I recently listened to a podcast where they mentioned the exercise of going over the advice you'd give to yourself 10 years ago. Specifically, they mentioned how it's almost invariably the same advice you'd give yourself today. I wanted to see if that was true as well as simply go through the exercise and see what came out. Below is what came of it when I sat down with pen and paper.
(Spoiler: it is advice I'd still give myself today.)
Advice to My 10-Year-Younger Self
10 years ago I had just turned 19. Just finished my first year at the University of Florida. I was lost for sure, but who isn't at that age? I was too scared of others' opinions and others in general. I was trying too hard to be someone I thought I wanted to be (stoner intellectual). I wasn't curious enough. I was drifting. I was scared. I'd almost lost my mom. I was on my own for the first time. I was entering the world from the cocoon of childhood. I would give myself a few key points.
- Be curious. Dive into anything that interests you, explore everything, ask questions.
- Don't hold an archetype of the person you are; it inhibits your growth.
- Hold morals and values, not images
- Don't be scared of others. Everyone is figuring it out. Everyone is friendly. Say hello. Be interested in them and their story. Bring your best self when meeting people.
- Look for a partner. Commit. There is value in a shared history and growth together.
- Create. You're allowed to. You're capable. You have value to add.
- Give people more credit. You don't have it figured out. Stop judging them so much. Have an open mind. Explore their way of life and beliefs.
- Maintain a beginner mindset
- Do drugs but not frequently
- Have fun
- Take risks
- Travel more