30 Days in New York – Day 15 – 22 Things I would tell my 22 Year Old Self Partying In New York

Drunken Halloween 2006 in New York. I don’t remember much. I dressed up as a pirate. I know that. I drank a lot of beers. Only reason I know is the pictures don’t lie. I can’t tell you anything else about that night.

I reflect while living in New York for 30 days. I then reflect on visiting New York 10 years earlier when I was 22-years-old.

I just graduated college. I was living in New Haven, CT. Once every few months, my buddies and I would go to New York to party. One of those nights was Halloween weekend. I noticed old memories pop up on my Facebook feed.

I looked at myself. A pirate with a beer in my hand and a buzz on my face. I realized I had no clue. No clue about anything in life.

What advice could I give this kid who liked to party? What wisdom could I share as he starts his business career and new stage in life?

I thought about. The truth is I would not want to change a thing. Everything I’ve thought and done in my life has moulded me into who I am. I’m grateful for my 22 year-old-self, and all the other years leading to my present self and state of mind.

With that said, if I was to hypothetically give advice to my 22-year-old self, what would it be? (This can also be looked at reminders to myself now as well…)

Here it is:

Don’t get excited so fast. You don’t have to chase every business, investment or money opportunity that comes your way. Have more patience.
Invest in yourself and in your days. Instead of investing in trying to get rich quick or money investments, invest in yourself, and invest in days. Invest in the days that make you feel good. Put more of those days in the bank, instead of financial investments.
Drink Less. Looking for excitement and stimulation in your life has leads to more partying and alcohol drinking. The hang overs and wasted days are not fun. Heavy drinking is like borrowing happiness from tomorrow.
Create time for stillness and silence. Try meditating. Go for long walks. This gap and space from running around all the time will help you remain calm. It will help you stay centered and balanced l during your busy business career.
Mistakes and failures are good for you. Don’t be so hard on yourself. These mistakes and failures will help you grow and give you valuable life lessons. Beating yourself just drains more energy.
Don’t put so much weight into impressing others. Let go of the attached need for being liked, for recognition, approval, or status.
Think less about the past. Let that shit go. Those problems you thought were problems, are not problems now. I assure you 10 years later.
Watch less TV/Social media. Try to minimize the hypnotic distractions.
Keep life simple. Don’t brood, fret, and toil over decisions you make. Make your best decision, and then let go.
Make the present moment your friend. Realize life will give you exactly what you need. Realize you can only control a few controllable things. Learn to accept and surrender to everything else. Don’t fight as much.
Follow less, trust your intuition more. Following only those that have a positive impact on you. Then, live and trust your own path.
Read Eckhart Tolle sooner. Read it when your friend Benny recommended to you at 23 years old, not 4 years later.
Don’t take things so seriously. As Oscar Wild said, “Life is too important to be taken seriously.” Don’t put so much weight and burden on yourself. Give yourself the freedom to have even more fun!
Follow your bliss. Focus more on what you enjoy.
Let go of the results and the fruits. Money, and the rewards will come, but they are only side effects, byproducts. Do things you enjoy, do your best, live with, and let go of the results.
Save 10-20% of my income every week. Cut costs wherever you can. Eat out less. Spend less on bars tabs. This savings account will give you financial freedom to invest in days you enjoy.
Travel more. See the world. Go on more road trips.
ABG – Always be giving. Give value first, before trying to get something from someone else.
Eat healthier. More fruits, more veggies, less fast foods.
Be aware of Gap Insanity. Don’t worry so much if you are between point A and B and not at point B yet. Stay present, an be grateful for what you already have. Everything will come to you in due time. Again, be patient.
Stop comparing. The comparing mind holds you back. It cripples you. If you feel you are ahead of someone, don’t be guilty. Don’t be arrogant. Keep growing. Be humble. If you feel you are behind someone, don’t feel envy, or resentment. It’s like a poison you don’t know you’re drinking. Don’t feel inferior. Instead, admire. Give praise and embrace those who are doing great things.
Listen more. Talk less. When you think about the cool thing to say next, you miss listening to someone and having a true connection.