Life is a continuous journey of learning and growth shaped by the experiences we encounter along the way. From each situation, whether triumphant, challenging, or a complete failure, we extract valuable lessons that evolve into guiding principles. These life lessons happen more often than you might think, and from them, we gain wisdom and strength. The following are lessons I've learned and now live by:
Apologies
Learn when to apologize. Also, learn when NOT to apologize. You can be respectful and gracious without saying sorry.
Better
My personal mantra is a single word, "better." It’s a simple yet powerful reminder to keep improving and growing. This not only is a lifelong goal but applies to all aspects of life. Even if it's just one inch a day, progress is progress. And those inches, accumulated over time, can lead to remarkable transformations. Remember, no matter the task, interaction, or circumstances, we can always do better.
Family + Friends
I make no distinction between family and friends. Some people are in our lives due to lineage. Some people are in our lives by choice. The relationships we nurture are not accidental. They should enrich our lives and are of utmost importance.
Leadership
You can lead from the bottom up, the middle out, or the top down. Leadership is the ability to guide, inspire, empower, and uplift others to achieve goals and create a lasting impact, even in your absence.
Let It Go
Nothing in life is perfect and it never will be. Beating yourself up is pointless. Experience, acknowledge, learn, understand, grow, move on.
Mindset
Mindset is absolutely everything. Remember this: You are going to fail and there will be bad days. It happens and that's okay. Have a positive attitude, learn from it, exercise patience, and NEVER give up. The only obstacle is you.
Quiet House
When you start a family DO NOT have a quiet house. After you go to bed, watch a movie with the volume up, vacuum, have a friend or two over for a drink and play a game. Your children will adapt to the normal noise of a home being lived in. Do not tiptoe around your own house. Live your life.
Self
Take care of yourself first. This isn’t being selfish. Dedicating time to ensure your mental, physical, and spiritual health must be paramount; it’s the foundation of your life. Everything and everyone who count on you, also rely on this foundation.
Simplify
Keep things simple. Removing extra layers of unneeded complexity saves time, money, and frustration. Always simplify.
Time
Manage your use of time and what you are dedicating it to. Set boundaries, make plans, and commit to what you feel is important. Time is finite; it is not unlimited. The older you get the more important this will become.