Muhammad Ali – Photo credit: quotes gram.com

On June 3, 2016, Muhammad Ali, aka The Greatest of All Time, ended his last fight on Earth, at the age of 74. The three-time heavyweight champion’s being remembered for more than his spectacular fights in the ring. We also remember Ali for being a civil rights champion, an outspoken leader, and in general for living a big, bold, most inspiring life. For generations, he’ll always be the emblem of ultimate strength, courage and service.

Reading his most famous quotes this morning, I can’t help but feel a surge of hope, passion, and determination at the remembrance of an extraordinary life and legacy. And as we close another chapter, I’m filled with pride as I read over and over about the life of a man who rose to the greatness he himself never doubted, the success he could see in the eye of his mind, even before anyone else could…

As a career woman, I take with me these few universal, yet powerful, lessons we can all apply to the work of our lives, as we seek to make a difference in our own great, unique capacities:

If you don’t believe in yourself, no one else will.

“I am the Greatest; I said that before I even knew I was.” – Muhammad Ali

If there ever were a quote from Muhammad Ali to give us that oomph, that belief that you can break any barriers, remove any obstacles, and beat the odds no matter what, it would be this one. At the end of the day, it’s a mindset thing! You become what you believe, so believe you’ll succeed. Stop looking at your present circumstances, your current job, that boss, those co-workers, and instead work towards those goals…

You’ve got to pay your dues.

“Don’t quit; suffer now, and live the rest of your life as a champion.” – Muhammad Ali

Career success doesn’t just happen; it’s the sum of those tough, hard moments spent working after-hours, studying for that certification, putting in that extra effort! Whether it’s finally getting that degree, going for that challenging certification, or putting in the extra time at work, those hard-earned dues are what set the greatest apart. And yes, you may buy the shoe after…

Fake it ’til you make it.

“To be a great champion, you must believe you are the best. If you’re not, pretend you are.” – Muhammad Ali

As women at work especially, we tend to doubt ourselves way too much. Many times, we’d rather think we don’t deserve the promotion, or don’t meet all the qualifications, than actually go for the job or ask for the raise. The old adage of “fake it ’til you make it” still holds. From dressing for the position you want to going for that job you’re only 60% qualified for, pretending you are the best can actually turn out to be half of the battle.

Be bold.

“I am gonna show you how great I am“. – Muhammad Ali

There’s something about being bold that takes you one step further, even when you’re not quite sure where you’re going. Even when your knees are shaking in the meeting room, and you fear speaking up. Or when you’re scared of asking the money you deserve in a salary negotiation. Or when you have to fight to get credit for your work.

Ask for those opportunities to lead at work. Speak up and present a different point of view. Don’t be afraid to disagree, not even with the boss. Boldness has a way of opening doors…

But remain humble…

“Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” – Muhammad Ali

I know there were times when ambition in my own career made me forget to be humble and also serve others. Despite all the talks about advancing oneself at work and “taking your opportunities”, the mark of true leadership is humility and service to others. It can be a hard balance to strike though…

Remind yourself to help others along the way, even as you fight to make a spot for yourself. Mentor others, help them reach their potential, make time to answer questions and provide guidance. And constantly remind yourself that someone also did it for you…

Take risks

“He who is not courageous enough to take risks will accomplish nothing in life”. – Muhammad Ali

Are you willing to take risks to take your career to the next level? Whether it’s accepting that challenging position, or actually resigning from that zero-potential job, mustering the courage to make the difficult decisions in your life and career is what will separate you from the rest of the fold.

You don’t have to be the best at everything, but whatever you do, be the greatest at it!

“You could be the world’s best garbage man, the world’s best model; it don’t matter what you do if you’re the best.” – Muhammad Ali

Public speaking is not my strength, writing is. I could write reports, emails, and memos of all kinds for hours. Put me in front of an audience, and I might need extra cupcakes to keep going…

In your career as well, capitalize on your strengths. Dedicate yourself to what you do, and do it better than everyone else. You don’t have to be everything to everyone, especially not at work. Do what you do, and do it so well everyone will know you by name. Period.