This is my advice to myself that I wrote on my 18th birthday. Looking back on this makes me smile.
- Follow your heart.
- Kindness is the most valuable asset in the world. It’s also free.
- You say “I” too many times a day.
- Be gutsy. Be bold. Be awesome.
- Work you’re passionate about doing never feels like work.
- Blame is toxic and whining is annoying. Forgive. Take Responsibility. Shut up.
- Everyone has an incredible life story. Ask, listen, and learn.
- People are inherently good.
- Embracing new challenges is scary, but so is everything worthwhile.
- Sharing good books is wonderful. When you finish one, leave a note, and gift it.
- Having heroes and mentors is the best way to learn. Never be ashamed of admiring someone.
- Rush head first into new ideas. Ideas are nothing without action.
- Laughter heals. Joy is contagious. Excitement is energizing.
- Giving is more rewarding than receiving.
- Success is unlimited, not a pie that you need to grab a slice of before it runs out. Personal success doesn’t have to mean taking some from someone else. Helping others succeed does not hinder your own success.
- You don’t need permission to live the life you love.
- The choices we make define our lives.
- Transparency is key. Honesty and integrity are everything.
- Beware of aiming to please. Stay true to yourself.
- Hand written thank you notes. Always.
- Questioning things like a child saves us from being drawn into belief in lies.
- Insecurity is a huge waste of time.
- Flexibility and open-mindedness are important aspects of happiness… and sanity.
- You won the lottery being of birth. You never had to struggle for clean water, electricity, education, or safety.
- Opportunities breed more opportunities. Success begets more success.
- Don’t be afraid to fall flat on your face.
- Reaching out to successful people is not as scary as it seems. People are just people. Remember that.
- Price is not the same as value.
- When work is more interesting than watching TV, you know you’re on to something.
- Letting go is necessary to move forward. It is also one of the hardest things to do.
- Selfishness and selflessness have the tendency to overlap.
- Learning something new is never a chore if you’re excited about it.
- Lots of people claim to strive for an extraordinary life but, when push comes to shove, they are too afraid to act. Don’t be like that.
- Everybody wants different things. Assuming they want the same things as you is egocentric.
- Possessions weigh you down. You don’t need as much as you think you do.
- Genuine interest in other people cannot be faked.
- Scars are excellent keepsakes. They are proof of risk-taking or clumsiness, both of which you can learn from.
- People who look at things and mutter “not impressed” are vain and stupid. Seeing the excitement in the little things is part of a life well lived.
- Be an explorer and fully immerse yourself in new environments.
- Respect is the essence of a great relationship.
- Never be neutral. Never shove your ideas down someone else’s throat, either. Find, and use, your voice.
- Your problems are not unique. Someone, somewhere, is going through the same thing. You will both get through it.
- Everyone out there can be as remarkable as they choose.
- There is no such thing as the perfect time or perfect place to do something. There is only right now, so dive in.
I’m not sure what else I would add to this list now. Probably, something about humility, being open to new ideas, critically examining your own work, and defining success for yourself. Also, that the one book a week thing you started was a really good idea.
What advice would you give yourself?
