There have been plenty of lessons that I and other women have learned the hard way, along the way. Some were easier than others, but they were all valuable. At the time I certainly didn’t see it that way, but in hindsight everything I have been through has made me grow as a person, as an entrepreneur and as a woman in a men’s world. I’ve compiled this list of 10 tips, so you can put them to use directly in your own work.

Tip 1: don’t act like a man

Stay true to yourself and don’t be tempted to act like a man. You have your own qualities, and men do appreciate diversity, as well as you as a person. Don’t get caught up in the company culture. Stay close to your own standards and values. Use your skills and do what feels right to you.

Tip 2: define your success

Make your own plan! Define what’s important for you and your work. Determine how to bring this into practice and prioritize it in your day-to-day life. Don’t be persuaded to do other’s work for them but focus on your own priorities. Of course, you can help someone else out but in moderation. Don’t let other people take advantage of you.

Tip 3: go for it

How many times do we not stop ourselves from going for it? From taking the jump? Purely because we think we’re not 100% ready, or because we think we’re not good enough. Let’s be honest here, we’re never 100% ready for anything, and that’s fine! What’s 80% for you, may be 120% for someone else. If it feels right, you simply have to take the leap. What’s the worst that could happen?

Tip 4: don’t wait around

Don’t wait until someone notices you but ask directly for the things you want. I always thought that if I worked hard enough, I would automatically be noticed. I’d automatically be rewarded for your efforts and results. The truth is that this hardly happens. Don’t wait around, but make your presence known.

Tip 5: work smarter

So often, we think that if only we could work harder, try harder, we’ll get that promotion we’ve been wanting. Or that great project. Or that pay rise. Or that we’ll be taking more seriously. Don’t work harder, work smarter. There’s always a max to working hard, and eventually you’ll crash right into it.

Tip 6: speak up

You’re in a meeting. Someone says something and you have a response ready, but in the end, you decide to remain silent. Because your opinion doesn’t matter. Because you have no right to talk. Or because you won’t be taken seriously, even if you do. Sound familiar? You could also have a ton of questions you never ask, because you’re afraid others will think them stupid. In reality, this is almost never the case. It’s more about our own feelings than anyone else’s. Claim your spot in meetings and ask the questions you want answered! It’s always good to share your ideas and suggestions. Remember you were hired for your qualifications and skills, so use them.

Tip 7: what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger

Sure, it might feel like this is easier said than done, but it’s true. You decide how to view certain things, how to deal with them and how to let them impact you. You decide what your future looks like, with the choices you make, the attitude you have and the mentality you maintain. Take responsibility and don’t let someone else determine your future for you. It’s a case of trial and error. Learn from mistakes and setbacks to become a better, stronger person.

Tip 8: don’t get thrown off track by inappropriate comments

You get to decide what impact an inappropriate remark has on you, and what value you give to it. Don’t let it fester but open up about it. A lot of the time, people have no idea of the impact their comments can have on others. They are not always made with malicious intent. Determine your own boundaries and speak up when someone crosses them.

Tip 9: don’t hide your ambition

Be honest and open about your ambitions within the company. Do you aspire to be promoted to a certain function, or develop yourself in a certain way? Share your ambition with the people in the organization. It’s important that other people know which path you want to take and what your dreams are. Make them a part of your plan, so they can help you along the way and offer you the opportunities you need. Talk about your ambitions in every performance review. Make yourself top of mind and continue to show that you have the qualifications and the mentality needed for the next step. The more you share your ambitions, the higher the chance that they’ll become reality.

Tip 10: it’s okay not to be okay

Don’t be too hard on yourself on days where you’re not feeling your best. It’s perfectly okay to give yourself the space to just be and feel as is. That’s not to say you should linger on negative thoughts, feelings, or situations, but it’s impossible to feel like a million bucks every day. Don’t try to force yourself to feel great when you don’t. Accept your feelings for what they are, go outside and take a walk, or get a good night’s sleep, and you’ll see that tomorrow will be kinder.