Wisdom from a Quarter-Life Crisis:
- People your age will lose babies before birth. You realize what Frodo meant.
- Teenagers really do make moronic decisions.
- Grown-ups don’t stop making mistakes, and they don’t necessarily manage them better.
- A boring life is a choice; adventures are everywhere.
- The sound of commitment is a hundred little “no’s” that let you say “yes” to what matters most.
- The best advice isn’t earth-shattering, just rarely implemented.
- It’s impossible to please everyone. Quit trying.
- A specific criticism is better than general praise.
- Many problems can be solved by exercise, diet, and sleep.
- When you move to a new place, say “yes” to every invitation for the first three weeks.
- A good conversation is worth a couple extra lattes.
- Most bad experiences will become great stories.
- Don’t tell anyone – but Brian Regan isn’t that funny.
- It is hard to die for an ideal, but far harder to live for one.
- You are going to turn into a version of your parents – make it a cooler one.
- The combination of Wisdom (Sophia) and Practical Wisdom (Phronesis) is the Master Virtue. [link]
- Admitting ignorance earns respect.
- Most people are delighted to help if you ask.
- Being an adult (paying bills, doing taxes, buying insurance) is not as hard they told you.
- There are no “good old days,” just people being sentimental about their youth.
- Routinely stepping outside your comfort zone keeps you challenged and growing.
- When in doubt, dress one shade more formal than everyone else.
- No matter what you do, a little computer programming skill goes a long way.
- Don’t be afraid to make course corrections when needed. It’s rare to get things right on the first try.
- There are still birthdays to look forward to: 30 year-olds can run for Senate, and 35 year-olds can be President. Dream big!
