We have all made mistakes, and as cliche as this is, we all know they have made us who we are today.
I am sure we can all regret chasing that boy who obviously wanted nothing to do with us but we know now (or at least we should) that he was not even close to being “the one”, and when that ‘one’ does come along, we will be sure not to make the same mistake.
So through my many, many mistakes, here are some of the things that I have learned and I can only hope my mistakes will be able to be someone else’s lesson.
1. The Definition of “Success”
People tend to define success as a stigma of being rich and having a suit and tie job. I challenge you to redefine what the word success means to you; if it means starting a bake shop that never really takes off but it is what you have wanted your whole life: congratulations, you succeed.
2. Don’t Lose Touch With Friends
There aren’t many great ones out there in the world. If you found yourself a group of keepers then make the effort to keep them in your life.
3. Fall In Love
With as many things as you can and as often as possible, there are so many things to be in love with in the world, so don’t give all of your heart to just one person or thing.
4. Allot Family Time
Regardless of what family means to you, make those people a priority. Whether it’s your parents, siblings, friends, or your sports team; The people who have been there for you since day one should always come first. Always. No exceptions.
5. Accept Heartbreak
Whether you like it or not, things will not always go as planned, you will be wrong about someone and it will hurt. Like Hell. Take time to grieve but then move on.
6. Keep Learning
Always be open to learning something new, even if it is financial advice from the 11 year old kid down the street who started his own lemonade stand. Everyone knows something that you don’t, be humble enough to be willing to learn anything from anyone.
7. Have Role Models
There will always be someone smarter, funnier, prettier, and better than you are. Accept that. Don’t be jealous, learn and better yourself through inspiration.
8. If Someone Doesn’t Want You In Their Life Learn to Leave
When they have made zero effort to keep you in their life they don’t want you around. It is harsh, it is not always fair, but don’t burden yourself chasing someone who doesn’t want to be followed.
9. Belligerent Is Never Sexy
Never will be. It took me until my 18th birthday to fully accept this, but there is no way around it. Don’t be that person. You will ruin your night, your dress, probably your reputation, and definitely your next day.
10. Admit When You’re Wrong
And you will be wrong. Do not put the blame on others for your mistakes. Have the decency to own up to your faults and learn from them.
11. Forgive
Grudges will not teach someone a lesson; it will not change what they did. Free yourself. Forgive those who wronged you, but more importantly forgive yourself.
12. But Never Forget
Always remember what a person was once capable of. Never trust that someone who has done you wrong has changed; go with what your gut tells you.
In the end, your past doesn’t define you; it shapes the person you become. Hopefully, that person can learn from my mistakes instead of making the same ones.
Featured image via Eye for Ebony on Unsplash
