Top 5 Things My Teenage Self Would Teach Me Today

I’ve read umpteen articles (give or take one smattering) where someone has wished they could teach their “younger self” the lessons of life they’ve learned as they’ve matured. Unfortunately, until a time-machine is invented AND until teenagers listen to advice from adults, the idea of giving advice to their “younger self” is as silly as thinking that writing things down will remove them from your mind.

However, I was once young and knew a couple things. Therefore, I thought it might be more appropriate to recall what I learned at an early age and sometimes forget as an adult. It’s good to keep a reminder of what you’ve learned, otherwise, you may forget. Maybe after my De Lorean and Flux Capacitor are fixed I can reconsider what I’d teach my “younger self”.

1. Take advice from grown-ups with a grain of salt.

Hypocritical? Probably … since I am technically a “grown-up” and writing advice. However, there are many things in life I had to learn for myself despite adult advice. In today’s information overload society, advice is more common than a “getting hit in the groin” video on America’s Funniest Home Videos. Everyone wants to share their “wisdom”. Be a skeptic first.

2. No one likes a “suck-up”.

Checking the dictionary for suck-up, I find, “Slang: To be obsequious; toady“. Therefore, to rephrase, “No one likes someone who is obsequious or toady”. Acting in a manner that is contrary to your true self is rarely beneficial … and is not often appreciated.

3. You actually do “get out of it, what you put into it”.

If I wanted a good score on a test, I needed to put time, energy, and effort into my studies. Likewise, if you want to do well in a job, any relationship, athletic endeavor, negotiation, etc., you need to be present (i.e. in the moment), focused, and prepared. There are very few shortcuts.

4. When people like you, life is easier.

It didn’t take a genius to figure this out when I was in school. This is the basis of many after-school-specials. However, how easily people forget this in “the real world”. Ultimately being respected is important as well. But don’t underestimate the value of being liked. If your colleagues can say that they wouldn’t mind being stuck with you in an airport for 8 hours, then congratulations.

5. Sticks and stones may break my bones, But names can only hurt me … If I let them.

I remember a classmate who was new to my school. He got teased more than a little bit because of his weight. Somehow, it never seemed to bother him. It was clear that he didn’t let the statements of others impact his self worth … and he ultimately became a well-liked student. Apparently, a person’s emotional state can be dependent on something other than external inputs.

Thanks younger Mike. Make sure you visit again.

Photo by Foundphotoslj

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