40 Lessons in 40 Years

Putting life into perspective

Beautiful New Zealand — Image is by the author
  1. Going to bed angry is okay! But don’t act when you’re angry. Seriously, sleep on it. You’ll see things in a new light in the morning.
  2. If you don’t ask, the answer will always be no. Be bold and ask! Ask for the promotion, ask for a salary raise; heck, even demand extra napkins and a free refill.
  3. Don’t wait until you feel ready because the chances are, you’ll probably never feel 100% ready. Just do things afraid.
  4. When someone is rude to you, it has more to do with them and their inner world than with you. It’s a sneak peek into their messy inner world. Don’t waste your brain cells on them.
  5. Your attitude is the most important thing; it’s your secret weapon.
  6. Smile! Always smile, even if you don’t want to. One smile can change other people’s attitudes toward you.
  7. Always be kind. It’s okay to be blunt and direct but deliver your feedback respectfully and kindly.
  8. Nobody has a clue what they’re doing! If it seems someone has it figured out, I promise you, they don’t. Most people just put on a facade and pretend.
  9. It’s okay not to want children on your own. If the thought of parenthood makes you cringe, don’t force it. There are plenty of other ways to be a positive influence and nurture younger generations.
  10. You don’t need to have the last words. You need to know when to shut up and say nothing. Some things are better left unsaid.
  11. Perfection is overrated. Aim for progress and just show up every day.
  12. You don’t need to forgive, but you need to learn how to let things go because if you don’t, it’ll hurt you every time you think about the person or the event.
  13. Money is cool, but all the valuable things can’t be paid for, e.g. kindness, solid friendships, patience, trust, and love.
  14. Focus is more important than anything else to reach a goal. It’s okay to have multiple passions and lots of different activities you love in your life. But if you want to build something around your passion (e.g., a business), you need to focus on one thing for a longer period to know you gave it everything you could. Then, feel free to move on to something else when you itch for a change.
  15. There’s enough room for everyone. Everyone can have a slice of the ‘success cake.’ Just because someone does well in their chosen profession or life doesn’t mean you lose anything.
  16. Don’t see other women as competition. Make friends with them. There’s too much girl-on-girl hate out there. Let’s be the change and lift each other up.
  17. Cultivate your inner peace, whatever it takes. Do whatever it takes to find yours.
  18. Don’t follow dogmas and people who say there’s only one way to do a certain thing. They are most likely wrong.
  19. Most things in life don’t matter in 5 or 10 years, so pick your battles.
  20. It’s okay to set boundaries, even with your family.
  21. Just because you’re sad about a particular decision doesn’t mean it was wrong. Give it some time.
  22. Choosing your life partner is one of your most important decisions. Pick a good one who’s kind, supportive, trustworthy, and shares the same values. Attraction is good if you have it, but don’t pick a person based on only that. Because when the attraction is gone, what’s left?
  23. Happiness isn’t a constant state. It comes and goes. Try to find happy moments in your days. I promise there’s always one thing, so focus on that.
  24. Always be over-prepared. Shit happens, e.g. how would you deliver your presentation if tech fails?
  25. You can trust only yourself.
  26. The best habit you can develop is discipline.
  27. Health is everything. Take care of your health by eating mostly plants, exercising daily, sleeping at least 7 hours, drinking 2 litres of water, and limiting alcohol intake. Diets don’t work. A good night’s sleep and water can cure many things.
  28. Never stop learning.
  29. Don’t worry about what others think of you. They are beyond your control. Do you!
  30. You’re not your job. A job title doesn’t define anyone. Don’t pay too much attention to people with fancy titles. They are no better than a janitor in your building.
  31. Life is better with pets. I always like having a dog around.
  32. Spend time in nature. Take long walks. It’s good for you.
  33. Trust yourself and your intuition. If something feels off, likely, things are off; your gut usually knows.
  34. You can get far ahead by being a good conversationalist and good at communicating.
  35. Remember to wear sunscreen!
  36. A combination of journaling and meditation is the best way to understand yourself, your feelings, and your thoughts.
  37. Don’t overwork yourself! Whenever you feel burnout approaching, slow down to recharge.
  38. If you no longer feel passionate about a topic or person, it’s okay to change your mind and move on.
  39. Life doesn’t come with a pre-defined purpose. We’re all just living creatures on this planet, striving to make the most of our existence. But when you zoom out, nothing we do holds any significance, and nothing matters in the grand scheme. This thought can be depressing, but once you get over that feeling, it’s pretty freeing because it makes you fuss less about stuff.
  40. Nothing is inherently good or bad; they simply just are. It’s all a matter of perspective.