So it’s taken 49 years to learn some of the most painful truths about life. I have been stupid. Life punched me in the face, and I’ve been humbled. That said, I hope you can learn from my mistakes, as life doesn’t hand you answers.
- Don’t worry about what other people think of you. People aren’t thinking about you. They’re so focused and concerned about their own lives and issues.
- Don’t fear failure. Failure is a stepping stone.
- Don’t think vulnerability is a weakness. It’s actually a strength, and if people don’t like you because you’re emotional, you don’t, they don’t deserve you.
- Quantity is not what matters. Quality matters in relationships. Sleeping with a bunch of people doesn’t make you a stud. It makes you shallow and lonely.
- Take care of yourself. Once you take a hard look at yourself and are honest, amazing things will fall into place. Do the hard work and forgive yourself.
- Perfection does not exist. Do the best job you can, find people in your life who love you and are good for you, and live authentically.
- Be true to yourself. Don’t be the person you think others want to see.
- Care for yourself in all ways. Take care of your body, exercise daily, eat right, don’t smoke, and don’t do drugs.
- People respect people who look good. Dress with intention to look and feel your best.
- Keep moving forward. Remember that no matter how difficult a situation or time in your life may be, it will get better. This too shall pass.
- The honeymoon phase ends. When you first meet somebody, all those butterflies and excitement will diminish. Looks fade as well. You need to have substance behind that relationship.
- Aging is inevitable, but how you age is optional. Do things to look good for your age. It’s not about preventing aging. It’s about doing it right.
- Disagreements happen. You will not share the same views as others, and that’s okay. It doesn’t mean that you have to hate them or that they are your enemy.
- Actions have consequences. You should be faithful, and if she’s not loyal, she is not the right person for you. Once you cheat, you can’t go back.
- Protect yourself. When you’re having sex, it’s not worth getting something you can’t get rid of. It’s also not worth getting somebody pregnant if you don’t want to be pregnant. At that point, the pregnancy is as much your responsibility as hers.
- Protect your credit. Credit scores matter.
- Life is short. One day you’ll blink and you’ll be old. What is your legacy going to be? Have you lived your life? Are you living your life or somebody else? You need to live your life on your terms.
- Tell the people that you love that you love them. Don’t wait. You never know when you won’t have the opportunity to tell them. You don’t want to have regrets.
- Perfect timing doesn’t exist. There’s never the right age. Go ahead and learn, read another book, acquire another skill, and make mistakes. Failure is part of the process.
- Take chances. Take risks even when the future is uncertain. Swing that bat and take your shot. Be brave enough.
