Today I’m 29!!!… which simply means that I have one year left to do things I regret and blame it on “when I was in my twenties.”
I wrote the article below last year, and wanted to share again for the occasion. I hope you enjoy!…
So I’m 28 years-old now and no sage by any means, but it is fun to think that ten years ago I was 18, graduating high school. And although I am still very young and have a LOT more growing up to do, I thought it’d be fun to think of things I’d want my 18-year-old self to know, and so I’ll count them down for you now:
10 things I wish I knew when I was 18:
- Your major in college will not dictate the rest of your life: Your degree will merely demonstrate that you’re passionate about something and that you have the fortitude to finish something. It’s rather the experiences you have outside the classroom that will determine your growth and who (not what) you become, so don’t forget to have fun.
- Work smarter, not harder: Value your time, understand where your strengths lie, and delegate the rest.
- Listening can be more valuable than talking: Assume that everyone you meet has something you can learn, and life becomes a whole lot more interesting.
- You are always the exception to the rule if you decide you are: Social norms will not determine your path in life, unless you believe they will.
- When you’re most fearful, you’re usually on the brink of something big: A breakthrough usually comes after a breakdown. So love the fear, let it teach you something, then keep going. Your challenges are opportunities to grow.
- It’s okay to want something: It can be scary to say you want something, because by acknowledging that you want it, it seems like you’re giving yourself the opportunity to fail. But without defining what you want you don’t give yourself the space in which to grow. Create a space before you try to fill it. Write down your intentions and tell people about them, then remember there is no such thing as failure, only feedback.
- You have a say in what goes on in your body: Your genes determine only about 10% of your predispositions, so never think you are doomed to any type of disease, condition, or to feel a certain way. Learn to listen to your body and eat mindfully.
- Always assume the best in people: If someone is nasty to you, see it as an opportunity to stand back, listen, empathize, and support. Maybe they are having a bad day, or they’re angry with themselves and that it being projected onto you. Whatever the reason, know that it probably has nothing to do with you. When you choose to see the worst in people, that is precisely what you’ll see and get back. If you look for the good, you will see the good and surround yourself with it.
- Your current circumstances don’t determine your future circumstances.
- Find a mentor: Surround yourself with people you admire, and work with someone who has the result you want. You don’t have to do everything on your own.
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