SERIAL ADVICE

Life advice from history's most dedicated professionals

Career Advice

On Delivering Under Pressure

Advice courtesy of David Berkowitz  ·  25 October 2026

"To make a lasting impression in any organization, you must learn to deliver your message directly to the target."

CASE FILE: Career Advice

Subject: David Berkowitz Known for: The .44 Caliber Killer and dedicated postal clerk Estimated victims: 6 deceased, 7 wounded Operational period: 1976–1977

Success in the modern workplace isn’t about working harder; it’s about positioning yourself where you cannot be ignored. During my tenure with the United States Postal Service, I learned that the most critical asset any professional can possess is a commitment to delivery. Whether it is a letter or a project, when you have a target in mind, you must execute without hesitation.

First, embrace the night shift. The world is quieter after dark. The streets are empty, the distractions are minimal, and your targets are usually parked right where you expect them to be. When everyone else is sleeping, that is your opportunity to make your mark. True professionals do their best work under the cover of darkness, creeping up on opportunities while others are caught off guard.

Second, master the art of written communication. If you want management to pay attention, do not rely on standard memos. Send something personal. Write directly to those in charge. Keep your correspondence bold, slightly cryptic, and impossible to overlook. A well-placed letter can paralyze an entire organization with anticipation. It establishes your brand. They will be looking for you everywhere, but you will remain just out of reach, letting your work speak for itself.

Lastly, learn to tune out the noise. In any career, you will encounter external voices trying to dictate your actions. Some might tell you they are your superiors; others might sound like a neighbor’s howling retriever demanding action. You must realize that these voices are merely background noise. You are the one holding the tools. If you want to climb the corporate ladder, you have to stop listening to the barking from the sidelines and focus entirely on the subject in front of you. Once you pull the trigger on a new initiative, do not look back. Just move on to the next assignment.

File closed. Results pending.

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