I've Learned a Few Things Along the Way

I hit 40 years old at the end of 2023.  While I am grateful to have made it this far, I realize my obligation to share a few things I've learned along the way.  Keep in mind, I am not perfect and I am still learning. 

1.     Prioritize yourself.  Your mental and physical health is a priority.  Don’t negotiate the commitments you made to yourself. 

2.     Eliminate the victim mentality.  Stop making excuses for the hand you were dealt.  You have the ability to create your future.  Write down your goals, write down your plan and execute it.  No excuses!

3.     Celebrate small wins.  Be proud of your accomplishments and use your positive momentum to your advantage.  

4.     Cut negativity out of your life immediately.  If people are holding you back, cut them loose.  They are either on your team or they’re not. 

5.     Stay positive, attitude is a choice.  The way you carry yourself will impact the people around you. 

6.     Get out of your comfort zone and try something new.  People that remain comfortable stop growing and stop learning.  Someone once asked me, “When is the last time you tried something new?” 

7.     Give respect, get respect.  It is that simple.

8.     Be disciplined.  Identify areas in your life that require attention and start with small steps.  Simple preparation can make a huge impact.  Try preparing your clothes the night before, meal plan, prioritize your day by making a schedule.

9.     Learn.  Keep your mind sharp and remember, learning doesn’t mean you need a degree.  Social media has made learning easier than ever!

10.  Give back.  Whether it is a monetary donation or your time, giving back to the community is one of the most rewarding experiences in life.

This list doesn't capture it all and it won't fix all of your problems. What it should do is remind you that you are important. Invest time and effort into yourself and the results will be rewarding.

Take a minute and make your own list. What have you learned?

Derrick Falcetti