• Save

Almost all of us, at some point in life, have thought about revisiting the past. To relive a memory or to change the way we reacted to something – could be anything. But, I wouldn’t change the course of events that have happened. Instead, I would say to my younger self – “Let me give you some advice to sail through tough times, and do a few things differently!”

1) Live more, worry less!

  • Save

Everything in life happens for your greatest good, and I could have used this advice when I was younger. You cannot constantly worry about life, and enjoy it at the same time. So, live life as it is in front of you. It cannot get any better than the present moment. Everything else is so uncertain, and all you have is now. So, try to enjoy and live in the moment!

2) Follow your calling and not the crowd

  • Save

A point comes in life when you are confused as to what you want to do in the future. During that time, you pretty much do what everyone else is doing, and there’s nothing wrong with that because you gain experience and learn no matter which choice you make – good or bad. But, it is much better if you figure out what you want to become in your life a bit earlier. It gives you some extra time, and you can have exposure in the right direction. Whichever thing you choose, make sure it makes you happy – not society, not your friends, but just you.

3) Have faith in yourself

  • Save

I lacked confidence and faith in my abilities while growing up. Sure, on the outside, I always came across as someone who has-it-all. But, in reality, I lacked a bit of self-confidence. Now, when I look back, I don’t think I have any regrets, but yes, a bit more confidence and love for myself back in the day wouldn’t have been so bad.

4) Respect your decisions

  • Save

Asking for advice on important life decisions is fine, but not on each and everything frequently. I would advise my younger self to trust your intuition and go with what you feel is right. Respect your decisions, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

5) Don’t assume things

  • Save

Assumptions about people or situations are usually negative, so relying on facts instead is a better choice. If you feel that someone is being specifically rude or mean to you, ask what’s the problem. That way, you can figure out whether somebody really has any issues with you or it’s just a misunderstanding.

6) Be kind but don’t take people’s shit

  • Save

You are accountable for your behavior, and it is good if you are kind and helpful towards others. Sometimes, however, your kindness may be taken as a sign of weakness by wrong people, so learn how to stand up for yourself in such situations with dignity and grace rather than tolerating them. That is one thing which is just so important for your peace of mind. So, be kind but have boundaries and don’t let people take advantage of your kindness.

7) Don’t compare yourself to anyone

  • Save

This is so common and yet somehow most ignored aspect in real life. Comparison with anyone is not good, and it creates a negative self-image if you feel inferior to someone or too much pride if you feel superior to someone. None of them is good. So, remain authentic to yourself and your values. That is the best way to keep yourself out of the race.

You might also want to check out our post on Comparison Trap And How Not To Get Into It.

8) It’s okay to be vulnerable

  • Save

We create so many walls around us. Our emotions and true personality remain hidden behind them. It is better to let the guard down once. Sure, you will get hurt if the people around you are not the right ones, but it also means that you will meet your kind of people someday. And that’s a win, isn’t it? So, being vulnerable in front of the right people can help you make some valuable connections.

9) People are inherently good

  • Save

We grow up with the idea that strangers or people who are less like us, are somewhat bad or not worth interacting with. Well, it might be accurate when you were a kid, but as an adult, it’s so important to understand that everyone has a trait of goodness and kindness in them, no matter how eccentric they seem on the outside. Believe that and give people a chance. They might turn out to be terrible in some cases, but most people are genuinely nicer than you think. Believe in that!

You might also want to check out this video on Advice to My Younger Self by Lavendaire on YouTube.

If any of the above points resonate with your life, then do let me know which one. And also what advice would you give to your younger self? I hope you would gain some insight and perspective from the points mentioned above.

Happy Reading!