The hardest pill I’ve had to swallow recently. 💊

“People don’t take you seriously because you don’t take yourself serious enough.”

I read this line recently, and I’ll be honest—it stung. It promptly brought to mind projects I’ve downplayed. It made me think of ideas I’ve introduced with “just a thought.” It also reminded me of prices I’ve lowered before the client even asked.

We often wait for external validation before we decide we are “the real deal.” We wait for the title. We wait for the applause. We wait for the viral moment.

But I’m learning the equation works in reverse. The world is a mirror. If you treat your work like a hobby, they will treat it like a hobby. If you treat your time as negotiable, they will negotiate it.

Taking yourself seriously isn’t about arrogance. It’s about:

1. Honoring your own deadlines.
2. Speaking with conviction, even when you’re uncertain.
3. valuing your output before anyone else does.

I’m launching this #HardTruth series to document the messy, unpolished lessons from my journey in product management, teaching, and writing.

My question to you: What is a “Hard Truth” you’ve had to learn the hard way in your career? Let’s trade war stories in the comments. 👇