10 Lessons I Learned in 10 Years

Reaching a milestone of a decade in a company is more than just a professional achievement; it’s a reflection of growth, persistence, and the valuable lessons learned along the way. Over the last ten years working in Oil & Gas industry, I’ve gleaned several powerful insights that shaped not just my career, but my personal development journey as well. Here are the ten key lessons I’ve learned:

1. Opportunities Are Mixed with Difficulties

Jim Rohn’s quote, "Opportunities are mixed with difficulties," is a phrase many of us have heard. However, I truly grasped its depth through the entrepreneurial projects I’ve taken on. There were moments when colleagues might have assumed I was handed success on a silver platter, unaware of the intense struggles I faced behind the scenes. There was a time when I was so overwhelmed by the risks involved in a venture, I felt I could lose everything, including my health. It wasn’t until I almost lost my life due to the stress and demands of one project that people realized the gravity of the situation. The lesson? True opportunities are not only disguised as difficulties but are forged from them.

2. Skills Pay the Bills

In the last ten years, I didn’t limit myself to engineering. I ventured beyond the technical realm to build a diversified skill set—project management, business development, marketing, problem-solving, and innovation. Each of these non-technical skills added a new layer to my professional value. When projects became more complex or when industries shifted, I wasn’t just surviving; I was thriving. Learning and adapting have kept me ahead in a fast-paced world where skills are the real currency.

3. Thank God

Looking back, there were moments when things seemed impossible, whether it was balancing massive projects or navigating through unexpected challenges. In all of these, one thing remained constant: my gratitude to God. I have come to realize that despite the ups and downs, each stage of my journey has been a lesson and a blessing. Gratitude helps you appreciate the journey, not just the destination.

4. Time Will Pass Anyway

One exercise that shaped my perspective was imagining my career was ending tomorrow. If I were to retire next month, what regrets would I have? Would I wish I had spent more hours at work, climbing corporate ladders or closing more deals? The answer is no. In hindsight, it’s the time spent wisely and intentionally that matters. I learned to ask myself daily, "Where am I investing my time?" because, at the end of it all, time will pass regardless of how we choose to spend it.

5. Define Your Values

Defining personal values has been one of the most important realizations of my decade-long journey. Early on, I was caught up in the chaos of career demands, but I realized that without clear values, I was at risk of being swayed by every new opportunity or challenge. By taking time to reflect on my core principles, I started to align my actions with my values, whether in personal or professional decisions. This not only helped me stay grounded but also allowed me to find fulfillment beyond achievements.

6. Work on Yourself Harder Than You Work on Your Job

A mentor once told me, "Your job can change, but who you are will follow you everywhere." This piece of wisdom changed how I approached my career. Instead of focusing solely on job performance, I began investing in self-development. I took courses, read extensively, and attended seminars that weren’t necessarily tied to my role. This focus on personal growth has made me a more effective leader, problem-solver, and thinker. I realized that the more I work on myself, the better I become at any job I take on.

7. You Won’t Get All You Want

There have been instances in my life where I didn’t get things that almost all of my friends and colleagues managed to achieve. Whether it was a promotion or personal milestones, I realized that life doesn’t always follow our expectations. And that’s okay. It’s a test from God, a reminder that not everything is meant for us at a specific time. What we miss today may be preparing us for something greater tomorrow. The key is to remain faithful and focused, knowing that we’re exactly where we’re meant to be at any given moment.

8. Open Mind, Resilience, and Adaptation

The ability to remain adaptable has proven invaluable. The industry I work in, as well as the world itself, is constantly changing. Those who thrive aren’t necessarily the smartest or most skilled, but those who can pivot, learn, and adapt. An open mind allows you to consider new possibilities, resilience helps you weather storms, and adaptation ensures you stay relevant.

9. You Won’t Fail Until You Quit

Early in my career, I encountered several setbacks that felt like dead-ends. Projects that failed, deals that fell through, and goals that weren’t achieved. But looking back, none of these were true failures because I didn’t quit. Instead, I learned from them and kept moving forward. The only time you truly fail is when you give up. Perseverance, as I’ve learned, is the bridge between challenges and success.

10. Leave a Legacy

At this stage of my life, though I still consider myself young, I’ve started thinking deeply about the legacy I want to leave behind. The brands I’ve created, the companies I’ve established, and the material successes are all important, but they aren’t enough. I want to leave something more meaningful—knowledge that will empower others and change lives. I’ve come to understand that a true legacy is about the impact you have on people, the wisdom you pass down, and the mark you leave on the world that transcends material achievements.

Each of these lessons has shaped my journey, not just as a professional but as a person. As I reflect on the last decade, I’m excited about what lies ahead and how these lessons will continue to guide me