7 Life-Changing Pieces of Advice I’d Give My Younger Self
At 44, I often think about what I’d say to a younger me. And I also secretly hope I can do that.
At 44, I often think about what I’d say to a younger me. And I also secretly hope I can do that.
Life teaches you a lot, but some lessons would’ve been handy to know earlier.
If I could share a few words of wisdom with the kid I used to be, here’s what I’d say.
1. Start Building Strong Relationships Early.
People often say it’s not what you know, but who you know—and there’s truth to that. But beyond just career opportunities, the people you surround yourself with have a huge impact on your personal growth and happiness.
When you’re young, it’s easy to be friends with whoever’s around. As you get older, you realise the importance of choosing your circle wisely.
Actionable Takeaways:
Identify people in your life who inspire you or share your values, and spend more time with them.
Reach out to potential mentors—people whose paths you admire—and build genuine connections.
Cut ties with those who drain your energy or lead you down paths you don’t want to follow.
2. Pay Attention to Your Mental Health.
In your 20s and 30s, you might feel invincible. It’s easy to focus on physical fitness while neglecting your mental health.
But the truth is, a strong mind is just as crucial as a strong body.
Mental health isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about nurturing your mind daily, just like you would for your muscles.
Actionable Takeaways:
Establish a daily mindfulness or meditation practice, even if it’s just 5-10 minutes a day.
Regularly check in with yourself—are you stressed, anxious, or overwhelmed? Take action early.
Don’t hesitate to seek help from a therapist or counsellor if you’re struggling. There’s no shame in it.
3. Learn to Focus.
You’ll often hear people say they’re “so busy,” but that doesn’t always translate to getting things done.
In the past (and sometimes I still do), I’d spread myself thin, trying to tackle everything at once.
It’s better to focus on fewer things and do them well than to juggle too many and drop the ball.
Actionable Takeaways:
Identify your top 2-3 priorities each day, and focus on completing those first.
Use time-blocking to schedule periods of deep work without distractions.
Practice saying “no” to requests that don’t align with your goals or values.
4. Write Things Down.
Journaling has a way of slowing things down and making you see what’s really going on in your life.
It’s a tool for reflection, creativity, and problem-solving.
The act of writing itself clarifies your thoughts, and years later, you’ll have a record of your journey that’s invaluable. How cool is that?!
Actionable Takeaways:
Start a simple journaling routine—write for just 5 minutes every morning or evening.
Use your journal to track goals, reflect on your day, or brainstorm ideas.
When facing a challenge, write out your thoughts. Often, solutions become clearer on paper.
5. Get Good at Learning New Things.
The world doesn’t stand still, and neither should you.
The ability to pick up new skills quickly is your secret weapon.
It keeps you adaptable and ready for whatever life throws your way.
The faster you can learn and adapt, the more opportunities you’ll be able to seize.
Actionable Takeaways:
Identify your preferred learning style—whether it’s reading, watching, or hands-on experience.
Make continuous learning a habit. Dedicate time each week to learning something new, whether it’s work-related or just for fun.
Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and tackle something challenging.
6. Don’t Be Afraid of Stillness.
In a world obsessed with hustle, taking a step back can feel counterproductive. But it’s often in these quiet moments that you gain clarity.
Slowing down gives your mind the space it needs to think, reflect, and make better decisions.
Embrace the quiet—it’s not wasted time.
Actionable Takeaways:
Schedule regular “unplugged” time—whether it’s a morning walk without your phone or a weekend away from screens.
Practice mindfulness during everyday tasks like eating, walking, or even washing dishes.
Give yourself permission to rest. Not every moment needs to be filled with activity or noise.
7. Guard Your Time Like It’s Gold.
If I could go back, I’d be a lot more careful with how I spent my time.
It’s easy to let days, weeks, or even years slip by doing things that don’t really matter.
You can always make more money, but you can’t make more time. Protect it fiercely.
Actionable Takeaways:
Audit your daily and weekly schedule—where is your time going? Eliminate or delegate tasks that don’t serve you.
Be intentional about who you spend time with—choose people who uplift and support you.
Learn to say “no” without guilt. Your time is precious—don’t give it away lightly.
If these lessons resonate, consider applying them now, rather than waiting until you’re older and looking back with a bit of regret.
Conclusion
If I could rewind the clock and have a heart-to-heart with my younger self, these are the seven key pieces of advice I’d share to shape a more intentional, fulfilling life journey.
But here’s the beauty of it—you don’t need to turn back time to start applying them. Whether you’re 24, 44, or beyond, it’s never too late to make your life more purposeful.
So start now! Start today with these principles, and who knows—your future self might just thank you.
Btw, what advice would you give to your younger self? Post them in the comments below!
Good advice is something a man gives when he is too old to set a bad example.
- Francois de La Rochefoucauld
Cracking the growth equation in a one person business,
Anfernee
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