25 things I learned on the way to 25

Unsplash / Simon Maage

Taking some inspiration from Ryan Holiday, I wanted to share some reflections on the way to 25 that align closely with some of my personal rules and principles for success. I’ve hyperlinked the relevant resources to each point.

I haven’t even begun to scratch the surface. Excited to learn from everyone and build on this list. Please reach out if you have any recommendations for books or resources!

In no particular order:

1. Most of our brain activity is subconscious. Have an awareness of this activity with exercises such as meditation, self-reflection, and even therapy. Take control of your monkey mind.
2. Distinguish between good and bad values. Having strong values will provide you with focus, direction, and help eliminate noise. Good values are reality-based, socially constructive, immediate, and controllable. Whereas bad values are superstitious, socially-destructive and not controllable.” — Mark Manson
3. Sleep is critical for mental, physical, and emotional maintenance and development. Understand your body’s sleep needs and enforce healthy sleep practices.
4. Read a book a month, minimum.
5. Find mentors, coaches, and teachers in all aspects of your life. Find someone who has been in your shoes and made the tough decision. Learn from their experiences.
6. Work out — go for a run, play some tennis, go rock climbing. Let your brain rest and engage in transient hypofrontality or “getting out of your head”.
7. Drink an abundance of water and have a healthy, well-balanced diet.
8. Listen to music. Music can be a spiritual and therapeutic experience.
9. Slow down. Pause. Find calm and stillness in your life.
10. Find balance in all areas of your life. Put energy equally into your career, relationships, and hobbies. Seek growth, progression, and achievement in all aspects.
11. Learn to save money and watch impulse purchases. Put items large purchases on a 6-month wishlist, and only buy them if you’re still interested after that time.
12. Be reflective and self-aware. Assess your strengths and weaknesses through different lenses. Understand what creates and drains your energy. Seek feedback.
13. Surround yourself with positivity and good vibes. Be with those who share and preach your values.
14. Allocate your headspace between the past, present, and future. Reflect on the past and learn from past experiences; relish the present and be in the moment; prepare for the future and look forward.
15. Practice gratitude often. A way to start is to remind yourself of what you’re grateful for every morning.
16. Find time to recharge and disconnect. Be with nature.
17. Create opportunities to laugh with others. Don’t take anything too seriously.
18. Give more than you receive. Take care of your family, friends, and peers.
19. Allow yourself to be inspired every once in a while. Be in awe of art. See a vast landscape. Try a new sport.
20. Embrace uncertainty; have a plan but learn to adapt and pivot. Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it.
21. Fail forward fast. Get involved and take action. Get feedback and learn from your mistakes.
22. Be at the edge of your comfort zone. If something scares you, keep doing it until you’re not afraid anymore.
23. Ego is the enemy. Mind your ego and be cognizant of the fact that someone new can teach you something every day.
24. I love bread. Just kidding. But remember to have a laugh and be silly once in a while.
25. Memento Mori. The only universal truth is that life is finite. Show up and do your best every single day.

Take care

Andrew