38 (More) Things I've Learned
It’s been another year and while nothing has changed, everything has changed. Continuing with my birthday tradition, I want to share 38 things worth remembering.
Leading by example is difficult and lonely, especially when it feels like you’re the only one doing it.
Don’t let your peers, your workplace, your location, or anything else keep you from living the life you desire.
Don’t be reckless, don’t burn bridges, but don’t sacrifice your happiness for a job.
Look around: are you doing things that YOU want to do? Or are you doing things because you’ve been conditioned and expected to do them?
Don’t waste your mental space on things that don’t matter. Set up automation, recurring tasks, hire help, whatever you can do within your means to save your precious mental and emotional labor - do it.
Acceptance is power. Whether it’s accepting your body, your brain, your circumstances - when you accept the reality, only then can you begin to change it.
Accountability is rare - and difficult - but it is essential to being a good person.
You can’t care about all of the things, all of the time. Find your guiding lights and principles, and stick with them.
Don’t accept the status quo if it’s not working for you.
Eliminate the scarcity mindset - it’s hard, but worth it.
Everything these days is oversimplified to gain your attention. Most issues require nuance and research to form an opinion. If you think you can get everything you need from a headline, you’re doing yourself a disservice.
Get rid of the clutter in your house. If it doesn’t make you happy, serve a purpose, or fill a need, why have it?
Books are awesome
Boundaries. Boundaries. Boundaries. Know yourself and know them.
Hill I Will Die On #1: I hate Daylight Savings Time. We don’t need it. Pick a time and stick with it.
Hill I Will Die On #2: The Oxford Comma. It should never be optional.
Movements in your life should be an upgrade - a step toward the person you want to be or a validation of who you truly are. Don’t take steps backwards.
Find your people. They may not be where you are and you will need to go to them.
Travel. Follow your intuition about where to go. Listen to the little whispers in your mind to visit those places.
What is new becomes old. What was old becomes new again. Roll with it.
If you have the ability to boycott something, you are in a place of privilege. Don’t judge others who don’t do what you do.
No one is coming to save you. Or take care of you. Or make it better. You are the hero of your own story.
The 9-5 is dying; can you adapt and be ready?
In a conversation, you must truly listen. Listen to what is said, and listen to what is not said.
I used to believe (and still mostly do) to get the right tool for the job. However, there are now too many little “jobs” and too many little “tools” to occupy your time, money, and space. All of which are precious. I’m learning how to balance this. It’s hard.
Ramit Sethi talks about invisible money scripts we pick up in childhood (“Money doesn’t grow on trees” or “We can’t afford appetizers”). You get to finally put on your grown-up pants when you start looking for and finding the other invisible scripts you grew up with and determine if they still serve you and your life.
Sometimes, life will present with you a series of amazing opportunities seemingly all at once. Say yes. Figure out the time and money later. Life is for LIVING!
Don’t EVER think you’re too old for an experience or a hobby.
Someone else’s hopes, dreams, and expectations for you are not your burden to bear.
At work, act your wage. ;)
The right partner in life makes life so much sweeter.
Be happy for others when they are happy. It ain’t about you.
You control how you respond to things. Take a breath. Filter your thoughts. Then respond when you are ready.
Buy flowers and plants. Buy books. Take your loved ones out for dates. Stop sitting at home on your phone wasting away.
Treat people how they show you they want to be treated.
Sit outside for a long time. No devices, no books, no distractions. Just sit outside until you’ve had enough.
People love to joke about “granny hobbies” like knitting, gardening, and the like, but did you stop to think why? These hobbies are popular for young and old because they are soothing, low-stakes hobbies that you can do with others. It’s about community, not the hobby itself.
Bring back midnight release book launch parties.
Thanks for being here for another year! Cheers to health, wealth, and wisdom!
