I once had the luxury of listening to a bright young speaker by the name of Christian Helms. He is a fantastic designer and President of The Decoder Ring Design Concern in Austin. With the energy of an Obama rally, his words inspired me to the core. This was the moment I fully realized that I was on the right path as far as my career choice was concerned. His main point was essentially this… Fear not, for in the beginning every designer feels like they suck. The struggles you endure early in your career, will fill you up with lessons learned, patience and more tools in your design tool box. Eventually, if you work your ass off, you will rock.

The following brief excerpt is just a taste of the same simple advice he offered then. I wanted to take these pearls of wisdom and “pay it forward” to all you starry eyed newbies out there. If you are hungry for more, go here and here.

First, work your ass off. I know that’s a stock answer, but this is an amazing opportunity to grow and experiment, fail and get back up again. And don’t be so concerned with execution— learn to think.

Second, take time away from “work” to relax and re-energize. That’s a tough one for me, but I’m trying.

Third, surround yourself with people who inspire and challenge you. As for people who drain you or diminish your joi de vivre, walk in the other direction and don’t look back. Life’s too short to waste your time on those folks.