Everyone is familiar with the phrase, “Shoulda, woulda, coulda,” and
however you spell it or whatever language you use to recite it, the same
sentiment is shared; if only I knew then what I know now. I’m a 24 year-old
public relations professional working and living in DC and although I have a
lot to learn, I have learned a lot in my short time living on my own. Sure,
it’s fun to be a twenty-something residing in an active and beautiful area like
DC but being young also comes with making mistakes that probably could’ve been
avoided had I listened to my parents, managers and even friends. Some say
that’s the beauty of life and some believe being in your twenties gives you the
right to make silly mistakes because it’s the time to be young and naïve. I
can’t say I agree with the latter.
In
the last few years, I have made decisions that ended up being mistakes, which
taught me several lessons. By now you’re probably wondering, lessons like what?
Well, if I could go back in time and tell my 18 year-old self what I know now,
the advice would go a little something like this:
· Time is of the essence (no, really, it
is). Everything requires time; job training, career development, even getting
over heartbreak. Time changes the seasons and it changes people, in good ways
and bad. It brings experience and experience causes change and growth. Enjoy
it, appreciate it and never take it for granted.
· Mom knows best. My parents always told
me, “When you get older, you’ll look back and realize we were right.” Well, my
parents were right. I may challenge them just out of my stubborn nature and
simply thinking “How would you know? You’ve never been 24” when in actually,
they’ve been here before. Trust your parents, they’re always right.
· Not everyone that smiles in your
face is your friend. Sure, people may seem like they have your best interest at
heart or that they are genuine but that isn’t always the case, especially in
business. Be mindful of who you share personal stories with. Sometimes, the
less people know about your personal life, the better off you are.
· Network, network, network! I can’t stress enough how important it is to
build your Rolodex. Talk to everyone about their journeys and what led them to
where they are now. Ask them what their
greatest life lesson is and ask them what inspires them. You learn from every
person you interact with. Why not learn from their lessons, too?
· Take pride in your personal
appearance. First impressions are everything, that’s even outside of a job
interview, so make sure you always look your best. This doesn’t mean wearing a
$500 suit every day. Look like you but look like your best you. Any moment can
bring any opportunity so be ready to meet it with confidence. As my close
friend always says, “When you look good, you feel good. When you feel good, you
play good. When you play good, they pay good.” Cliché, I know, but it’s true.
· Heed the advice you give others.
It’s always easy to give advice to close friends and sometimes strangers, but
it’s typically hard to practice what we preach. Why? Because it’s easier to fix
problems that aren’t our own. When we’re frantic over a breakup or job loss, we
panic so our thoughts become clouded and our advice becomes obsolete. Try being
action-oriented and a problem solver the next time you have a personal issue.
Focus more on the solution and less on the problem.
· What you don’t like in another,
take time to change in yourself. I often hear people say “I hate when (insert
name) does that! It’s so annoying.” Sometimes I think to myself, “but…you do
the same thing.” If you despise a trait or habit in a friend, colleague,
sibling, etc., be sure to step out of your personal arena and see if you share
the same trait that you dislike. If you do, fix it.
· If you’re not outside of your
comfort zone, you’re not growing. Fear always stops me from doing something
that I’m passionate or curious about. “What if I fail? What if I disappoint the
people I care about?” Fear creates roadblocks that we turn into excuses. Don’t
let it. Stepping into the unknown can be beautiful and life changing. Go
outside of your comfort zone; you’ll probably learn your greatest life lessons
there.
· Humility and confidence shouldn’t
be bragged about. Humility and confidence are two character traits that are
rare but admirable. No matter how far you climb up the corporate ladder, keep
your wits about you and maintain a leveled head. Remain humble, but confident,
and don’t boast about it. If you have to convince someone you are either of the
two, then you’re probably really not.
· Don’t let technology consume you.
It’s okay to put your phone, iPad or laptop down for a few hours; they’ll be
there when you get back. Turn the TV off sometimes and pick up a book. Spend
time sitting in a park watching nature in motion (sounds cheesy but it’s
relaxing, I promise). Don’t forget that you come first, before the outside
world. You were you before there was Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and every
other medium in between. Take time for yourself and learn to enjoy being alone.
It’s soothing and can be a huge help to clearing your mind.
Now I
have to ask, what would you tell your 18 year-old self?
Written by: Jenna Boyer
Twitter @_JennaDanielle_
Email Jenna.Boyer89@gmail.com
Love this.
ReplyDelete