The Art of Encouragement

Chapter 1The Art of Uplifting Encouragement

My early twenties found me like most new college graduates—optimistic, well-educated, and completely aimless. All through my high school and college years I worked numerous odd jobs—from selling gym memberships to delivering furniture to driving a garbage truck. (I told my friends I worked in “waste management,” which sounded much nicer than “I sort people's trash.”) I eventually moved from throwing away people's stuff to selling people stuff, and after some years of various sales jobs, I landed a position as a financial advisor in the financial services industry, in a Fortune 100 firm with a branch office located in Iowa City, Iowa.

I quickly grew to love this new career. I enjoyed building relationships and the work itself was fulfilling. I started putting in long hours, showing up early and leaving late. I was eager to learn and loved seeking advice from those in the profession who had come before me.

Soon, my career became my identity. I woke up thinking about it, and I went to bed with it still on my mind. I began receiving awards and recognition, which motivated me further and fueled my drive. I was proud of my accomplishments in this new and exciting career. After a few years, I was promoted to a managerial role. At that time, I was the youngest person to be given such a high-level leadership role at the firm. I was sure this was the place for me—I had found my calling. I was young, deeply motivated, and energetic—intent on ...