21 Things I Wish I Knew in My Twenties
This is an updated version of a list I wrote for the Execupundit blog in 2007.
The list is:
This too shall pass. An old maxim that works for both for good and bad times.
What they say is required is not really what is required. Learning what is really required is a key part of life.
The whole world is not looking at you. Just like you, the world daydreams a lot.
Good news: You have a lot of years ahead of you.
Bad news: Those years will start passing more quickly.
Set specific goals. All others are meaningless. Also consider the new challenges that will arrive when goals are achieved.
Don't regard the spiritual as impractical. It may well be the most practical thing in your life. In fact, your meaning in life may be to help other people find their meaning in life.
If your main focus is on impressing someone, your priorities may be skewed. Remember: Job interviewers want to know what you can do for them, not what they can do for you.
Don't use humor as a weapon. Employ it as a defense. Even then, use it with caution.
The journey from A to B often goes from A to Z, M, and D before arriving at B. Few careers are rocket launches. They are more like voyages through both calm and stormy seas.
Seek balance in all things. There are times when tough love and similar combinations are needed.
Master a skill, then master another. Become a perpetual student.
You are far from the only nervous person in the room. Strive to put others at ease and you’ll find that also calms yourself.
Don't burn bridges. You may need them sooner than you think. Some of your best allies in the future may well be former adversaries.
There are many times when it is better to be kind than clever. Two great films with that message: “Harvey” with James Stewart and “Groundhog Day” with Bill Murray.
Worry less and strive to reduce your fears. Years from now, you'll shake your head at the way minor matters used to trouble you.
Talk more with your parents and, if possible, tape some of their reminiscences.
Be reluctant to assign bad motives to others. Most of us are blundering, not conspiring.
Keep your word. Do what you say you will do.
Consider which of your virtues has become a vice. At least one has. Vices have a way of hiding within your strengths.
Try not to trip over the rocks on your way to the horizon. Don't let your grand vision distract you from what is needed to achieve it. Great goals are common. Great implementation is rare.
Good!