To say that I have only learned five things in 25 years would be absurd. But I wanted to narrow it down to 5 main lessons I have learned in the last 25 years. Even though today is day one of being 25, I figured the new year is always a great time to reflect and restart.
- Some people are only meant to be a chapter in your story, not the whole book.
If you haven’t the slightest idea, what I am talking about, then consider yourself lucky. In my life, I have always been blessed with lots of friends and family. Still, there have been different relationships that, for whatever XYZ reason, have ended without explanation. And what I have learned over time is that if you know you tried your best to be there for them, then be happy for the times they were an avid part of your life and move forward. People have this misconception that letting people into your life isn’t smart, but in reality, are you really living if you don’t have people around you to share it with?
2. Every delay is a blessing.
If I had a dime for every time I think I have learned this lesson, I would probably wouldn’t have to work another day in my life. In all seriousness, this is a tough one to wrap your head around. It’s something I still struggle with. We are taught at a young age that we go to school, college, graduate school, married then have kids all in this specific order. But, as you get older, sometimes you don’t get all you wanted right away. Or you develop a new path, or you take longer to figure out the life you want for yourself. And that is totally okay! If I understood this lesson as early as 15, I would have been a little easier on myself growing up.
3. To lead is, in reality, to serve.
This is my personal favorite of all the lessons I have learned. I was a junior in high school the first time my teacher said this to my class. And instantly, I realized the value in the statement. Whatever position you are in, whether you are at the head of the company or just a standard employee, taking charge, is all about realizing you need to serve others. To realize that when you are there for others, and they succeed, then you will too. That is what real leadership is to me.
4. Comparison is the thief of happiness.
Comparing yourself to others is at an all-time high these days with social media. An outlet of expression that should be for pure entertainment and connecting sometimes is the reason we don’t feel that we are “doing enough.” It robs us of hard work we put into our projects with a simple scroll through our IG feed. Believe me, I still struggle with this sometimes, but if you try to remember your blessings in the midst of comparing all you have to others, you will remember that what you have was made for you, and that is what makes it unique.
5. If you are going to give advice, say it once.
Ever given someone advice and they didnt take it? But you ended up getting mad about it? Guilty. Well, this last lesson learned was as simple as just say it once. If you want to give advice, say it only once and move on. If that person or group of people does not want to take your advice, then at least you said your piece.
Happy New Year everyone I hope 2020 is all you want and more!
