Life Lessons I’ve Learned Along the Way: Volume 2

After reading Kevin Kelly’s book Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier, I decided to create my own list. I loved creating this (I think you should create one too). I generated 96 pieces of advice and I’m releasing them in three volumes.

34.  Travel abroad. It’s one of the greatest ways to grow and mature - and all of your senses are heightened when you do it.

35.   Continually ask yourself, “How can I add value to the person in front of me?” and you’ll never have to worry about money.

36.  Develop an allergic reaction to mediocrity.

37.   Do hard things.*

38.  Notice and express gratitude to the “invisible” hard-working people in the world, especially hotel maids, Amazon delivery drivers, and airport employees.

39.  Learn to use “we” and “us” more frequently than “I” and “me.” It keeps you humble.

40.  Some of life’s best memories are when you’re cold, wet, or dirty.*

41.   Don’t offer advice to people unless they are moving toward you.*

42.  Most people’s email inbox is just a to-do list run by others.*

43.  Invest in a good fountain pen, and a quality leather journal.

44.  Whenever you buy a new piece of clothing, donate an old one to Goodwill.

45.  Work on a few goals without telling anyone else. It will be more meaningful for you when you accomplish them.

46.  Dostoevsky wrote, “Beauty will save the world.” Put yourself on the path toward beauty.

47.  Regularly pray for equal measures of wisdom, courage, and compassion.

48.  Two of life’s most important words: congruence and praxis.

49.  Learn to respond to email in 5 sentences or less. If it takes longer than that, pick up the phone and call them. It’ll save you hours of time.

50.  No, you won’t remember it later. Write it down. Sticky notes and index cards work wonders.

51.   Invest in quality products that you will use every day – eyeglasses and a mattress being two of them.

52.   Don’t pack more than what fits into your carry-on luggage. It will reduce a lot of stress when you travel and you’ll be reminded just how little you actually need.

53.   Punctuality is one of the most practical ways to respect others.

54.  Imposter Syndrome is a byproduct of living with courage. When you feel it, celebrate the fact you’re allowing yourself to be stretched in new ways - and then ask what it has to teach you.

55.   Energy management is more important than time management.*

56.  Every three months or so get out of the ZIP Code, visit a coffee shop and spend half a day reflecting on your life and schedule. It’s amazing how much clarity you’ll receive, which will help you focus and clarify what the next quarter of your life can look like.*

57.   Celebrate other people’s accomplishments and important days extravagantly. It’ll mean a lot to them. And to you.

58.  Write one handwritten note to a friend and family member each week, just because.

59.  You’ll never regret making a wise decision.

60.  Naming the elephant in the room is a good start. After naming it, befriend the elephant, invite it to sit down at the table and teach you. If you ignore it, the elephant may squish you. Worse yet, it may kill you.

61.   If you have a pocket, carry a pen.

62.  Make a list of the top 50 people who have shaped and impacted you positively in your life. Write each of them a thoughtful handwritten note of appreciation. It will make their year and help you realize that no one is self-made.

63.  Always aim to create structures that are lightweight, low-maintenance, and high accountability.

64.  As a Christian, don’t be weird. But don’t be normal either. Strive to be peculiar instead.

65.  Failure is a terrible thing to waste. It’s a beautiful gift wrapped in ugly wrapping paper.

66.  When you fail, step back and ask yourself, “What is there for me to learn from the situation?” To be able to do that is a sign you are maturing.

*indicates that the thought, idea, concept, or quote – in whole or in part - originated from someone other than me.