An 11th thing that I have learned

I talked about the top 10 things I've learned in 38 years in the public relations business. But, there is one important lesson I learned that I didn't include in my top 10 list. So here is lesson number eleven: don't take yourself too seriously!

I remember a comment from a dear colleague, Debbie Meyers, who is now Director of Stewardship and Donor Relations at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburg. Back in the day before computers, Debbie used to help out with typesetting at PRO iNK. One day when I was commenting about someone being too busy, she said, "Heck, everybody's busy. Saying you are busy is just a way to stroke your own ego."

Debbie had a good point. The even bigger issue is we all tend to think our industry, our world, our career, our worries are the most important things in the universe. Debbie would probably say -- get over it! Find the humor in your life and take all the seriousness in the world with a grain of salt. If we can find a way to laugh or even be amused at some of our daily activities, think how much better life will be.

Debbie, thanks for the advice. I'm passing it along to my pals, too!