1. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Comfort gives you a false sense of security. The reality is, things are always changing and the only way to evolve is to live beyond your comfort zone. Being courageous is not about the absence of fear but rather doing things in spite of fear.
2. Life is too short to spend it with sh*tty people.
You can't always control the actions of others, but you can control whom you choose to keep in your life. If someone sucks, cut him or her out now. They will only be negative energy that you don't need in your life. You deserve to be surrounded by people with beautiful hearts and good intentions.
3. Be relentless.
I (re)learned this during my summer internship at Amazon. There was no better training ground than that created by the brilliant and terrifying (in a good way), Jeff Bezos. This experience taught me there is no dream too big and that persistence and vision can overcome overwhelming doubts. Whatever you do, do it with conviction and be relentless.
4. Be kind, and who cares if people don't like you.
Wanting to be liked is tragic. I have observed this since I was young, and perhaps I've tried to develop my likeability overtime; but quite frankly, I just don't care anymore as long as I'm not harming anyone. I urge you to let go -- you are not going to be liked by everyone and you will feel free when you learn to let go.
5. Expect that people will surprise and disappoint you.
As an aspiring entrepreneur, you lean on your support system for help and guidance and attempt to rally strangers into advocates. This experience will pleasantly surprise and deeply disappoint you. Sometimes, those you expected to be your biggest cheerleaders will fall silent, and those you considered acquaintances will become the biggest champions of your ideas.
6. People with different backgrounds are awesome!
Having spent most of my life in Los Angeles, I was exposed to diversity and learned from a young age the value of different perspectives. Getting to know the international students in my MBA program on a deeper level has not only confirmed this but has also enriched my educational experience and given me some of the best friends I could ever ask for.
7. The most important relationship is the one with yourself.
This was listed last intentionally -- I want it to stick. The way you treat and love yourself is how others will treat and love you. This is true in your professional and personal endeavors. If you command respect, you will get it. So go be amazing, and love yourself while doing so! And remember to "sit at the table" and wear the pants.
Crystal Ung, Seyrue cofounder
http://kck.st/1uCa92r