I am excited and grateful to God that I am about to turn 20. In the spirit of reflection, I have decided to write on some of the things I have learnt personally and from others over the years. I hope you enjoy this post.
Here are some of the most important things I have learnt.
1. Learn to say no
Saying no may seem difficult at first but it could save you a lot of trouble. Sometimes you may have to be diplomatic but other times, just say no outrightly.
If someone asks to borrow something or asks you to maybe go out with them and you really don't want to, just say no and be done with it.
2. Don't be a people pleaser
It is a good thing if people around you are pleased with you but you should never try to please everybody. Why? Because YOU CAN'T! Not in a million years. This is not to say you should become selfish but just know you can't please everyone.
Just do the right thing and try to be the best human possible. You can't please everyone and someone out there is never going to like you regardless of what you do.
3. Family over friends
The saying "there's a friend who sticks closer than a brother" is true but how easily do people find such a friend. Do you really have that kind of friend currently? While you want to and should be a great friend to your friends, do not neglect your family.
You never know when your friends may disappear.
4. Start a side hustle/online business
You need money literally for almost everything. Everyone needs to have multiple income streams. You should not depend 100% on your salary. Run a side business so you get money when you don't even expect.
Alongside the financial gain, you'll learnt important skills in the process of running that business.
5. Reputation is gold
Your reputation is gold. Wherever you go, your reputation will always have a huge impact in your life. Do the right things, imbibe core values like integrity and honesty so you can build a good reputation.
You never know when it may come handy.
6. Your phone is a resource
I believe the mobile phone is one of the greatest advancement in technology. I mean, you can connect and hear the voice of someone who is more than thousand miles way- on another continent!
What makes your phone a resource is the internet. With the internet you can learn skills, make money, network and explore opportunities.
Are you making optimal use of your phone?
7. Learn a skill
A skilled person is a useful person and useful people are always wanted. If you learn a skill, you can make money from it. Besides that, it makes you an interesting person.
You can learn so many skills like coding, baking, copywriting, graphic design today for free(at least to a reasonable level). Just look up Youtube for free resources to get started. It's never too late to learn a skill.
8. Not all that glitters is gold
Not all that looks precious or attractive on the outside is truly valuable. Sometimes we need to take a step back and evaluate things from another perspective. You'd be surprised that all that glistens is not gold.
9. Stay silent
In some situations, staying silent can be your best bet. When you meet someone new, staying silent may help you think better and understand his motives. Also, staying silent can help you become a better listener because when you're silent, you let the person talk and you can really collate your thoughts before responding.
In short, if you don't have something important to say, be quiet.
10. Social skills are important
Unless you plan to live the rest of your days in a cave, you have to learn some social skills because you are going to be in a situation someday that will require you to interact with new people no matter how reserved you are.
So it helps to develop some social skills.
11. Do what scares you
Trying out new things can be scary at times. The fear of the unknown can hold us back, preventing us from taking action.
12. No friends > Bad friends
It is better to be alone than to go along with people who are visionless. It's best to cut off friends that do not help your purpose at all. Going ahead alone slowly in life beats going along with people who will continually take you one or two steps backward.
13. Make use of opportunities
"If a window of opportunity appears, don't pull down the shade" - Tom Peters
Learn to identify and maximize opportunities. Opportunities do not just come out of the blue, they come only to the fully prepared. Determination, correct decision making and a good strategy are required to take full advantage of opportunities.
Be very careful then, how you live- not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:15-16.
Time is everything.
14. Be the best version of yourself
When you look into the mirror, you see yourself and yes, that is your competition. Every single day, you want to keep improving yourself. You want to be a better version of yourself.
Every new day is a chance and opportunity to grow. When you see growth in this way, you never stop improving yourself as long as you live.
15. Ask questions
A good way to learn is to ask questions. Asking questions helps you clarify what you know and don't. In fact, it is said that smart people are smart because they know or can identify what they don't know.
Don't be scared to ask questions. It is important.
16. Keep distractions
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Yes, you need to have distractions. Distractions can have positive or negative effects. When are distractions bad? They are only bad when they take you away from your goals and purpose but when they do the opposite, they are needed to maintain focus, motivation and sanity during tough times.
Your distraction can be a game, series, coding project. In fact, it can be anything you really enjoy doing.
17. You are only important if you can solve problems
Apart from your family who 'may' accept you however you turn out, the world out there won't. To the society, your employer and sometimes even your friends, you are only important or of value if you can solve problems.
This should be part of your motivation daily to improve your skillset, grow your career and develop your personality.
18. Just start
The person who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones- Chinese Proverb
Sometimes, starting a project or business feels overwhelming and you're confused and don't even know how to begin. Just start small and grow as you go. Starting small helps you avoid procrastination.
You want to start a business you are not very familiar with? Do you your consultations, then start small. Don't wait till you have support of everyone around you. Being supported is awesome but it's not required. Just start and they will be back when you're a success. Everyone loves a winner!
Starting small has so many advantages. What matters in the end is that you started and grew.
19. Be ready to learn
Do not ever think you know it all. There is still a lot you can learn. Everyone can be your teacher, in at least one topic. Don't overlook anyone and be ready to learn always.
20. Just Google it
Google is an internet company so successful that their name has become a verb. Everyone knows about Google but many still don't utilize it. The next time you need something or don't know something, instead of staying clueless; why not try a Google search.
Seriously, just Google it!
I hope you enjoyed this post. Do you have any comments? What have you learned over the years? I'll be waiting to read them.
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