Dear 22 year-old me,
A few years have passed since I was, well, you. I’ve learned a lot in these past few years. Some of them are things I wish I would have known when I was younger, while others are better left for you to figure out. I thought I would share with you some of the most important things I wish I would I have known at 22.
The first is to always have some sort of a plan in mind. Draft an idea of the direction you want to head and start building a strategy to attain your goals. You should be setting one, three, six-year goals that support your overall plan. Reevaluate your plan and goals every few months so that you can ensure you are on track!
Understand that your plans WILL change. The biggest mistake I’ve made is believing that I could set a plan for years in the future and that those plans will work out 100% of the time. At some point you plans aren’t going to work out, and that’s okay. The faster you can come to terms with this the faster you will be able to implement plan B and get on with things.
You need to gain some identity capital at some point in your adult life. Learning some soft, translatable skills will allow you to pursue careers that will be both meaningful and enjoyable. Take a course, learn a new language, read a book on a subject you know nothing about. Throughout your life always continue to grow and further yourself.
Think about the interest of future-you. Your future-self won’t be so happy when you fritter away all your hard earned cash on manicures and fancy dresses. Starting to think about what your future goals and aspirations will cost is something I’d be very happy if you did. Even putting away a few hundred dollars a month in case of an emergency is a great idea. Kill the shopping addiction, save money for future-you!
Take care of yourself, always look forward and enjoy the ride!
Sincerely,
Future you.