Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

[longshadow11]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

I'm 17, so this isn't exactly coming from a grown ups perspective, but the one thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to take risks. Failing is scary, whether it be getting rejected by a girl or cut from a new sport or club, but failing doesn't suck nearly as bad as looking back and realizing you didn't try.

Great advice!
I spent a lot of my life afraid to fail. One particular regret is I never asked out a cute, sweet girl I met in college. The night before she was going to get married a few of us in our group were at a park, and when she and I ended up alone, she asked why I never asked her out. She was awesome in every way, and I didn't think I was good enough for her....

I would also love to go back in time and save and invest my money. It's important to start BEFORE you get in debt, BEFORE you have kids, and BEFORE you have a mortgage. Now every time I put money back somebody needs a medical procedure or I need to fix something on my house. Having money in the bank ensures your independence.

[Bellsprout]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

That everyone else would keep growing long after I stopped.

I don't know what I would've done with the information, but it would've been nice to know.

[Chrisksaint]

That certain things are gonna stop after college, I mean I knew that but it was never something I truly believed.

Sometimes in HS and the past 2 years I just did things I was comfortable with such as saving a little $$ and just staying in with a few people, etc on some nights. Hoping to do some more things I wouldn't normally do when I start my last 2 semesters on campus in the fall.

[Bmore Irish]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

As everyone has already said, great advice by cavsfan, he is perhaps wise beyond his years. I think I let the fear of failing hold me back a few times.

This one can be hard, but recognizing true friendship is important. Some people are just deceitful regardless, but I had "friends" who I hung out and partied with, but I was blind to the fact that they would cut me down for their own gain in a heartbeat.

And to piggy back off of that one, it's definitely quality over quantity when it comes to friendship. I have a much smaller circle of friends now. Sometimes you gotta just trim the fat. I like to socialize with all kinds of people whenever I go places, but when it comes down to it, there's a select few people that I actually count on to have my back.

Don't be in a hurry to grow up. Life goes by so fast anyway.

Your first love isn't likely to be your last. Don't get too carried away with it and just enjoy each other's company together while you can. Don't rush it.

[Lieutenant Dan]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

Great thread. Just to cherry pick a few...

3) Just because you're blood-related to someone doesn't mean that they are worthy of being a part of your life.

I needed to hear this from someone else. Thanks a lot, 55.

4) Have friends that stay out of trouble. They don't have to be saints, but make sure they're not committing crimes. Nothing worse than having to drive around your idiot "friend" because he got his license taken from him because he got MIP'd.

Yep yep....especially on the friends thing. There's some truth to 'you are who you hang out with'.

I'm 17, so this isn't exactly coming from a grown ups perspective, but the one thing I would tell myself is to not be afraid to take risks. Failing is scary, whether it be getting rejected by a girl or cut from a new sport or club, but failing doesn't suck nearly as bad as looking back and realizing you didn't try.

This one can be hard, but recognizing true friendship is important. Some people are just deceitful regardless, but I had "friends" who I hung out and partied with, but I was blind to the fact that they would cut me down for their own gain in a heartbeat.

And to piggy back off of that one, it's definitely quality over quantity when it comes to friendship. I have a much smaller circle of friends now. Sometimes you gotta just trim the fat. I like to socialize with all kinds of people whenever I go places, but when it comes down to it, there's a select few people that I actually count on to have my back.

Yes again. I had a lot of acquaintances in school, but I'm very selective of who my friends are. I'm all about quality over quantity. Funny enough...I've lived in Memphis since 2003 and have maybe 1 friend here.

Having said that, I've made a few good friends on these very boards over the years.

[elgreazy1]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

Best advice I would give myself:
Don't put it on a pedestal

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WsnXQdkqChg

[USF11]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

Best advice....make a lot of mistakes....don't let anyone tell your what you should be doing with your life.

Maturity is the peace of mind that comes from truly believing in what ever it is you are doing.

And.... All women are completely bat**** crazy...it may take months or even years...but once it comes out....you better have developed patience at that point.

[Mabster]

Don't take anything for granted and assume it will be there for you your whole life. Especially family. Your mom or dad might be a pain in the *** and you may not see eye to eye on many things but listen to them. They have life experience that you can only begin to imagine. You will understand with time they know what they are talking about and those moments where you disagree on things will become much less. Absorb their knowledge so you may one day benefit from them when they are gone.

Which leads me to another thing. Cherish the time you have with those you love. Life can take them from you at anytime and once that is done you can not make more memories.

Don't live on past mistakes. Move forward. The impact of mistakes in the past can be lessened by making better and right choices today. Don't let a hole you've dug stop you from being successful.

Don't blame others for your mistakes. It's not their fault. Own your mistakes and learn from them. Believing it's somebody else's fault for where you are in life is not going to do anything to improve your situation. Again, move on.

Sent from my LTEvo

[702]

The biggest realization I had in contrast to my younger years is that people aren't one dimensional. Every single person you meet has problems, secrets, dreams, hopes and the like. You're not the only one that woke up late and is in a rush to work, is grouchy when you're hungry or struggling to get through a long day. It sounds so simple but realizing that simple thing kind of shifted my perspective on people. Life is hard for everyone, not just you.

Read this quote in someone's signature on here, and its always stuck with me. "You only get one body, take care of it."

Last but certainly not least: Just because you're really drunk, doesn't mean everyone is really drunk. Act accordingly.

Edit: Oh! And condoms. A-L-W-A-Y-S.

[AllJuicedUp]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

The biggest realization I had in contrast to my younger years is that people aren't one dimensional. Every single person you meet has problems, secrets, dreams, hopes and the like. You're not the only one that woke up late and is in a rush to work, is grouchy when you're hungry or struggling to get through a long day. It sounds so simple but realizing that simple thing kind of shifted my perspective on people. Life is hard for everyone, not just you.

To that point... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dexIA_OfLzg

Oh, and Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfq_A8nXMsQ

[ScoobySnax]

If someone would have told me that bitches be crazy a long time ago, it would have spared me a few headaches in life. That's for sure.

[WDOgF0reL1fe]

Re: Things You Wish You'd Known Earlier in Life

That high school is stupid and meaningless