Thirty-Nine​

Today is my thirty-ninth birthday and what better way to celebrate than sharing thirty-nine things I’ve learned over the years:

1. If it’s out of your control you shouldn’t worry about it.
2. People can’t take emotion out of the law or contacts.
3. Every night reflect on your day
4. Pen and paper will outlast digital
5. When dating look for their flaws, when married ignore them.
6. Don’t be afraid to say no more often
7. Always return your shopping cart to its rightful place.
8. Avoid angry people and those that throw tantrums
9. Don’t caricature an entire group based on the fringes.
10. Read, listen, and try to understand various points of view.
11. Turn off the tv and read.
12. We are made to worship. Be mindful of what you are worshipping.
13. Character matters more than skill.
14. Being Prudent in Personal finance will remove tons of stress.
15. If you can’t sleep write it down.
16. Everyone is just a person. Some are famous, some are good at sports, but they are no better than you.
17. If you say you’ll do something, do it.
18. Make five and ten-year goals.
19. Stop focusing on the now.
20. The past is meant for learning, not dwelling.
21. You can only change yourself.
22. Make yourself get out of your comfort zone.
23. You don’t have to share everything.
24. Don’t compare yourself to others.
25. Be comfortable with yourself.
26. If you can’t understand someone’s point of view dig deeper and ask questions with an open mind.
27. Your choice of coding language, framework, or IDE does not matter.
28. There are only 24 hours in a day when reflecting, focus on the good parts.
29. You don’t have to be great at something to love and enjoy it.
30. Try to help people but don’t be upset if they choose to ignore your advice.
31. Stuff is temporary.
32. When in doubt ask.
33. Make todo lists and stick to them.
34. Just because something is on sale doesn’t mean it’s a good deal.
35. Get your kids outside so they embrace an active lifestyle.
36. Kids will remember the day to day over huge lavish gifts or vacations.
37. Embrace change.
38. Simplicity saves headaches
39. If you die tomorrow is there anything you would want to change in his others see you? If so make the change now.

This post is inspired by the birthday lists Noah Stokes used to make.