Being so young, there isn't a whole lot of credibility I can use to get opportunities to serve and work for others.
However, one of the things I can work on, which will be more beneficial in the long run, is my reputation.
I just finished reading Rabbi Daniel Lapin's book 'Thou Shall Prosper,' and if I had to sum it up in two words, it would be "Reputation matters."
He says that building your credibility by being consistent and keeping to your word will build trust and will open more doors to you being in the right place at the right time. “One who is faithful in a very little is also faithful in much, and one who is dishonest in a very little is also dishonest in much." Learning from a younger age to be faithful in all that I've been entrusted is difficult, but I know will pay great dividends!
'Your reputation proceeds you.'
I've learned that apart from being consistent in what I do, I need to be aware of what I say. I've found myself in many situations where I don't think about what I am saying I will do and then forget it. That denigrates my word, and I may not feel the ramifications immediately, but my word starts not to mean anything if I consistently do that.
It's forced me to plan that task into my schedule and set time aside for it specifically. I want to be known as someone reliable to his word. It's also helped me evaluate new tasks and not putting too much on my plate as I know it will mean I have to say no to something else.
Key takeaways:
1) You don't have the experience, but you do have your reputation
2) Being consistent in your word and actions shows you to be reliable and trustworthy
3) Your reputation proceeds you
4) You have to plan out your commitments