From your parents telling you "the early bird catches the worm" to the advice everyone and their brother offered on your personal branding blog last week about boosting your career.
That's putting it mildly, given how much has changed over the past few decades. What was once conventional wisdom now seems laughably outdated. Moreover, the internet is flooded with blog posts and Twitter articles designed to generate clicks by quoting foolish people and citing flawed surveys.To help cut through all the nonsense, here's the truth about seven career advice myths that have somehow become conventional wisdom. 1. If you're not a morning person, you're a loser. Admittedly, this habit might work against you, but it doesn't mean you're doomed to fail. For decades, I've never been fully awake before noon, yet somehow built a highly successful career.And I'm certainly not alone. Instead of dragging yourself through life like a zombie like everyone else, here are some simple tricks for succeeding when you're not the early bird. 2. It's not what you know, it's who you know. Honestly, this old adage seems more like an excuse for people to give up on their careers.Yes, relationships and connections are key to your success—absolutely. But now more than ever, it's entirely up to you. It's your responsibility. If you're unwilling to put in the work, don't blame others. Moreover, your inner drive to get things done matters more than anything else; it always has.
3. To get ahead, you need to suck up to people
I know hundreds of successful people, and very few achieved it by currying favor with management or being a yes-man. If you know what you're doing, you don't need to grovel to anyone. Learn how to manage upward. Managing your boss isn't the same as being a yes-man. In fact, it's completely different.
4. The myth of working for a cause; work isn't supposed to be fun
Companies are businesses; they aren't all fun and games. That said, your best shot at a fulfilling and successful career comes from doing what you love or feel passionate about. If you enjoy sleeping in and dread going to work, you haven't found that job yet. Keep looking.
5. You need career guidance
Everyone needs mentors and motivators. But those offering credible guidance and insightful advice should be people who've walked the path ahead of you and achieved the success you crave. By definition, the coach you pay to guide your life or career isn't that person.Don't waste your time or money. 6. Nice guys finish last Absolutely not true—it's that simple. When people help and support each other positively, companies are far more effective at getting things done. In any business interaction, treating others well increases your chances of success. All else being equal, nice people win.By the way, being kind doesn't mean you're a pushover, nor does it mean you can't be a tenacious, professional, or strong negotiator. These qualities aren't mutually exclusive, so don't confuse them. 7. Your personal brand matters a lot This confuses many people, so let me clarify. Present yourself professionally online and in person.Keep your personal narrative separate from your professional life and public online presence—like LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, or your personal blog. Companies don't hire or promote personal brands. They hire and promote people who get things done without causing headaches. I don't call this personal branding. I call it common sense. Remember that.