It’s been a few months since I left the Doc Review circuit and pursued my dream full time of building a million dollar law firm. In a short amount of time, I have grown tremendously. It’s crazy how your whole world changes once you decide to face your fears head on.

Most days I feel out of my league. Other days, I feel like a young Johnnie Cochran, but I’m taking in the experiences as they come. I can honestly say being an entrepreneur is not easy. In fact, I’m faced with many challenges on a daily basis, both internally and externally. In a short amount of time I’ve learned so much about myself, my surroundings and how life works overall. Below is a list of 10 things I've learned since starting my law firm.

1. MOST PEOPLE WANT TO SEE YOU SUCCEED.

There hasn’t been a single time that I’ve asked for help and did not receive it. I can remember before, having the fear that I will have all these unanswered questions and no one to help. But my experiences have shown that if I ask for help, people are willing to give valuable insight and knowledge without expecting much in return. Most people generally are good natured and view your success as a blessing.

2. I AM RESPONSIBLE FOR MY LIFE.

I have a deeper awareness now that I am the creator of my reality. Once I decided to take full responsibility for my life I felt a sense of liberation. Once you decide to blame your problems on someone else or a outside circumstance, you give away your power of choice. You begin to think you have no control and that’s not the truth. The truth is we have complete control over our life. We may not be able to control all external factors but we can most certainly control how we respond to those factors. It’s becoming clear to me that once I take full ownership of my life, I can really start creating the life I dream.

3. EVERYONE WILL ALWAYS HAVE AN OPINION ABOUT HOW YOU SHOULD LIVE.

Everyone will have an opinion of how you can do something better, or why you shouldn’t do this but should do that. Most of it may be pretty sound advice. But there will be a good amount of negative opinions in the mix. Take it with a grain of salt and keep standing strong. Don’t let the negative opinions of others throw you off your game. There are basically two kinds of people: those who are a drain on your energy and creative force, and those who give you energy and support your growth. Avoid the first kind and learn to trust yourself. Negative crticism should be received, evaluated, and then let go, while constructive criticism should be assessed and utilized. Get feedback from people whose opinions you value. Pay attention to the opinions of people who have been where you are trying to go.

4. MEDITATION REALLY WORKS!!

I first became interested in meditation after reading “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle. I became further interested after reading “Do You” by Russell Simmons. Before, I would try 10 minutes of meditation here…10 minutes there, but nothing solid and consistent. Btw, You’ll be surprised how difficult it is to quiet the mind when you start a meditation practice. Since I’ve started my firm, I meditate consistently for 30-60 minutes a day. 30 minutes every morning and 30 minutes most evenings before bed. I have noticed a considerable difference in my capacity to deal with stress and my overall since of well being. I’m starting to sense on a deeper level that no matter what happens in life, I will always be ok.

5. A POSITIVE MINDSET IS EVERYTHING.

This goes back to taking responsibility for everything in my life including my thoughts. There’s always a constant stream of background chatter running through our minds, both negative and positive. I can choose to focus my attention on the negative thoughts which will guarantee more negativity or I can choose to focus on the positive ones. Your effectiveness in all walks of life will provide better results if you’re able to mindfully accept and let go of negative emotions, rather than dwelling on them. Think a little less about managing your problems and a little more about managing your mindset. Keep it positive.

6. STAY AWAY FROM PEOPLE WITH LIMITED MINDSETS.

Be careful of people who use the word CAN’T freely or individuals who have 101 excuses of why something won’t work or why it CAN’T be done. If you allow people who think this way in your space, this way of thinking will eventually rub off on you. You will begin to limit and doubt yourself. You’ll start questioning if it can be done. If you believe anything is possible, find like minded people who encourage you to reach beyond all limitations.

7. DON'T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY.

People rarely do things because of you. They do it for themselves. Never take anything too personally. Don’t let compliments get to your head and don’t let insults get you worked up. When you are immune to the opinions and actions of others, you won’t be the victim to needless bullshit. When you do not take anything personally, you liberate yourself. You can open yourself to the world, freely, and not have to worry about the judgments of others.

8. MENTORS REALLY ARE ESSENTIAL TO SUCCESS.

Regardless of what you’re trying to accomplish, you cannot do it alone. Books can be difficult to learn from. And sometimes the Internet makes it difficult to separate truth from fake. It is important to have someone who has been where you want to go show you the ropes – your own personal mentor or coach. I have the luxury of having several mentors. And this was only possible because I went out and sought them. If you study the lives of enough successful people, it becomes obvious that most had incredible mentors, coaches or role models who motivated them to achieve new heights.

9. I DON’T NEED ANYONES CONSTANT APPROVAL.

Before starting my firm, I found myself on some level seeking others approval of my decisions. I’ve learned that if I base my actions on the approval of others, ultimately I find my self stuck, sacrificing my own happiness. I’ve learned how to say “no” to people and obligations that do not add value to my life. I’m reminded every time I hear about the death of a loved one how short life can be. I won’t wait around for someone to give me permission to live. I’ve decided to give myself permission to go out in the world and do my best.

10. SUCCESS IS A JOURNEY NOT A DESTINATION.

So far, this journey has been similar to the most wackiest roller coaster at any amusement park. There have been twists and turns, hills and valleys. But I’m learning to enjoy the ride. Through every challenge I learn and grow. Success is the ability to fight day after day. Even when I feel I have been defeated, I have found the strength to take another stab at it.

Truthfully, it gives me little comfort to think about how deep in the struggle I am some days. However, I’m slowly realizing I’m one of the strong ones with the guts to keep at it. Many people give up before they even begin, but not me. I wake up every morning with a new defined purpose to get shit done. I take baby steps against the current because I refuse to give up. Success is the strength to keep pushing and to keep living your life on your own terms. Success isn’t an end result. It’s a state of being. I don’t win success. I am success….. every single day.

About Me: Prince Williams, Esq., is an Avid attorney with The Law Offices of Prince Williams, Esq. the premiere accident, DUI and criminal defense firm in Maryland. Call today, 978-633-9711. Let us know how we can help you.