A Cliche Article: What I Would Tell My Younger Self.
About 2 years ago, I was sitting in a coffee shop while on vacation in my hometown of Iowa City. As I was looking all around me, I noticed the vibrancy of the younger crowd (University of Iowa Students), and I began to think, “Man, if I was in their shoes again, what would I like to know?” So I started jotting down notes, as if I was speaking to them, or an 18 year old Zach Troyer.
Here is what I wrote:
1.) Learn a programming language. Or a few. If you do this, you’ll most likely always be employable to some extent.
2.) Travel as much as you can. Traveling broadens your limited perspective. You need that.
3.) Read as much as you can, but question everything. There is always more than one way to skin a cat, and also not everything people write is true; including this.
4.) Be good to others. Compassion and empathy go along way. You never know another’s struggle.
5.) NEVER, EVER let someone tell you your passion is stupid, nor you idea crazy and impossible. Just because they gave up on their dreams long ago doesn’t mean you have to. Like Mr. Jobs says,” The people crazy enough to believe they can change this world, typically do.”
6.) When you find something or someone you love, fight like hell to keep. Fight like your life depends on it, because it does.
7.) Not everyone is meant to be an entrepreneur, but creating a job sure beats the hell out of fitting into one.
8.) The secret to living is contributing beyond yourself. Giving to the World around you.
9.) Work really, really, really hard. When in doubt, hustle always wins.
10.)Never be afraid to be the most authentic version of yourself. If it comes from the heart, dress how you want to dress, say what you want to say, be what you want to be.
11.) Honesty is always the best policy. It’s exhausting as hell to tell lies and then keep up with them.
12.) Take care of your body. I cannot reiterate enough. Take care of your body. It’s the only one you have, and physical fitness will radiate into other areas of your life.
13.) Someday, whether you know it or not, you will, in sorts, turn into your parents. Technology, music, fashion, etc; it’s always changing. You may not understand it someday, so be patient with them.
14.) Set goals: Short-term, Mid-term, Long-term. Then, work backwards, and figure our what needs to be done, what needs to happen, and what kind of behaviors + habits will lead to the achievement of said goals. This will culminate in actionable steps.
15.) If you don’t know something, ask. You’re probably not as smart as you think, and even if you are, you still have a lot to learn. Living is learning.
16.) Leaders lead from the front, but they know that you are blessed with two ears and one mouth for a reason.
17.) Master a good handshake, sometimes it’s the difference between getting the job, or not.
18.) Smile. Appreciate what you do have. You can have all the money, power, cars, and homes in the World, but true wealth starts from within.
19.) Never ever let anyone tell you that you cannot do everything you want in this life. It might just take a little longer.
20.) Last, but not least. Continually learn. If something intrigues you, go to the bookstore and buy a book. Go online and do your research. Learn everything there is to know about that subject. Chances are, you’ll be able to connect the dots later on in life.
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