Are there things I wish I could tell my younger self, based on what I know now; so I could live a happier, more peaceful, and joyous life?
Absolutely.
But hindsight is a wonderful thing. We only know what we know. And most of us are doing the best we can with what we know. We can’t ask much more from ourselves than this.
So this isn’t a list of regrets. Here are things I wish I could tell my younger self.
- Stop trying to be INTERESTING and focus on being INTERESTED.
- Call your parents more often — they won’t be around forever.
- Make decisions that your 80-year-old self and 10-year-old self would be proud of.
- Most of your friends aren’t really your friends. They’re just along for the ride when it’s fun, convenient, or valuable.
- Stop caring so much about what other people think of you.
- You won’t know what you want to be when you grow up — and that’s fine!
- Stop following the paths that other people have created for you. Create your own maps.
- Finding the truth is much more important than being right.
- Cut the boat anchors (people and things that hold you back) out of your life.
- Compartmentalization is a superpower.
- Not all decisions are reversible, but most of them are.
- Your college grades don’t matter much, but your energy for learning does.
- Learn the power of intensity and consistency.
- Build a tribe of mentors.
- You have to work hard to achieve great things.
- Learn to take a punch.
- Learn to build OR learn to sell — better yet, learn to build AND sell.
- You know nothing, but you’re not alone.
- Stop fearing being different — your difference is your edge.
- Closed mouths don’t get fed.
It may take years for you to truly understand, appreciate, and embrace your gifts. But I hope with all my heart that in time, you do. Because this world needs them.
What are some things you wish you could tell your younger self?
