This Is How to Get Your Next Job

#13: Don’t Do Your Work for Anyone but Yourself

Someone once told me—it may have been my husband, who tells me lots of wise things—that when writing, write for yourself first. Be your first audience, he said. If you don’t enjoy what you wrote, don’t like it, or don’t think it’s any good, neither will anyone else.

I love this advice. I remember it every time I sit down to write my column or a sentence in a book. It helps me do my best work and enjoy it.

I think this applies to any kind of work. You should be your first audience—no matter what you do. I don’t care if you’re stacking shelves or preparing a report for the chairman of the board. Do it according to the high standards you set for yourself in everything you do.

If you’re writing your ...