20 Life Lessons
Lauren posted Things I’ve Learned: Life Lessons At 23, an interesting and inspiring post about life’s little lessons. I’ve decided to do my own to see if I can think of one life lesson for each of my (nearly) twenty years I’ve been around.
1. I’ve learned that if you believe failure is not an option, you will succeed every time. This is something my father instilled into me at a very young age.
2. I’ve learned that the ones you love the most have the potential to hurt you the worst. But if they really love you, they’ll do everything within their power to keep you happy.
3. I’ve learned to stick to your beliefs no matter what. It doesn’t matter what everyone else is doing or if your “peers” are saying you should.
4. I’ve learned that a person doesn’t need a college degree (or even a high school diploma) to be one of the most intelligent people you know. Also, some people with degrees don’t have a clue what they’re talking about.
5. I’ve learned that you shouldn’t change who you are for anyone. I am who I am, and if you can’t accept that then I didn’t need to know you anyway.
6. I’ve learned that your best friends can become enemies and random acquaintances can become great friends.
7. I’ve learned that Mark Twain was right: “It’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog.”
8. I’ve learned that loving someone can be scary and confusing. But it is completely worth it.
9. I’ve learned that criticism is a good thing – it helps you realize your weaknesses so you can improve. I want to be the best, so tell me what I’m doing wrong or what I could do better.
10. I’ve learned that for every single person you meet, there is something to learn. Sometimes, it’s to not be like them, but you still learned something.
11. I’ve learned that nothing can compete with hard work and determination.
12. I’ve learned that when you fall down, the best thing to do is get back up (with a vengeance!)
13. I’ve learned that if there’s a will, there’s a way. I knew a lot of people that said they weren’t going to go to college because it was too expensive and their parents couldn’t help pay the way. I’m proof that if you want to go to college on your own, you can do it. It’s not always easy, but it is definitely worth it.
14. I’ve learned that the best ideas come to me late at night…after I’ve turned off the light, gotten into bed, and have almost fallen asleep. And if I don’t write them down, I’ll never remember them in the morning.
15. I’ve learned that just because I was taught to be polite and share, that doesn’t mean that everyone else learned that same thing.
16. I’ve learned that grades are important. But what is even more important is what you’ve accomplished, what you have to show for everything you’ve done, and who can give you a good reference or tell you about a job opening.
17. I’ve learned that if you have a passion for something, it hardly ever seems like work. I love writing…until it comes time to write that 20 page research paper. I actually enjoyed it until about page 12.
18. I’ve learned that life’s too short…too short to be angry, to be sad, to hold a grudge, and to sweat the small stuff. Enjoy life because this is the only chance you get. There is no “Reset” button.
19. I’ve learned that it’s not always what you know, but who you know. Networking is so important, and I wish I learned that earlier on.
20. Technically, I won’t be 20 until May 27th. So, I am learning that just because I’m young doesn’t mean I’m incapable or naive. A lot of people are surprised when they find out how old I am. I’m tough, ambitious, and I know what I want out of life. The number of years I’ve been alive shouldn’t matter.
A Step Ahead 