Moxie Advice for My Daughter (Part 1)

I’m really fond of Prudent Advice for my Baby Daughter and want to start a list about having Moxie for my daughter.

Have an interesting (true) answer for when you are asked “what you do,” and it doesn’t have to be about your job. Hot air ballooning, Thai cooking, training rescue dogs. It doesn’t matter what your title is at work, make it more interesting-sounding for parties. I like “Book Maven,” but maybe you’ll be a Siren or a Technician of the Future.

Remember your privileges when you react to the work others do. Be respectful.

Dress with style. Be appropriate. I’m your mom, after all.

Don’t burn bridges. Count to five when you are upset. Whatever it takes.

But also, don’t be afraid to have feelings, and don’t let someone tell you you’re emotional because you’re female. It’s human. Show your passion.

You are already everything you need to be.

There’s a difference between impressing and influencing.

Multi-tasking means nothing gets done well.

Always seek the next level of education.

Go home when the day is done. Be home, 100%. If you welcome your work into your home, you have to be passionate about it.

Be the one who likes to just get things done so we can all go home. (And if you have talent for this, seek office and fix the government.)

Seek work in places where you thrive: at this age, that would be the park.

There’s a difference between nice and pleasant. Be pleasant. You will draw more friends.