Lessons from an 18-year-old’s Questions

A dear friend of mine passed on this article earlier this week which is simply fabulous: “18 Things I wish Someone Had Told me When I Was 18.” The entire article is worth a read – as the narrative is where the ‘good juice’ is. However I have condensed the 18 into this Fine Line – just to give you a taste:

  • Commit yourself to making lots of mistakes.
  • Find hard work you love doing.
  • Invest time, energy, and money in yourself every day.
  • Explore new ideas and opportunities often.
  • When sharpening your career skills, focus more on less.
  • People are not mind readers. Tell them what you are thinking.
  • Make swift decisions and take immediate action.
  • Accept and embrace change.
  • Don’t worry too much about what other people think of you.
  • Always be honest with yourself and others.
  • Talk to lots of people in college, and early on in your career. (I will add – it is NEVER to late for this one. I do this regularly in my new 2nd chapter!)
  • Sit alone in silence for at least 10 minutes a day.
  • Ask lots of questions.
  • Exploit the resources to which you have access.
  • Live below your means.
  • Be respectful of others and make them feel good.
  • Excel at what you do.
  • Be who you were born to be.

Wow – what wisdom. I will add just a few bits of my own: embrace fear with courage anchored in faith. We seldom regret the things we do – yet, I imagine we may regret those things we wanted to do yet were afraid to try. Love with an open heart. Apologize when you are at fault – regardless of your pride or ego. And love life and all it has to offer. It is fleeting. Enjoy the week – and share your comments!