Time-Tested Wisdom: Advice to My Younger Self

Imagine if you had the ability to transport yourself back in time and share important life lessons with your younger self. I can remember being 28 like it was yesterday, convinced I had life all figured out. Now 40, I realize how much I still have to learn. In this article, I will share some of my most important lessons that, if known earlier in life, would have completely changed the trajectory of my life. Hopefully, these lessons can help you too.

Let’s begin: 

Failure is a natural part of life and should be embraced, not feared or avoided, especially in a society that stigmatizes it. It’s okay to stumble and make mistakes as long as you use them as catalysts for growth and opportunity.

The key lies in how you choose to respond to failure. Instead of dwelling on the negative aspects, focus on the lessons learned and use them to fuel future endeavors. 

Reframing failure as a stepping stone to success rather than a roadblock, you harness its power to propel you forward. You allow yourself to take risks, explore new possibilities, and chase your dreams with unwavering determination. 

Remember, failure does not define you, and it’s not the end; it’s an opportunity for growth and improvement.

This is where I should have listened to my parents and mentors more and started investing earlier in life. Starting early is the key to successful investing.

Yes, you can still enjoy life while being mindful of your expenses. Go out with your friends, take a vacation, and indulge in luxury items, but do it consciously. In his book “I Will Teach You to Be Rich,” Ramit Sethi calls this conscious spending. He suggests creating a conscious spending plan, which involves allocating a percentage of your income to different expenses.

Sethi recommends that 50-60% of your income go towards fixed costs like rent and utilities, 10% should be invested in a 401(k), 5-10% should be saved, and 20-30% should be spent guilt-free on things like dining out and shopping. You can use a simple budgeting sheet on Microsoft Excel or Macintosh Numbers or even download one from Etsy to track your expenses. 

Another key aspect of wise investing and spending is being knowledgeable about the different options available to you. There are plenty of ways to grow your money, from stocks and bonds to mutual funds and real estate. I highly recommend reading the book “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Remit Sethi to get started.

Additionally, consider consulting with a financial advisor to help you make informed decisions. Remember, investing in yourself is crucial.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that investing and spending wisely is not just about accumulating wealth for ourselves. It’s also about giving back and making a positive impact on the world around us. Whether it’s donating to a cause we believe in or investing in socially responsible companies, you can use your financial resources to create positive change. 

In the era of social media, it’s easy to compare your lives with others. You often come across people who seem to be living their best lives, and you can’t help but wonder why you don’t measure up. It’s important to remember that social media only shows a highlighted reel of people’s lives and often hides their struggles and challenges.

When you compare yourselves to others, you often focus on what you lack instead of appreciating what you have. You become fixated on material possessions, career achievements, or even physical appearance, believing that these external factors define your worth. All of these things are connected to the ego. If you struggle with this, I recommend reading “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle.

Focus on your own growth and progress, instead of comparing yourself to others. Embrace and nurture your strengths, skills, and passions to truly flourish.

Listening to your parents is often a lesson you only fully appreciate later in life. Although some of their advice may seem outdated, in retrospect, I realize that parents possess a good amount of wisdom and experience that can help guide you through life’s challenges, helping you avoid unnecessary hardships and mistakes. Trust me on this one. 

Parents, grandparents, and other elders have gone through the highs and lows of life. They have faced challenges, taken chances, and made mistakes, all while learning valuable lessons along the way. They have a unique perspective on the world, shaped by their own experiences and the lessons they learned from their parents and mentors.

Listen to your parents, but don’t blindly follow them. Forge your own path by considering their advice and avoiding their mistakes.

If you’re a parent, consider writing down your life lessons and sharing them with your kids. Leave behind the legacy of your wisdom. Not only will this leave behind your legacy, but it will also help your children navigate life’s challenges and make informed decisions. I recommend using journals to write down your thoughts and life lessons. These journals can be a great way to organize your ideas and reflect on your experiences. Additionally, they serve as a tangible reminder of your wisdom that your children can refer back to whenever they need guidance. Click here to see my recommended journals>>

A positive attitude is everything when it comes to navigating the ups and downs of life. It’s not just about having a smile on your face or pretending that everything is perfect. A positive attitude goes deeper; it’s a mindset that helps us find the silver lining, even in the darkest of storms. 

When you approach life with a positive attitude, you attract opportunities and positive outcomes. Your mindset shapes your reality, and by focusing on the positive, you open yourself up to more possibilities and success. This doesn’t mean you ignore challenges or difficulties; instead, it means to face them head-on with a belief that you have the power to overcome them.

Having a positive attitude also impacts your relationships and interactions with others. It’s contagious and inspiring, uplifting those around you and creating a supportive environment. People are naturally drawn to those who radiate positivity and optimism, which can lead to meaningful connections and collaborations.

At this point in your life, you may not know precisely what you want to achieve, and that’s perfectly okay. Self-discovery and personal growth involve time and effort to explore your true self.

Take the time to actively seek out opportunities that will help you develop as an individual. Open yourself to new experiences, challenge yourself, and push beyond your comfort zone. Be curious, ask questions, and actively seek answers that will contribute to your personal development.

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth requires courage and a willingness to explore the unknown. By embracing personal growth, you can continually evolve and become the best version of yourself personally and professionally. Over time, you will develop a deeper understanding of yourself and the world around you.

The phrase “Find your purpose” is often thrown around a lot, and we often feel compelled to attach ourselves to it. However, I’m here to tell you that your purpose in life is to live and be yourself. That’s all there is to it! If you constantly search for a grand purpose, you may end up conforming to societal expectations and chasing after things that only serve your ego. 

Passion is the driving force that propels us forward, ignites our enthusiasm, and sparks our creativity. But how exactly do you find that passion? It starts with self-reflection and introspection. Take the time to explore what truly brings you joy and fulfillment. What puts a smile on your face, even on the toughest of days? What activities do you find yourself naturally gravitating towards?

It’s important to understand that passion is not always discovered overnight. It might require time and experimentation to find out what ignites your soul. Don’t be afraid to try new things, step outside your comfort zone, and pursue different paths. 

Life is full of challenges that can test and push you to your limits. It’s important to remember that setbacks and obstacles are a natural part of life, and it’s not the end of the world if something doesn’t go your way.

I have come to the realization that life is primarily about how you react to the situation. Rather than dwelling on your shortcomings or succumbing to self-doubt, you must choose to see challenges as opportunities for growth.

This mindset shift allows you to confront difficulties head-on, knowing that you have the power to overcome them. It’s about reframing your perspective and focusing on solutions rather than dwelling on problems.

I recommend the book “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyers. It completely changed my perspective on maintaining a positive mindset, altering the trajectory of my life forever.

Showing compassion is a transformative act that can change everything for you from here on out. Compassion means actively demonstrating care, putting yourself in someone else’s shoes, showing kindness, and offering support. It allows you to see the humanity in others and acknowledge their struggles.

Sometimes, people only require your ear rather than your advice. Your ability to listen and respond with compassion enhances relationships, allowing you to support and encourage one another.

When you show compassion, you create a positive ripple effect. Your actions inspire others to do the same, creating a cycle of kindness and understanding that spreads throughout the community.

When you approach your interactions with empathy and understanding, you build trust and create an environment where individuals feel safe and appreciated. 

If there’s one thing I regret, it’s my decision to get my first tattoo at 19. I impulsively chose to get it done to cover up a scar on my skin that I despised at that time. However, I had no idea that later on, I would have to go through laser removal to get rid of the tattoo. Unfortunately, the laser treatment caused more damage to my skin, making it look worse than the original scar. It was a painful and costly experience, both mentally and physically, and I have been trying to cover up that area for the last 20 years.

One of the significant benefits of meaningful tattoos is the sense of empowerment they can provide. Whether it represents a loved one, a mantra, or a symbol of perseverance, a meaningful tattoo offers a constant reminder of what truly matters in life, helping individuals stay grounded and focused on their goals and values.

I’m now become more conscious of the tattoos I get. I have one on my inner wrist that says “Agape.” I got it just after my divorce, which means God’s unconditional love. It serves as a reminder that God loves me unconditionally, even if no one else does. 

It is crucial to take your time, research different ideas, and consult with a professional tattoo artist who can bring your vision to life with skill and precision.

It’s very easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, constantly looking towards the next milestone or achievement. However, it’s important to remind yourself constantly to slow down, embrace the present, and celebrate the journey. Life is not a sprint; it’s a marathon. 

If I could go back and speak to my 20-year-old self, one piece of advice I would give myself is to enjoy the present moment and not rush through life.

In your twenties, there’s often a sense of urgency to have it all figured out – to have a successful career, a stable relationship, or a clear path mapped out. But in this pursuit of perfection, you often forget to appreciate the small moments, the lessons learned, and the growth you experience along the way.

Life is not a race with a clear finish line. It is a journey filled with twists and turns, ups and downs, and countless opportunities for growth and self-discovery. By rushing through life, you risk missing out on the beauty of the present and the valuable lessons that come with exploring the unknown.

In conclusion, remember, “The future depends on what you do today.” These words from Mahatma Gandhi serve as a powerful reminder that your actions in the present shape the outcomes of your tomorrow. It’s not enough to learn life lessons; you must put them into practice to truly gain wisdom.

Step boldly into the world armed with this newfound wisdom. Your journey awaits—go forth and create the extraordinary life you deserve.