Things I Unlearned After 20 Years in Tech

I have always believed in the saying “Experience teaches you a lot. But it’s the unlearning that really changes the game." I saw this in action over the past 20 years in my professional career. How? See below for my top 3 points:

📈Value Increases with More Work and More Hours

I once thought that the more hours I worked, the more value I would create for my team, my business, and myself. But as time has gone on, I've come to understand that strategic, focused effort always wins out over hectic, tactical work. We must consider "why" we are taking certain actions and "what" benefit they are bringing to others. I have discovered that I need to change my perspective from focusing on completing activities to focusing on the results I hope to attain.

❌Avoid becoming the most intelligent person in the room.

I've always wanted to be the sharpest person in the room, and I used to think that was a plus. However, I've learned that being the smartest is actually more of a liability. You are only as excellent as your ability to learn and think creatively. I've discovered that you should be someone who is willing to learn and try new things rather than someone who is an expert.

🛋️Comfort is nice—until it isn't.

I used to think that a stable, predictable, and comfortable life was a wonderful thing. You did a great job! That's what we're all aiming for, after all. However, I've learned over time that comfort can subtly become a trap, even though it may seem good in the moment. It can make you sluggish, sap your drive, and reduce your willingness to take chances. I've discovered that you're most likely in the wrong location if everything seems simple. Being overly comfortable rarely leads to growth.