41 Lessons From 41 Years

Every Sunday, I send you something to THINK about, a question to ASK yourself, something to TRY and invite you to SHARE.

Want to advertise in this Newsletter?

Book HERE

THINK

“You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.”
Ogden Nash

Today I turn 41.

Before I’m inundated with 1,000s of requests for my address to send lovely thoughtful gifts, a share or a comment is more than enough for a present. 🎁

As a keen coffee drinker, you can Buy me a coffee if you really want to but it’s not necessary. ☕

Birthdays are as good a time as any to reflect on life. I’ve seen several people I follow and admire create similar posts, so I thought I’d give it a go.

I always find a handful that leave an impact on me.

I wonder which ones resonate most with you? 🤔

Here are 41 life lessons that have helped me become happier, healthier and wealthier:

Be kind even when you don’t want to be.
True fulfilment is when you get closer to who you’re capable of being.
Pursue peace, not happiness.
Always take responsibility, even when it’s not your fault.
When the lights go out, we can curse the darkness or light a candle.
Self-awareness is a critical skill. You can’t change what you don’t acknowledge.
Be first. Ask how someone is. Smile. Catch up with a friend. Take the initiative.
Always protect the downside. Look for asymmetrical returns in all aspects of life.
Want change? Be the change you want to see in the world.
If you’re struggling to make yourself happy, make someone else happy.
Look for micro-moments of connection rather than staring at your phone.
Your problems are not unique. Find people who’ve solved them.
You already know what giving up feels like, see what happens when you don’t.
Starting is always the hardest part. Get it over with quickly.
When in doubt, choose love. over being right.
Clarity comes from engagement not thought.
Feeling meh? Play your favourite song and dance. It’s impossible not to feel better.
Stressed? Try 15-20 min Sauna, then 3-5 min cold plunge. Repeat 2-4 times.
Stop worrying, it doesn’t matter and it won’t help.
Every moment I’m most proud of in life has scared me. Get scared more often.
No matter how uncomfortable you feel, you will adjust to your environment.
Success = define what you want, work towards it daily and don’t stop.
Outwork your self-doubt.
Limiting beliefs can be reversed. Do not act on them, create a positive alternative and notice how much better you feel.
Don’t watch the news. It isn’t news.
Where there is doubt, there is no doubt.
Creativity is self-care. Create something. Anything and do it solely for you.
Remember the 3P’s with people – Be patient, present and pleasant.
There are two sides to every story. Find the alternative.
Look for what you find effortless and enjoyable. Can you monetise it?
Don’t find 100 excuses. Take 100 actions to prove you can.
Inaction is a choice and leads to doubt and anxiety.
Action breeds confidence and courage.
We need to be reminded more than we need to be taught.
Today is the perfect day. Putting off inevitable tasks NEVER works out.
People overvalue relentless working and undervalue fooling around.
Write your problem down. Now write some solutions. The wisdom is within you.
Counsel don’t cancel. Seek to understand and debate, not eliminate.
Speed is a skill. Act immediately in the presence of motivation.
Be impeccable with your word. Align your thoughts, words and actions.
In the action, we find the wisdom to carry on.

Reflect and share this with someone.

ASK

Take a moment to consider both ends of the spectrum:

“Which one resonated the most with you?”
“Which one made you feel the most uncomfortable?”

Write down what comes to mind.

TRY

I know that most of you don’t write online, so suggesting you do the same is a little much but…

I know that you’re all alive – even those who appear dead behind the eyes 🧟

So there’s no excuse not to try this…

Take 10 minutes to write down your Top 10 Life Lessons for 2023.

What’s really moved the needle for you this year?

You don’t have to publish it or share it with anyone, but going through the exercise is incredibly helpful!

Use the list above for a bit of inspiration if you like.

And if you’re really brave, HIT REPLY and share them with me.

I read and reply to every email, and remember, I’m rooting for you.

Remember: Little by little, a little becomes a lot.

Reply to this email and share how it went for you. Let me know if you’d prefer to remain anonymous.

SHARE this with someone you love (or someone who’s dead behind the eyes🤷‍♂️).