Message to my 29 Year Old Self

As I approach my 39th Birthday, I have been thinking about some of the things I learned over the past several years. Some of these lessons were learned very much the hard way. Many of these lessons are not necessarily specific key skills or knowledge to be gained but are more behavioral and psychological. The world was a much different place 10 years ago and I was a different person. I don't think I was an awful person a decade ago, so I am not looking at this from a self-deprecation vantage point. I just needed a kick in the pants back then and wish I could have avoided the slow process that could be called personal growth. Here is what I would say if I had a time machine...

Be a good family member and friend

You have been blessed with an awesome family and a great group of friends. Do not take this for granted as you will see again and again that money can not buy these things. Continue to be good to those that have been good to you, but don't spend too much time with those that do more taking than giving. Do the little things that keep friends and family strong. Be there for someone when they are down. Send a card and some cash when a cousin or a friend has a baby or their kid graduates from high school. Life will feel a whole lot shorter in 10 years and you will be glad that you have been good to those that are important to you. You will see that it will be the experiences that count and not so much the material things.

Don't get too comfortable

The economy will only reward you for the value you bring tomorrow, so never get too comfortable. Keep on top of new technology. Never stop pushing yourself to grow because no one else will do it for you. Avoid feeling entitled as it will only be viewed as a turnoff. Don't lose confidence and don't listen to negative noise as it is most likely coming from someone that is not in a good place.

Don't wait...look for opportunities

You already have and will continue to be presented with interesting opportunities at various times. The economy will have its ups and downs. Don't be afraid to take a chance on yourself and real estate just might be the avenue. The scarcity mindset may seem safe and secure, but it will undoubtedly limit opportunities. Working for others may help you in the near term, but ultimately you will only find greater happiness if you make your own way.

Spend your time wisely

Continually ask yourself if you are making the most of your time. As mentioned before, spend time taking care of your family and good friends. Spend time developing yourself. Get enough exercise, which takes time. This is not to say never have fun. However, I can assure you that you should spend less time watching irrelevant professional sports on television, playing video games, and drinking beer. Again, make time for fun, but it is important to recognize the difference between relaxing, coping and procrastinating.

Be grateful

Finally, always include gratitude in your daily activities as it is difficult to find happiness without gratitude. Thank your wife for being a good mother to your children. Thank your parents for always being supportive. Give your brother some appreciation for always helping you when no one else would. Thank your friends for picking you up when you are feeling down. Time will show you that true happiness only comes from respecting your good fortune.