What are the biggest challenges you face in REI? Follow up

[Rae Copitka]

This is sort of a follow up question... I want to learn from experience so I don't have to make my own mistakes. I'm looking for ways to be proactive!

I'd like to know what were some of the biggest challenges you had to over come, starting out in your REI career? How did you overcome them? What words of wisdom can you offer "newbies" who are just getting started, maybe something you wish you would have done differently and why?

Thanks in advance for your participation!