Some of you are familiar with my story and journey, while others may not be. Here’s a little refresher. I started with nothing. I didn’t have money, skills, connections, or confidence. If I could go back and give my younger self some advice, I have some tips that would make a significant difference. If you’re young and apply these, you will be light-years ahead of everybody else.
I wish I knew these things when I was younger. I was pretty dumb and busy doing things I shouldn’t have been doing. I wish I had had better role models and better friends. I wish I had taken better care of myself and taken chances sooner. You cannot get time back, so you don’t want to regret anything. Failure will happen. It’s part of the process, and it sucks, but it’s overcomeable.
Don’t waste the best and most productive years of your life. Here’s how:
- Develop a strong work ethic. It’s a superpower. You don’t need to be the most intelligent guy in the room or have the most money or talent. I was never any of that. I focused and could work hard when it wasn’t fun, when I wasn’t being rewarded, and when people weren’t dropping me thumbs up. The ability to focus and work hard creates success.
- Stop worrying about what other people think of you. These people don’t matter in the grand scheme of things. People don’t focus on you as much as you think they do. The fastest way to stay broke and stuck is to listen to other people and let their opinions dictate your life. I wouldn’t have started anything that I have done professionally if I had listened to what others were saying. If you want to live an inspiring life and achieve your goals, don’t worry about what others think. Focus on yourself.
- Invest in your appearance early. Don’t wait until you get the job, or you’re older, or for any other reason. Pay attention to your appearance now by dressing well, being well-groomed, and taking care of yourself. In the first 3 seconds upon meeting someone, they have formed an opinion about you based solely on nonverbal communication, which includes the way you’re dressed, how you stand, your skin, smile, hair, and the way you make eye contact. These tell the world who you are, and it’s your packaging. To have every advantage in this world, invest in your style and look good. Ensure that you’re well-coordinated and everything matches, is in good condition, and is not worn out, wrinkled, or stained. Ensure your shoes are clean. Additionally, ensure your skin is well-maintained, have a good haircut, and use high-quality hair products.
- Take risks early. Be willing to fail, as it will happen. So take chances earlier because you don’t need more time or need to learn more. You don’t need to get older. Now is the best time. Preparation is procrastination in disguise. Nothing great was ever accomplished because it was easy.
- Develop social skills. You could have the best idea in the world or be the best at what you want to do. However, if you can’t communicate, you’ll miss out. Learn to communicate effectively with others and speak eloquently. Be able to get your point across without stammering or stuttering. Do not use filler or curse words.
- Learn to manage money. Debt will rob you of your joy and happiness. You don’t need to make a lot of money, but you need to be able to manage it effectively. Understand finances, money, interest rates, protecting your credit score, investing, living below your means, and setting a budget.
- Take care of your body. Work out daily and move your ass; avoid being a sedentary slug, just sitting there. Don’t drink or smoke. Don’t bang nasty women that you shouldn’t be banging unprotected, and stop chasing women. They’re a dime a dozen. Instead of focusing on women, focus on your career, investment opportunities, fitness, and health. Focus on you.
- Stop doing destructive things. You will derail yourself by sleeping with the wrong people, doing drugs and getting drunk, and doing stupid things that will prevent you from succeeding. Get it under control right now. Eat right, exercise regularly, and schedule regular checkups.
- Choose your circle wisely. Avoid associating with individuals who are unmotivated and self-destructive. Surround yourself with people who are uplifting and moving you in the right direction. You do not want to be around energy vampires who are draining. Seek people who inspire you to do better.
- Look at life from a long-game perspective. We often get caught up in instant gratification, wanting results now. Unfortunately, success takes time. Success is the top of the pyramid, and you need to work to get up there. Consider how something will benefit you in a year, five years, or ten years from now. It’s the long game and not instant gratification.
