My 24th birthday is next weekend (June 28), and I’ve learned a lot of things in these last 23 years – but quite frankly, probably still don’t know shit.
1) Change is inevitable.
There is no point in trying to control everything, because well, you just can’t. Change will always be a constant part of life, so deal with it.
2) You will only have a handful of true friends.
There’s a difference between acquaintances and friends. I can count my true friends on one hand.
3) Listen to your parents.
You know when they say your parents are the best people to go to advice to? It’s true. They care about you more than anyone in this world, and have more experience in life than your closest friends do.
4) You can’t win them all.
You will always have haters, and everyone will not be your friend. On that note, stop looking at haters as a bad thing – they’re a great thing. They hate you enough to still follow what you’re doing. Appreciate them.
5) Credit cards are evil.
Don’t open a bunch of credit cards like I did. And if you must have one, get the ones with rewards or points perks.
6) There is always room for improvement.
You’ll never be perfect, but there’s nothing wrong with striving to be. You’re always going to be a student in life.
7) Save your money.
I spent money on some stupid shit. Don’t be impulsive and wait and think about buying something. There’s a difference between needing and wanting something.
8) Social media is very powerful.
Social media has impacted my life more than I could have ever imagined. From landing a job with The Chicago Bulls, to building my personal brand – My career would not be where it’s at today without it.
9) Never spread yourself too thin.
If you try to do too much at once, you will get absolutely nothing done.
10) Worrying does nothing.
I tend to worry about a lot (I’m working on it), and realized, it does absolutely nothing except make you go crazy. Stop worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet.
11) Finding faith and building a relationship with God was one of the greatest things that ever happened to me.
I can’t describe what it’s like to have such tremendous faith, or how to build a relationship with God. It just happens overtime. My whole life has been based off faith, and living proof that God is real – There’s nothing anyone can do or say to make me think otherwise.
12) Nothing ever goes according to plan.
You can plan all you want, but it’s not going to go the way you think or want it to. It’s going to go the way it is meant to.
13) Don’t try to change anyone.
You either love someone for everything they are, or you don’t. You can’t change anyone, they have to want to do it on their own.
14) Don’t let past relationships ruin the present and future ones.
Don’t let past relationships ruin how you see love in the future. Those people helped you to realize what you want and don’t want in relationships, and when you find the right one and the right kind of love, it’s a beautiful thing.
15) Take risks.
Taking that leap of faith makes the accomplishment that more exciting knowing how scared you were to do it in the first place. Risk nothing, gain nothing.
16) Time heals everything.
How many things did you used to cry over back in high school or college? Are you still crying about it? Didn’t think so. Give it some time. I promise, it doesn’t hurt forever.
17) Never want to trade places with anyone.
You don’t know what someone had to go through, what they had to sacrifice, or what it’s like to walk a day in their shoes.
18) In the end, it’s going to be alright.
No matter what situations you find yourself in, in the end, it’s all going to work out best for you.
19) It’s all about priorities.
No one is ever too busy for someone or something.
20) Embrace your uniqueness.
You’re you for a reason. Don’t change for anyone.
21) Don’t force it.
There’s no reason to force anything in life because whatever is meant to happen is going to happen regardless.
22) Energy is everything.
What you put out is literally what you get. Be careful with what you think and say.
23) Anything is possible.
Faith and believing in yourself can really go a long way. Nothing is impossible. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.