I recently read the post, 18 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 18, and I got to thinking about the things I wish someone had told me when I was just starting out. So I put together a little list of my own:
1. You don’t have to do just one thing with your life. Interests change, dreams evolve. What you’re doing today or next year will most likely be completely different from what you’re doing 10 years from now.
2. There are no wrong decisions. Just decisions.
3. Chase your dream with your head held high. Most people are afraid to acknowledge their dream, let alone tell others. If you find the courage to go after yours, do it with pride and conviction.
4. Life is full of people who are ready to tell you why you CAN’T do something. Surround yourself with people who are ready to remind you why you CAN.
5. Approach your life like a horse with blinders on. Focus on where you’re going and how you’re going to get there; don’t get distracted by the progress and direction of those around you.
6. There is always more to learn.
7. You can always do better.
8. Self-imposed deadlines are the key to getting things done.
9. Don’t be afraid to ask for what you want. More often than not people will say yes.
10. Don’t waste your time fulfilling someone else’s dream.
11. Spend your money on things that really matter to you because “the shine” wears off quickly.
12. Be happy with what you have because there will always be someone with more than you.
13. Money and happiness are not as tightly correlated as you might think.
14. Helping others is one of the purest forms of joy you can experience.
I’m sure there are many more, but that’s what I’ve come up with so far.
What do you wish someone would’ve told you when you were just starting out?
