25 learnings from 25 years

There is a lot I've learned in my 25 years of life, but here are the most important lessons.

Today I became 25 years old, which is not only a number with a sense a weight – it marks the beginning of my mid-20s. I thought it would be interesting, to this end, to share 25 valuable lessons I’ve learned in my 25 years of existing.

To pull together this list, I referenced the “21” list I created when I turned 21. Much of what I wrote then still resonates today, and those are the first 15 lessons in this list. There were also points that I have enhanced perspectives of; that is just part of growth, development, and more life experience. Thus, the remaining 10 points are from my four years older (and wiser), 25-year-old self.

Here are some key lessons I’ve learned:

1. Don’t make things harder than they need to be

2. If you don’t have a reason for doing what you’re doing, stop what you’re doing

3. Your life is entirely individualized to you, so value what you have

4. You never know what the person standing next to you has gone or is going through

5. You will, inevitably, have to decide between trade-offs

6. Get comfortable with being uncomfortable; the most fulfilling results happen here

7. You will have to make decisions and solve problems to get anywhere

8. You can either crumble under the pressure of life or accept and rise to the challenge

9. If there is no plausible reason to object, then don’t object

10. You’re better off owning up to your own shortcomings than attempting to pass the blame

11. Be a cheerleader when you recognize the efforts someone has put forth

12. Carefully prioritize what needs to happen and when

13. Have a plan, but be ready to pivot too

14. Realize that you can’t do it all by yourself

15. Keep all (figurative) doors open unless they create unnecessary chaos

16. There is almost never a good enough reason to overexert for any reason and anything

17. Haste really does make waste; slow down a bit and really think ideas and steps through

18. Sometimes making progress starts with answering questions

19. Be responsible in all your roles, but laugh and have fun too

20. The only person you’re actually competing against is a past iteration of you

21. Making mistakes is part of the process; learn from them and vow to never repeat

22. Reciprocal relationships start with putting others first and being selfless

23. There are often simpler ways to go about something; think critically and pursue those

24. A little bit of time consistently well directed can really compound overtime

25. Life truly becomes abundant when you stop reaching and straining and start adhering proper support and then ascending

Here’s to 25 (and Beyond)

I hope you enjoyed this list and found something valuable to mull over. It’s been an interesting (but, more importantly, rewarding) 25 years, and I look forward to all that is next for my life and hobbies.

Happy hobbying!