21 Lessons in 21 Years
Although it seems like quite a milestone to me turning 21 right now, I know there’s so much more of life to experience over the years to come and I can’t wait!
So what am I planning to do now?
I’m going to embrace change, step outside of the box, finish my studies, travel overseas, learn as much as I can at work and most importantly, start putting money aside in order to be financially independent within the next 20 years. Big goals with lots of planning — but there’s no second take in life, so why not!
I took some time reflecting on the lessons I’ve learnt along the first 21 years of my life, through the many experiences and challenges that I’ve faced. This in part is accompanied by my Impossible List, a constantly changing list of challenges I want to have a crack at!
Lesson #1: The things that make you different, are the things that make you stand out.
Lesson #2: Things often happen for a reason, although you may not see it at the time.
Lesson #3: Self-worth and self-love come from within.
Lesson #4: Don’t push away your friends and family when things get hard.
Lesson #5: Sometimes you have to make the hard decision, and deal with the consequences
Lesson #6: It’s funny how much things change when you see them from another perspective.
Lesson #7: Having a little courage can open you up to a world of new opportunities.
Lesson #8: Everyone feels just as confused as you do about their future, so stop stressing.
Lesson #9: People generally want to help you, you just have to ask.
Lesson #10: Don’t discard someone’s advice and ideas just because they are younger (or older).
Lesson #11: Everything we do in life leads to lessons and stories, but sometimes it takes a bit of reflection to figure them out.
Lesson #12: Trust yourself and your intuition, don’t let yourself get distracted by what other people think and most of all be honest and kind.
Lesson #13: Try and listen to the advice of your trusted friends, family and mentors. Although you may not want to hear it, they are looking out for you, and have your best interests at heart.
Lesson #14: Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth.
Lesson #15: Be generous with your time, after all that’s what matters in the end.
Lesson #16: Regret Nothing. Before you make a decision, ask yourself if you will regret the outcome years in the future, if no — just go for it!
Lesson #17: Money doesn’t need to be your passion, career or interest, but it most certainly needs to be something that you put some thought into.
Lesson #18: Fight hard and don’t give up on the people you care about.
Lesson #19: Sometimes a job is just that, a job. It doesn’t have to be your life’s passion or your sole purpose for living.
Lesson #20: Work can give you the flexibility to pursue your goals and hobbies on the side, finance your travel adventures and financially support your ambitions.
Lesson #21: Don’t make your life about money. Money is a means to an end, not an end in itself. Don’t get lost along the way.
I look forward to the many challenges and adventures to come over the next 21 years!
All the best,
Kate
