  Too often our minds are Velcro for negative feedback and Teflon for positive feedback.
  • Take smart risks. Nobody reached ambitious goals without taking some risks. Consider the risk of inaction; it’s often the bigger risk. To feel more confident in taking a risk, break it down into small, manageable steps.
  • Learn something new every day.
  • Develop your talent. It’s not about something we either have or we don’t. Talent can be developed with practice and perseverance.
  • Ask for and seize opportunities. One of the keys to every woman leader’s success has been taking advantage of opportunities.
  • Create your own environment. Put yourself in a place that will help you grow, not suppress your growth. Surround yourself with people who understand, or at least make the effort to understand you.
  • Stand tall, smile, and go for it!
  • No task is beneath you. Don’t put yourself above anyone or anything; work hard in silence and let success make the noise.

Relationship Advice

  • Be somebody who makes everybody feel like a somebody.
  • Fight For Happiness. A fairy tale misconception is that happiness is presented to you by someone else (like a knight in shining armor). Truth is, your life, happiness, sense of balance and even how people treat you, are completely in your control.
  • Communicate. Talk to your partner about your feelings. Ask questions and listen to their answers. If you’re upset, say so — don’t make your partner try to figure out what’s up. Talking through problems builds trust and makes your relationship stronger.
  • In all things, be honest. Be truthful with each other about what you do, think, and feel. Honesty creates trust. Few things harm a relationship more than lies.
  • Agree to disagree. You’re not always going to see eye to eye, and that’s OK. The important thing is to respect each other’s opinions and ideas.
  • Forgive and ask for forgiveness. Everybody makes mistakes. Be willing to apologize for yours and accept (graciously) your partner’s apologies.

General Words to Live By

  • Be yourself and be kind.
  • Go with your gut.
  • Allow yourself to transform as many times as you need to be fully happy and free.
  • Don’t try to lessen yourself for the world; let the world catch up to you.
  • Assume positive intent.
  • Smile. Even when you don’t feel the joy, pretend, the feelings will (eventually) come.
  • Remember that there is always something to be grateful for.
  • Don’t let perfection be the enemy of the good. Don’t be paralyzed by the fear of something not being perfect.
  • Choose your friends wisely. You are a reflection of the five people you spend the most time with–choose them wisely.
  • Comparison is the thief of joy. Don’t worry about what others have, think, or do. Your life is not anyone else’s.

 

Thanks for letting us indulge in some “milestone reflection.” If you’re are looking for more interior-design focused advice and how to merchandise a model home to sell quickly, please contact us today. We are confident in sharing this dish too!