As I reflect on my journey at 34, here’s a collection of advice that resonates with where I’ve been, where I am, and where I’m heading. Some are lessons learned the hard way; others are reminders of things I wish someone had shared sooner.
Challenge yourself to one big challenge every year. A "misogi" pushes you beyond your limits and redefines what you believe you’re capable of.Know your values and stick to them. Your values are your compass—without them, it’s easy to get lost.Set boundaries with clients, friends, and family. Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary for your well-being.Learn to say "no" more often and protect your time. Time is your most valuable resource—treat it that way.Shift from "I have to" to "I get to." Gratitude reframes obligations as opportunities.Start before you’re ready. You’ll never feel fully prepared—and that’s okay.Curiosity is your greatest mentor. The more you ask, the more you’ll grow.Failing isn’t falling—staying down is. Failure is a pivot point, not an endpoint.Keep promises you make to yourself. That’s how you build self-trust.You don’t need everyone’s approval—especially not your younger self’s.Act on ideas quickly; they evaporate. The first five minutes are crucial.Don’t let your kid win. Teach them resilience by letting them earn their victories.Protect your mornings; they set the tone for the day.Choose what you consume—books, news, conversations—as carefully as what you eat.When in doubt, ask: "Will this still matter in five years?"Find joy in what you’re terrible at. Play keeps you young, regardless of skill.Your tone can make or break your message. Delivery matters.You are what you repeatedly do—guard your habits like treasures.Remember: "This too shall pass." Tough moments and triumphs alike are temporary—embrace the rollercoaster.Invest in experiences—they’ll outlast anything you buy.Be a leader with "radical candor". Care deeply, but challenge directly—honesty with compassion builds trust.Let go of identities you’ve outgrown—it’s not failure; it’s evolution.Be authentic. The world needs your unique voice, not a filtered version of someone else’s.When in doubt, ask: "Am I operating from fear or love?" Fear constrains you, while love expands your actions and decisions.Learn to pivot when persistence isn’t working—it’s strength, not surrender.Where you live shapes you more than you realize.Generosity is the most selfish thing you can do—it always gives back.Most meetings don’t need to be meetings—insist on clarity first.Be careful who you accept in your inner circle. Surround yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you to grow.Boredom births your best ideas. Unplug and let your mind wander.Only accept projects that get three yeses—gut, head, and heart. If all three don’t align, walk away.Mistakes are tuition for your future wisdom—pay gladly and move on.Small steps matter more when you play a long game.Be present—it’s the greatest currency you’ll ever spend.
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