10 Things I’d Tell my 16-Year-Old Self

I was recently asked to create a list of10 Things I'd Tell my 16-Year-Old Self , and it was an eye-opening experience.

I’ve printed the list to put by my desk, and also wanted to share it with you.

Here’s my list…

 

1. People are always going to talk about you.

Doesn’t matter if you’re doing great or not, people will talk. Learn to love yourself first and don’t let others tell you how to live your life.

 

2. Find your voice, and share it!

You don’t know it yet, but people need you. We all have the ability to make a unique impact in the world if we are willing to share our truth. It’ll be hard at times, so keep believing!

 

3. Never miss a chance to spend time with those you love, especially family.

It might be hard to see now, but one day you’ll wish you had spent more time with them.

 

4. Find great mentors, and listen!

There will be amazing mentors who want to see you succeed and they’ll believe in you, even if you don’t quite believe in yourself or your ability to make something happen. When you find them, ask questions… lots of questions. Sometimes the best question is “What question should I be asking?” Keep moving forward, these mentors will help you… if you let them.

 

5. Take Risks.

Some will payoff and some will fail. Either way, learn from the experience! Some of your “failures” will help you, and others, not make the same mistake. Some of your biggest successes will happen because you decided to take a risk where others wouldn’t.

 

6. Don’t forget to play and have fun!

One day, there’ll be thousands of people who will take your courses, attend your seminars, listen to webinars and ask to be personally mentored by you. Yes, you! This can be overwhelming at times, find time to go for a walk, hang out with friends, and have fun!

 

7. Being fired from a job will change your life!

It’ll be traumatic at first, but it’ll help you get “back to you”. Back to writing, singing, and finding ways to help others.

 

8. Learn your worth, and charge it!

This will be a hard one for you. If you can’t or won’t work for a certain rate, say so! Never resent the work you do because you let them pay you less than your worth. People will try a billion ways to talk you down, don’t! Focus on the clients who can afford your worth, they’ll be your best clients! Your mentors won’t let you talk them down, stand with that same confidence.

 

9. Trust your gut.

It’s always better to trust your gut than paralyze yourself with too much data.

 

10. Be the change you want to see in the world.

Yeah, yeah, yeah… I know, it sounds cliche and you’re probably rolling your eyes. The world is not fair. We need more people who are willing to take action on the changes they want to see in the world. You’ll help lots of people, and you’ll also get hurt along the way. That said, you’ll have the biggest reward of them all. You’ll see people reaching their goals, growing their businesses, helping thousands through their non-profits, and living their dreams. The biggest reward will be seeing people start to believe in themselves again.

 

That’s my list…

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self? Comment below!