June 9, 2018

What would you tell your 25 year old self?

(Ha, would my 25 year old self be capable of listening anyway?)

For me, I’d want to let my 25 year old self know that you’re on the right track.

That being you and helping people with no expectation of anything in return will be the makings of you.

I’d tell myself to not wait so long to have kids, they will bring you so much joy.

To not ride motorbikes because, whilst you won’t know when you’re dead, you’d absolutely break your parents hearts. Think more about your poor parents.

That when you have kids you’ll get an inkling of what your parents did for you.

I’d tell myself to visit my parents and brother a whole lot more.

To NOT plan to travel the world, because everything you need is close to home.

To avoid people that made me feel I can’t be myself – this will delay you being yourself for decades.

To not agonise over the details.

That there is no such thing as failing, only learning.

Unless you put your hand in the same fire twice – that’s just dumb.

That it’s all part of the rich tapestry of life.

To never worry about numbers. Help one person at a time, and always start with the person nearest to you. (Mother Theresa)

To not spend so long doing the same thing as an IT contractor. Your personal and professional growth will stagnate.

To enjoy the journey.

To appreciate each and every moment.

That nothing’s so bad you can’t fuck it up more by doing something stupid to try and fix it.

That people don’t notice all the little things you do wrong. They’re too preoccupied with themselves.

That people don’t notice all the little things you do right. They’re too preoccupied with themselves.

Don’t listen to anything from people who start sentences with “You need to”, “You must”, “You should”, or “You have to”.

To pay more attention to how old folks let you make mistakes…because the people who’ve walked the walk know you’re travelling your own path (and therefore don’t start sentences with red flag phrases mentioned above).

Take deeper breathes.

Occasionally slow the fuck down and take a moment to feel the wind on your cheek and watch the birds in the sky.

You don’t need to be an expert.

To be interesting, be interested.

Keep moving.

It doesn’t get easier. You get stronger.

Ask people how they’re doing.

Look people in the eye when you say sorry.

The bigger man can say sorry.

Muscles doesn’t mean you’re strong.

You *can* do public speaking.

Stories rock. Keep filing them away.

We’re all so unique and interesting.

Keep asking questions. People love it, and they open up like flowers.

Your CV isn’t about you, but about what *they* want.

Learn how to help local business owners earlier… you’re not going to like corporate life.

One day people will be able to work from home and start businesses from home. You’ll love it, so don’t worry about spending a few years in a cubicle.

Playing poker is like collecting stamps, it’s not a glamorous and exciting sport like skiing.

Playing poker is another hourly rate j.o.b. and you’re never going to be any good at it as you think in straight lines not onion layers.

Social media is just more of the same. Treat people like people and it doesn’t matter the medium.

To get started in business, spend your money on diesel and coffee.

There are people out there who will try to convince you that you don’t know enough, aren’t good enough, or are plain old not enough. Because you’ll then buy their product.

Pick a direction. Get started. Keep going.

You already know enough.

You’re already good enough.

You are enough. Because you say you are.

Now go.

Start.