There is no point in your life where you’re too “successful” to receive advice. There’s always going to be someone that can help you achieve a new career high, cross a new milestone, or break another glass ceiling. Advice also doesn’t have to come only from within your career field–we can learn so much by listening to the advice of people in other fields, like Dana Pernio, Fox News host, former White House press secretary, and all-around advice guru. 

In her new book, Everything Will Be Okay: Life Lessons For Young Women (From a Former Young Woman), Perino dishes up two hundred and fifty pages of solid career advice whether you’re deep into your chosen career, trying to pick a new path, or just embarking on your first internship.  We definitely recommend giving her book a read, but in the meantime, here are the five pieces of advice from the book we found most poignant. 

Change Your Role Models Over Time

Your role model doesn’t have to be–and shouldn’t be–the same from cradle to grave. Our goals change. The people we look up to should as well! Role models should be people that you can look to for guidance and inspiration–not people you try to follow in the exact footsteps of. Therefore, your role models should change as you age and climb the ladder of your career. That doesn’t make you flaky–it makes you smart. 

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Gratitude is so important–especially in today’s selfish society. Keeping a gratitude journal, Perino suggests, and writing down 3 things you’re grateful for each day will not only keep you grounded, it will give you something tangible to look back on during your darkest hours so that you have proof that things aren’t all doom and gloom. 

Be Punctual

Being late is not fashionable, Perino tells us, and I’m so glad someone is finally saying it! As she points out, being late shows that you don’t value others’ time, so be punctual–even early–to set yourself up for success. No one will be impressed with you if you’re always twenty minutes late, and it could cost you a lot more than you think. 

Be The Most Well-Read Person in the Room

It shouldn’t be a surprise that Dana–the author of several books–loves to read, but her advice to always be the most well-read person in the room is a great one! Do your reading ahead of time–keep up with the news, the latest NYT bestsellers, and your industry news–and you’ll be ready for whatever life throws at you. 

Help Others When You’re on Top 

Be more like Dana! Don’t get to the top and forget about everyone else who is still climbing the ladder. Dana  is passionate about mentorship–and you don’t have to be a CEO or former White House Press Secretary to mentor people. You can mentor others in your field, teens in your area, or even friends! Don’t forget the help you got that helped you get to where you are–lend a hand to others along the way. Empowered women empower women, and Dana is proof of that. 

Everything Will Be Okay is on sale everywhere March 9, 2021.

Future Female Leaders is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Aryssa D
FFL Cabinet Member