Young adult advice
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Live your life according to your own desires rather than social constructs or what others are doing.
16 people, independently
Live with intent and stay true to yourself rather than following the rat race for money or status.
You only live once.
one person who lived it
Focus on implementing the 1% of self-help advice you actually do, rather than just reading.
Results come from the 1% you did, not the 99% you read.
one person who lived it
Be honest about not knowing things.
It is okay to not know.
3 people, independently
Validate yourself only through your daily actions rather than external outcomes like money.
Money is a by-product, not the main goal.
one person who lived it
Start new projects or make big changes immediately, because the perfect time does not exist.
The perfect time doesn't exist.
one person who lived it
Practice discipline by removing habits, friends, and goals that do not work rather than adding more.
Discipline is about subtraction, not doing more.
one person who lived it
Concentrate on your personal schedule and stay within your own boundaries.
Individual journeys vary.
4 people, independently
Desensitize yourself to failures early on.
The earlier you do this, the better.
one person who lived it
8 more on this
Stop replaying embarrassing moments, as others do not remember them because they are focused on their own awkwardness.
The spotlight effect causes us to believe everyone is watching when they are not.
one person who lived it
Focus on the family you create over the family you were born into.
one person who lived it
Stay true to yourself rather than engaging in activities you dislike just to fit in.
One person regretted clubbing and drinking heavily in university solely to fit in.
one person who lived it
Grow your confidence by making small moves that feel uncomfortable.
3 people, independently
Set boundaries by saying no to yourself instead of yes to everyone, as pleasing others leads to misery.
one person who lived it
When starting to run, begin with a short distance and increase gradually over months.
one person who lived it
Involve children in household finances so they understand money concerns and celebrate financial milestones.
It instills responsibility and understanding of financial realities.
one person who lived it
Gain achievement through accomplishment, such as building a vibrant character and tangible things, rather than through purchased status symbols like tattoos, cars, or gear.
one person who lived it