Success Advice
4 Strategies to Keep You Ahead of the Game in 2020

If the last 20 years has taught us anything it is that we have no idea what the next 20 will hold. That being said, we can focus on the road ahead of us, and make a plan and execute it on a higher level than last year. As we close out this decade and move into what is without a doubt one of the most exciting times for technology, entertainment and entrepreneurs, we need to keep a few things in mind to crush it in 2020.
Here are 4 strategies to keep you ahead of the game in the new year:
1. Stop being a CEO
This is not a delegate better, or be the best leader suggestion. Literally, stop calling yourself a CEO. This last decade has shown that anyone can call themselves an expert, and prove it with some good videos and amazing posts. Endless amounts of people had an idea this last decade and called themselves a CEO right out of the gate, and really never did anything worthy of the title. Tim Ferriss talks about this in the 4-hour work week.
Dictionary.com defines a CEO as a chief executive officer, the highest-ranking person in a company or other institution, ultimately responsible for making managerial decisions. You really want to stand out? Identify yourself by your true role in your company. The title of CEO is something that should be earned, even if it’s your own company.
If you are looking to start off 2020 as a new entrepreneur, don’t make this mistake. Go with Vice President and set a goal to earn your own promotion. If you have been doing this for a while and it works for you great, keep it up. If not, you may want to consider a demotion in the new year and set a goal to achieve the title so you can show real growth.
2. Podcasts will be the new professional network
LinkedIn has proven to be an amazing way to grow your professional social network, and this past year it showed it’s also a great place to generate business. That being said the word is out and the space is getting crowded. The new professional network and social proof in 2020 will be your podcast, and who’s podcast have you been a guest on.
More and more you can see people who seemed untouchable not sitting down and doing some big TV network interview to get traction, they are guesting on a bunch of podcasts. The more podcasts you can be a guest on, the more you will establish yourself as an expert in your industry. In addition, a podcast is a great way to reach up and down the corporate and social ladder to make that next level connection you are looking for.
Thanks to today’s technology, the barrier to entry to start a podcast is not that difficult. Many applications out there can get you on all the major platforms at no cost. Also, if time is an issue, many people are offering this as a service and it can really enhance your social media presence. As Gary Vaynerchuk has been saying for the better part of 2 years, “voice is the next big thing”.
3. Write an article every week on LinkedIn
Yes, we just talked about LinkedIn getting crowded, but another way to stand out is publishing an article on LinkedIn. Consider your next 3 paragraph post you are going to put on LinkedIn and publish it as an article. It shows up on your feed as a published article, and it looks different than all the other post people are putting out there.
It can be more specific about your product or service too because it is an article and that is what people expect from articles. You are also putting yourself in the space with many influencers on LinkedIn who are doing the same.
Not sure what to write? Go with hot topics in your industry or information about your product or service that could be helpful to someone who wants to learn more. If you’re still hitting a wall, see what is trending on LinkedIn and join in the conversation. Combine this with your podcast and your voice just got clearer and louder on social media.
4. Be you
This sounds simple, but it is something many people take for granted. Social media is no longer new, it has traction. People can now see your past and present, if the two don’t match up that is going to raise major read flags. The old saying has not changed over the last 20 years, and it is still true, people do business with people they know, like and trust.
The bot that generates leads is not going to help you make the connection with your next big customer. If you are going to cold message someone, take some time to explore their website, social media and podcast. That human connection can save you more time than any automated system can.
As we will automate the simple things in our life in the new decade, banking, food shopping and other things we don’t need to leave the house for anymore, people will have more time to make connections and establish authentic relationships. This is your chance to get out from behind the keyboard and get in front of people who can help you achieve your goals.
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Personal Development
These 11 Habits Will Make You More Productive, Successful, and Confident
Boost your focus, confidence, and results with 11 powerful habits successful people use every day.

Successful people love to help beginners. They have an incredible work ethic and rarely complain. As a result, others naturally look up to them and want to follow in their footsteps.
But here’s the truth: there’s no success without sacrifice. You’ll need to give up comfort, excuses, and sometimes even social approval to accomplish your goals.
Value comes from solving problems, and these 11 powerful tips will help you become more productive, successful, and confident, starting today.
1. Take Short Breaks After Finishing a Task
Psychology shows it’s important to reward positive behaviour.
After completing a big task or finishing a book, take five minutes to walk, stretch, or simply breathe. This quick reset helps your brain recharge and strengthens focus.
Many great writers swear by morning walks, solitude, and reflection can unlock creativity.
But if you refuse to take breaks, don’t be surprised when burnout hits. Your brain needs recovery time just as much as your body does.
2. Schedule Your Most Important Tasks First
Multitasking kills productivity. If you want to get more done, try time blocking, a method where you dedicate set periods for specific tasks.
Productivity expert Caitlin Hughes explains, “Time blocking involves scheduling blocks of time for your tasks throughout the day.”
For example, if you’re a writer:
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Research your topic at night.
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Write your first draft in the morning (don’t worry if it’s rough).
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Edit in the afternoon, great writing comes from rewriting.
You can’t buy more time. Use it intentionally and without regret.
3. Eliminate Distractions from Your Workspace
Focus is the foundation of success.
According to Inc. Magazine, it takes an average of 23 minutes to recover from a distraction. That’s nearly half an hour of lost productivity every time you check your phone.
Put your phone away. Close unnecessary tabs. And yes, limit your Netflix binges.
Meeting deadlines consistently is one of the fastest ways to stand out and earn respect.
4. Take Full Responsibility for Your Life
Entrepreneur Derek Sivers once said, “Everything is my fault.”
This mindset doesn’t mean self-blame; it means self-ownership. Stop pointing fingers, making excuses, or waiting for others to change.
If your habits (like smoking or drinking too much) hold you back, it’s time to make better choices. Your friends can’t live your dreams for you; only you can.
5. Invest an Hour a Day in Learning New Skills
Knowledge compounds over time.
Whether you read books, take online courses, or practise a craft, consistent learning gives you a competitive edge.
I used to struggle with academic writing, but I improved by studying the work of great authors and applying what I learned.
Your past doesn’t define you; your actions do. Every new skill adds another tool to your arsenal and makes you more unstoppable.
6. Develop a Growth Mindset
Psychologist Dr. Carol Dweck introduced the concept of fixed vs. growth mindset.
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A fixed mindset believes success is based on natural talent.
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A growth mindset believes success comes from effort and learning.
Choose the growth mindset. Embrace challenges. See failures as feedback. In today’s fast-moving digital world, adaptability is your biggest advantage.
7. Learn Marketing to Reach People Who Need You
I once believed marketing was manipulative, until I realised it’s about helping people solve problems.
If your work provides genuine value, marketing is how you let others know it exists. Even Apple spends billions on it.
Don’t be ashamed to promote your skills or business. Without visibility, your ideas will never reach the people who need them most.
Creative professionals who understand marketing and sales have an unfair advantage.
8. Ask Your Mentor the Right Questions
Good mentors can fast-track your growth.
While mentorship often costs money, it’s one of the best investments you can make. Great mentors don’t care about titles; they care about your progress.
If you don’t have access to a mentor yet, books are your silent mentors. Read the best in your field, take notes, and apply what resonates.
9. Build Confidence Through Action, Not Affirmations
Author Ryan Holiday once said, “I don’t believe in myself. I have evidence.”
Confidence doesn’t come from shouting affirmations into the mirror; it comes from proof. Doing hard things, keeping promises to yourself, and following through.
When you consistently take action, your brain gathers evidence that you can handle whatever comes next. That’s real confidence, grounded, earned, and unshakable.
10. Focus on Your Strengths
Your strengths reveal where your greatest impact lies.
If people compliment you on something often, it’s a clue. Lean into it.
A former professor once told me I was creative, and that simple comment gave me the confidence to go all in. I studied creativity, applied it daily, and turned it into my career advantage.
Double down on your strengths. That’s how you build momentum and mastery.
11. Identify and Challenge Your Limiting Beliefs
Your beliefs shape your reality.
For years, I believed I couldn’t be a great writer because of my chronic tinnitus and astigmatism, sensory challenges that made concentration difficult. But over time, I realised those struggles made me more disciplined, observant, and empathetic.
Your limitations can become your greatest motivators if you let them.
Avoid shortcuts. Growth takes time, but it’s always worth it.
Final Thoughts
Becoming productive, successful, and confident isn’t about working harder than everyone else. It’s about working smarter, consistently, and intentionally.
You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start small: take a break after your next task, schedule your priorities, or spend one hour learning something new.
Every habit you change compounds into long-term success. Remember, true change comes from practising new behaviours.
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