Your First Real Job

You’ve got to handle the first year of your business life about the way you would a trotting horse. Warm up a little before going to the post—not enough to be in a sweat, but just enough to be limber and eager. Never start off at a gait that you can’t improve on, but move along strong and well in hand to the quarter. Let out a notch there, but take it calm enough up to the half not to break, and hard enough not to fall back into the ruck. At the three-quarters you ought to be going fast enough to poke your nose out of the other fellow’s dust, and running like the Limited in the stretch. Keep your eyes to the front all the time, and you won’t be so apt to shy at the little things by the side of the track. 

Try, as much as possible, to keep a smile on your face and your focus on the ultimate goal. Avoid distraction by the many shiny objects which are sure to appear. 

Always go the extra mile. Work a little later than expected. Let the multitude of your peers rush for the doors at 5:00 PM. Stay a little longer. The key decision makers will eventually notice your willingness to work that extra 30 minutes or so. If you find yourself working for a hard-ass, try to remember that the big boss isn’t interested in knowing how you like your boss, but in how he likes you.