10 Valuable Lessons From 20 Years of TV Work.

This year marks the 20th year I've worked in television. Over that time, I've had to swallow my pride, eat dead crow and pick up a valuable lesson. Here's 10 musings I've learned that have helped shape my career and helped me advance as a producer over the last two decades:

1. Not every battle is worth dying for.

Falling on a sword will give you an ounce of glory for a fleeting moment… but the pain you inflicted on yourself will lasts much longer. If a situation is bothering you, take the moment, breathe and move on. Take a long stroll in the park... If it helps, try to remember that one day the people you arguing with will be dead. In a billion years, this planet will be engulfed when our sun goes supernova —and your petty squabbling will continue to be absolutely meaningless in this ever-expanding, cold, infinite universe.?

2. You should sound the alarm, but let poor management sink their own ship.?

Sometimes we get a leader who acts more like a lemming. Even though you may have been a straight-A student, you should know that the "B, C, & D" kids get jobs too. If you pick up that you’re heading to an inevitable disaster, make sure to document your objection in writing. It is wise to remember, however, that you are not the captain, your boss is. If your Boss blows off your warning, just be a musician on the Titanic and play on. See Recommendation #1.?

3. Face it, you’re going to have enemies.

People who talk behind your back do it because they are behind you. You keep doing you and blazing your own trail ahead. Keep your head down, grind, keep to yourself and let your work do the talking for you. Usually if people are trying to slow you down its because you’re doing something right.?

4. You Will F*** Up… (but you will learn the most from it)

"Good decisions comes with experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.” -Mark Twain

5. Not everything is Black and White. Good or Bad.?

There is always a way of looking at something you haven’t quite thought of yet. You will find the most peace and easiest focus when you put yourself in a more objective position. I had the most growth in my career when I personally realized that I didn't know everything. I only was willing to advance to the next role once I mastered my own job. Find a good mentor and learn as much as possible from them.

6. Be nice to everyone, especially those under you.

Be kind to all the people under you. The ones you laugh at on your rise will be the first ones to greet you when you fall.?

7. The Golden Rule: Whoever has the GOLD makes the RULES.

The game ain’t always fair… but always remember: everyone has a boss.?

8. You Win More with Sugar than you do with Vinegar?

“Tact' is telling someone to 'Go to Hell' and making them look forward to the trip." -Winston Churchill ...But if you can’t say something nice, say something clever but devastating.

9. Try not to grip the bat too hard.?

Always allow yourself to be flexible and go with the flow. Learn to embrace chaos. The Amazing Race episodes that always win the Emmy are not the ones where everything went according to plan. Remember, those who hold on the tightest feel every bump in the road.?

10. Don't form an opinion unless you have a full 360 degree grasp of the truth.?

And when you finally do, keep it to yourself.?