Managing one’s professional path, sharpening one’s skills and developing one’s unique persona and brand, takes making a plan, it takes patience as it is built over time and it requires behavioral consistency, and maybe most difficult of all, being on the receiving end of direct feedback along the way.

“A meaningful pursuit in life, is never easy…… you need to learn how to handle hard better.” Here’s an inspiring message from Duke University Head Basketball Coach Kara Lawson. She is addressing basketball players, yet her message is for everyone regardless of what we are trying to accomplish.