What did I learn during my promotion process at Amazon ?

OVERVIEW: The reason I am sharing these experiences and my learnings are in the hope that it might help others in acheiving their career aspirations.

Gratitude! I am super thankful for where I am today (especially after this promotion!! ) ...and I know that I did not get anywhere without the strong support and encouragement from a lot of people. So, I urge you to make connections.

Building Connections! By having connections who you can reach out when you need is a blessing!...(1) Instead of hoping all your connections are at your service all the time, my experience tells me to be proactive about building connections. (2) Start by identifying those within in your network (at work or outside) who can not only be resourceful, but also those who demands accountability from you. This will keep you driven. (3) Finally, find people who are different from you. It is super awkward, thinking of anybody whom you have hated, or simply found bizarre due to their actions. Take time to try and find out what motivated them. Start with one such contact and express your interest in learning about them. Peel the onion layers and I you will learn something about you that they found as lacking!

Mind over Matter! It is a journey and you will have moments to learn from and to re-learn again. I love this clip as it reminds me that I am not alone and to take a deep breath. Enjoy this moment courtesy of Ben Stiller and Adam Scott.
Find an awesome boss! It’s not the company who will serve you, but your manager. By "finding", I mean identifying a leader who needs your strengths in their business and is also motivated to work on your weakness.
Say No, but Know when to say and how to say it! Think of the most frustrating times. Were those times harder because you took on something you shouldn’t have (in retrospect)? Are you there now? If yes, have you shared your concerns to your boss? Although, it does not guarantee that your boss will take it off the plate, they now know that you need help.
Prioritize-prioritize-prioritize: At least twice a day! Blocking time and building a habit to get over your inertia has helped me. Find your own ways via amazing articles like this "This 10-minute morning routine will make you a better parent, entrepreneur, and person".
Be patient and caring to yourself "Self-Compassion"! You are your own CEO. I love the “startup of you” concept.
Emotional Intelligence - Build this "muscle" and go back to it regularly as you get it toned. Enjoy this hilarious clip or a more serious and inspirational clip on conviction, courtesy of Steven Spielberg and Daniel Day-Lewis in portraying such a great man!!

Learn-Try-Fail-Repeat: I strongly believe we never finish learning. So, here are things that I hope to learn one day:
Influence by investing in people and not by authority! This means your team and your peers will find themselves succeeding in life because of what you did. E.g. Did any pain point that they had, resolve with your support? Are they seen by others as a better person now?
When you are worried or anxious read this - I appreciate the article as its applicable to anything in our life not just work! The 2 emotional states that can boost your self-awareness and productivity
Travel both in mind and body to more places and expose yourself - Courtesy of Steve Harvey who nailed it !!