Turning 40

40 Life Lessons That Helped Shape Version 4.0 of Myself

Today is my 40th birthday. When I was younger, I used to think that “28” was old. To my younger self, I’m practically geriatric.

But I couldn’t be happier with version 4.0 of myself. Who knew middle age would be this much fun! :-)

As I was getting closer to this exciting milestone, I found myself spending a lot of time reflecting on my journey from boyhood to manhood to middle age. Changing into the man I am today and the lessons I learned along the way. Here’s a few that kept coming back to me (in no particular order):

1.

Curiosity is far more important than knowledge

2.

Your actions, not your words, express your true priorities

3.

Leading through influence is much more effective and gratifying than leading through authority

4.

Travel expands your mind and fuels your creativity

5.

“The brave don’t live forever but the cautious don’t live at all”

6.

Having detractors means you stood for something, sometime in your life

7.

Always look for reasons to say YES (unless it’s illegal)

8.

Never, ever settle

9.

Interesting people are good, but interested people are better

10.

If you don’t have your own plan, you will always be part of someone else’s

11.

It’s so much better to be kind than to be right

12.

80s music will always be the best music ever created

13.

Change is inevitable and always brings new opportunities

14.

We have to say goodbye to some people in order to thrive

15.

Clutter will kill you

16.

Be observant. It will save your life one day

17.

Leadership is not appointed. It’s earned

18.

Empathy is the most important quality in a leader

19.

You actually get better looking with age

20.

Your values aren’t rigid. Like you, they evolve

21.

Don’t be a “yes man.” No one respects that

22.

Living a truly authentic life weeds out the people that aren’t supposed to be in your life to begin with

23.

ABC–Always Be Curious (repeat #1)

24.

Never suffer fools gladly or otherwise

25.

Find the time to do something you really love. It will keep you sane

26.

The excessive use of profanity makes you look ugly and cheap

27.

Love comes with time and shared experiences

28.

Friendships that don’t survive a serious quarrel are friendships that aren’t meant to be, and that’s OK

29.

Team work is always the best work

30.

Never miss an opportunity to show up

31.

Never miss an opportunity to shut up

32.

Writing helps organize your thoughts. Write often

33.

The worst bullies are the passive aggressive ones

34.

Don’t be a boss. Be a mentor

35.

Don’t trust those whose smiles aren’t sincere

36.

Leaders who are not self-aware cause a lot of irreparable damage

37.

Showing up on time says a lot about you. So does showing up late. Don’t be late

38.

Do something to help others and do it often. It will make you a much happier person