5 Life-Altering Teachings I’d Happily Give My Younger Self to Make My 20s Worth Every Moment
The family you create is more important than the family you come from.
Picture this:
What if you could go back in time to become your own guider, reassuring your 7-year-old self that everything will be alright?
I had an uncertain childhood, not knowing what would happen next. The little me used to read books to kill time and follow “One Direction” hoping to meet them one day. If someone would have told me I’d end up being a writer, I’d never believe them.
As a kid, I was unsure of my capabilities. But, if I can return back in time, here are 5 things I would tell my younger self, to motivate myself and prepare for the world ahead.
1. If you find someone smarter, work with them, don’t compete
David Ogilvy, widely known as the founding father of modern advertising, is credited with the following:
“If you ever find a man who is better than you are — hire him. If necessary, pay him more than you would pay yourself.”
Many people are afraid to hang out with smarter people as it would expose their own lack of knowledge. However, if you constantly surround yourself with people who are less capable, you will only satisfy your ego without any real growth. At the end of the day, you’ll have no inspiration or people to look up to.
Smart people inspire you. Instead of shooing them away, befriend them. Or even better, hire them. Surround yourself with smart friends who motivate you to “do more in life.”
- Tip: If your current friend circle makes you feel like you have accomplished all you can in life, it’s time to seek out new companions.
2. Learn to problem-solve
You don’t need to be a problem picker.
No one likes a problem picker — a person who finds problems and conflicts in everything. Instead, be a problem solver.
When two people are engaged in a dispute, take on the role of a mediator and work towards finding a solution starting with “Okay, wait, so let me get this straight.” Demonstrate your patience in resolving issues among friends, family, and coworkers.
How does that help?
- Proving your patience
- People see you as a guider and advisor
- Building trust and reliability
I am now generally the one to put water on the fire. But before that, I never was.
Tip: I find a pivotal moment during family feuds to intervene and resolve issues, earning me the reputation of being a mature and educated individual.
3. Your 9–5 is someone’s passive income
Always remember this mantra:
- Work smart, not hard.
In life, there are individuals who earn more than an average person does working full-time.
The idea? Never settle for the less. Look out for ways to improve, grow and learn. Avoid becoming stagnant and thinking that your current phase of life is the best you can hope for.
Analyze the skills you bring to the table. Is it: writing, application, analysis, or a couple of them? You must know your skills in the workplace for which a company would hire you.
People will not always realize your worth, perhaps you should know your skills and attributes. Therefore, work smart. Don’t believe in money because sometimes people who start a business are in debt and later become millionaires.
Tip: Risk is part of the game.
4. The family you create is more important than the family you come from
- If you’re born poor, make sure you don’t die poor.
Being born into a poor family is ultimately not your fault.
But if you can’t manage to get rich by the time you die, it’s definitely your fault. I get it.
I understand that life may be unfair for those with fewer opportunities and connections, but if you are a hardworking individual with a genuine desire for personal growth, you will find your path. It doesn’t matter when you figure it out as long as you figure it out.
It may take time, but make sure you leave a better legacy for your children, shielding them from the hardships you experienced. It’s your responsibility to change your life for your kids and yourself. Aim to make a name and a difference.
Tip: In this era of the internet, it isn’t hard leaving a lasting impact that people can continuously credit you even after you die.
5. Don’t tell people more than they need to know
- Respect your privacy.
No one besides your friends and family is interested in knowing about you.
Perhaps oversharing can cause your infinite troubles and problems. Be mindful of who you share your personal information with. As a teenager, I often ended up mistrusting people shortly after meeting them. Trust is something that needs to be earned over time.
Give things time.
Allow people to prove themselves trustworthy before opening up to them. Refrain from gossiping about your manager with a coworker. It is better to keep quiet and share only what others truly need to know to avoid future regrets.
Tip: It’s better to keep quiet than to regret. Say less than others should know, always.
Final thoughts:
I accept I made foolish mistakes.
There was no one to teach me these lessons because, as always, there was a generational gap with my parents. My folks grew up without technology, hence they were unaware of the challenges it brings.
If you’re here, reading this article, you surely know the lessons you would like to teach your younger selves.
What is it for you? Tell me in the comments below.
Join 1,260+ writers and get your next writing inspiration right now.
Or join Medium with my referral link:
