Choose to Take the Journey

So my birthday is right around the corner, which got me thinking about my age again.  The last several years have seen slips and setbacks, frustrations and false steps, but the overall sweep has been positive.  And I got to thinking about what advice 30-something me would want to impart on 20-something me.

To be fair, most of the mistakes l made were unpreventable (Could I really convince 20-something me to date this girl, instead of that girl?), or unknowable (Invest in this stock, and not that one!).  I learned a lot that I couldn’t have learned otherwise.

But there are also things I could have, and would have, learned if I had just known about them earlier.  Here are some of things I would have told my previous self:

Health

1. Floss every day.  It might seem trivial, but it will save you a lot of trouble down the road.

2. Be physically active.  Even if you feel immortal now, understand that even at an early age, exercise has a huge effect on your mood and self-esteem.

3. Remember that pastries and sugary cereals do not count as breakfast.

Wealth

$. Buying in bulk is not cheaper if you never finish.  Besides, better tasting–more useful–more effective–higher quality products are always coming out, and you’ll want those instead.

$$. Online retail is your friend, especially if you can find promo codes.

$$$. Always keep some of your stock funds available for trading.  Good investments will come to you when you least expect it.

Dating

I. Chivalry does not make you unmanly.  Open doors.  Ignore your phone (if you have to take it, excuse yourself first).  And always pay for the first date–always.

II. Learn to distinguish between a yellow light and a red light.  Yellow does not mean she’s not interested.  It means: What’s the rush?  Slow down.  I’m here because I like you, but make me comfortable first.

III. When you’re confused–for example, about why girls don’t like “nice guys”–just keep putting yourself out there and you’ll eventually understand.  No matter what, you’re going to mess up–a lot.  But don’t worry so much.  You’ll meet your soulmate when you least expect it.