28 Lessons On My 28th Birthday
I kid you. not, I’ve lived a full life until now.
From having NOTHING in my bank account to running a successful social media business, all the while raising a beautiful daughter… It has been one heck of a ride!
Today, I’m going all-in with TWENTY EIGHT raw, savvy, BRUTAL life lessons that I’ve learned in the past 28 years.
I hope you find these useful!
1. LISTEN TO NO ONE
I swear this is the most important lesson. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I kept listening to everyone along the way. Some people really do want the best for you… On the other hand, some people give bad advice just because they don’t know any better [or even out of pure spite!]. It’s sad but true. This takes us to lesson #2.
2. NOT EVERYONE IS YOUR FRIEND
Not everybody is your friend. Listen to everyone. Heck even agree with them. But do what your heart desires or what YOU seem the best for your future.
3. CHOOSE A PARTNER WHO SHARES YOUR DREAM
I had no dream before I got married. My partner and I crafted our dreams together. We’ve come a long way. He started his business, I started mine. We knew where our priorities lie. It’s important to choose a partner with whom you can share a vision.
4. YOUR KIDS COME FIRST
Your child comes first. Everything else, second. Make sure your vision includes their future, happiness, and prosperity.
5. NEVER COMPROMISE ON YOUR DREAM
No matter how hard it gets, don’t compromise on your dream. I was pregnant when I started my business. I made it through the sleepless nights, the breastfeeding, and the colic phase… The part where I wanted to poke my eyes out. Efforts back then, equal BIG results NOW. I remember I used to learn, take tutorials while feeding my daughter…
I made it then. That’s how I know I’ll make it through anything.
6. MONEY SOLVES WAY TOO MANY PROBLEMS
Girls, and guys, be independent. Before marriage, after marriage. No matter where you are right now, learn a skill and do your own thing. Just do it. Get a hang of your finances. Get educated. Join the crowd where the REAL stuff is happening. It changed my life. It will change yours too.
7. VISIBILITY COMES FROM INSIDE-OUT
Afraid of being visible? Do you think you have nothing important to say? WRONG. Have that conversation. Share your voice, opinions, and suggestions. Your conversation will evolve and you’ll be proud of it one day.
You can also book your free visibility assessment with me right here to understand your personal branding and where it stands right now!
8. CHANGE YOUR MINDSET
Your mindset is static. It has been so for years. And why wouldn’t it be? You aren’t doing anything to change. You’re reinforcing the same beliefs over and over again. To begin with, watch one youtube video on how to change your mindset every Monday. You’ll learn how your limiting beliefs are creating limited results.
9. SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
Sustainability matters just as much as growth. In my early years of business, I made the mistake of growing in bursts. It accelerated my business growth but I had no systems to fall back to once the growth part was over. You need a sustainability plan to maintain the acceleration. It’s simple. But you need to have it.
10. BE KIND TO YOURSELF
Be kind to your nervous system while you’re doing it all. Everybody has a thing, you know. Some people are good at one thing and not the other. Don’t compare your flaws to others’ high points. They might never be able to make it if in your shoes.
11. YOU’RE IMPORTANT
Goes without saying, you’re important. Love yourself like you want others to love you. Trust me, people will follow.
12. DON’T FIGHT ALL BATTLES
You don’t need to clarify every single person in your life about what you do and why do it. People are going to come, talk, and then leave. That’s the important part. Give them a good show and don’t take anything at heart. Don’t bother about stuff you can’t control.
13. LIVE LIFE ON YOUR TERMS
Everyone has this idea of happiness and success. You’re the one to define your own. Take into account what you want before getting swayed by other people’s ideas of what a perfect life should look like.
14. TAKE A STEP BACK
Relax. It’s not a contest. Take a step back when you need to and allow people to support and help you.
15. LIVE A GENTLE LIFE
Again, whatever floats your boat. For me, I want to live a gentle life. I want my fun, my comfort, my silence, my success.
16. ASK FOR FORGIVENESS
You’re not a saint. You make mistakes. If you know you did wrong and it’s coming up and eating you from inside. Ask for forgiveness. And love yourself for stepping up and doing that.
[FYI, this advice is not for people going through narcissistic abuse or gaslighting]
17. GIVE CHARITY
Do it silently. Do it lovingly.
Give charity in terms of food, clothing, and money. Do this as much as you can and it WILL come back to you manifold.
18. LAUGH
Laugh it out. With your kids, partners, family, friends, and even when you’re alone.
19. BE QUIET ABOUT THE GOOD THINGS IN YOUR LIFE
They say, people, ruin beautiful things. Well, not always. But sometimes, the most cherishable memories are yours alone.
20. YOUTUBE IS THE CHEAPEST UNIVERSITY
It’s basically free but don’t we all take the word “free”, for granted?
Imagine if you’d have to pay for everything you watch on Youtube every week… You’ll be in debt. Youtube helped me learn how to make lasagne AND how to use the best social media management tools to save time and serve my clients better. Use this versatile app to your benefit.
21. ASK QUESTIONS
It’s not school anymore. You won’t be reprimanded for missing the last lesson and asking a dumb question. Ask questions from your clients, parents, mentors, employees, and basically anyone. Stuff like,
How can I do this?
How can I improve this?
It will make a big difference.
22. GRATITUDE AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Acknowledge everything that is going right in your life. Acknowledge yourself for doing the best you can. Be grateful for all blessings. Try to look for one new thing to be grateful for every day. It will change your perspective.
23. APPRECIATE PEOPLE
When you see someone struggling to stay afloat or when you see someone crushing the game that is called life: Appreciate them. Tell them they’re doing great. Just FYI, the former need your admiration more than the latter.
24. BE PERCEPTIVE
Know what the people around you are feeling and respond effectively. If you feel like someone is judging you, or is envious, then be kind in return. They have their own battles to fight.
25. YOUR HEALTH IS CRUCIAL
Every year, as you grow older, your body needs something more. More water, more rest, more care, more warmth. Keep up with your health in the best way possible by remaining mindful of what it wants from you.
26. SAVE MONEY
I’m no good at this but last year, my husband helped me come up with a plan to save money. And I’m so proud of being able to do that. Learn to save money. It’s a skill.
27. DON’T BE TOO OBSESSED WITH YOURSELF
Just don’t. You’re the only one who’s picking apart your behavior every single day. Be the cheerleader instead.
28. BE OKAY
Be okay with your flaws and how you. are as a person. There’s only one of you on this entire planet and the cloning process isn’t happening any sooner, so…
That’s all folks! I hope you have a wonderful year ahead.
Psst… Imagine what I’d write when I turn 60, eh? Comment below and let me know your favorite lesson. Or better yet, share your wisdom with me down below!
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