12 Things I’d Tell My Younger Self

July 10, 20175min read

Have you ever looked back and wish that some of the lessons you have learned as an adult were given to you as advice when you were younger? I’ve been thinking about this so I thought I’d share 12 things I’d tell my younger self.

If I could go back and have a conversation with myself, here’s what I’d say if I was my own mentor:

Go for your dreams!

The probability of your dreams being killed based on the opinions of others increases the older you get. If you care a lot about what other people think, you will hesitate. Hesitation leads to inaction and inaction breeds fear. And fear will stop you from living a life of freedom. Here’s the thing. Why should other people’s opinions matter? It’s your dreams and your life. At the end of the day, no one will live your life, but you.
Leave your eyebrows alone!!!

Remember what mom said about overplucking your brows? She’s right. They make a world of difference when you find a brow shape that suits your face. If you don’t know how to shape your brows, find an expert. But, look at their brows first. If they don’t have it going on themselves, do not trust them.
Don’t worry about being with a guy. Focus on yourself and what you want to accomplish.

I know you want to find that special someone, but don’t do it just yet. It’s a lot more work that you think. Broken hearts, wasted time, etc. Instead, watch others around you. Look at the relationships they’re in and take mental notes. What do you want in a partner? More importantly, what do you not want in a partner? Trust me and focus on loving yourself first. Focus on your health by taking care of yourself. Grow in all areas of your life and learn to be independent because a man is an added bonus to your life, not your end all, be all. Know who you are and what you want first and it’ll save you a lot of time.
Travel your heart out!

Look into travel abroad programs if you decide to go to college. Why not travel while getting those college credits in? Plan trips and cruises with your girlfriends at least once a year and go and experience another culture. It’ll open your eyes to different perspectives in life. Believe it or not, you’ll grow so much while you’re abroad.
The quality of friends is so important.

There is no need for you to have a zillion friends. Trust me. A lot of them will walk in and out of your life. A lot of them will change you. You will either conform and become like them or learn that you don’t want to be like them. Don’t lose who you are just because you want to be friends with someone. Know when to let go of a friendship. When you do find quality friends, you’ll know. Those are the ones that no matter how much time passes by, when you get together, it’ll seem like you just saw each other yesterday. Remember, your top 5 friends are crucial to your success and outcome in life. Choose wisely.
Your credit, finances and investments are extremely important for your future. Research it all even before dipping your toe in these areas.

What your parents didn’t teach you is what you don’t know. Look into how credit scores work, the pros and cons of credit cards, the basics of investing, etc. Read Dave Ramsey’s financial advice, learn about how to live the blessed life and have conversations with friends who are financially successful. Educate and inform yourself before making any big decisions like applying for a credit card.
There is no one way to make money. If you’re not a 9-5’er, pave your own way!

Just because society tells you to go to school, get good grades and find a good paying job doesn’t mean you have to. You don’t have to work for someone else if you don’t want to. If you want to be an entrepreneur, do it! There is no one way of being an entrepreneur either. Just make sure you know your gifts and strengths, step out of your comfort zone and grow and use them. If you need to work a day job to get the bills paid and the business afloat while you hustle, do it. Don’t take the leap if you’re not financially ready. Be strategic yet smart about your moves. Don’t add financial pressure if you don’t work well under pressure. Delayed gratification is key to your success. Once you put your head down, work and stay focused, nothing is out of your reach.
Network like crazy! Because your network is your net worth.

Great and new opportunities will come based on who you know. It’s just the truth. You never know if your circle of friends has connections you’ll need in the future. Build relationships with everyone you meet. It’ll take time, but it’s worth getting to know others. You never know if you can return a favor by serving them with a need in the future too.
If school is not in the cards for you, don’t do it just because everyone else is doing it. You can still get an education outside of the classroom.

You do not need to be inside a classroom to learn. Read books that will grow your mind and skills, go to seminars, attend conferences, events (even the little ones) and workshops. Invest in yourself and your ROI will be greater than you think!
Have an attitude of gratitude. Every single day.

You are special and you’re here, breathing and living this wonderful thing called life. Be thankful for everything. Sometimes, the littlest things may not be a big deal to you, but it is to someone else. Wake up and go to bed with a thankful mindset.
Trust God with everything. Let Him lead you and just watch all the adventures you’ll go on!

Trusting in your Savior is a lot easier and less stressful than if you do it all yourself. Tell Him about your worries and concerns and leave it all at His feet. Let Him lead, but also take steps to follow Him. Sometimes, you may think you’re waiting on God when in reality, He’s waiting on you. When you’re ready, oh the adventures you’ll experience!
Success begins with your mindset.

Your success in health, finances, business, love and life all begins with your mind(set). I know this sounds crazy, but thoughts become things. What you think is what you’ll bring into your life. If you think in terms of positivity and abundance, that’s what you’ll attract. Your mind naturally gravitates towards thinking negatively so fight it. Watch inspirational videos, surround yourself with positive people, read personal development books, do whatever it takes to be in a state of abundance. Oh, one last thing: learn and practice emotional intelligence. Always seek to understand. EQ is going to be more important than you think.