I turned 26 today. Here are 26 life lessons. 

  1. Being an adult means you’re given rare or no second chances.
  2. Literacy and a love for reading are the foundation of all knowledge. 
  3. Lifelong friendships are priceless
  4. Growth, whether mental or physical, is uncomfortable and good. 
  5. Always follow your instinct. 
  6. Most of life’s problems can be solved in 6-12 months of focused work.
  7. Working some at night and weekends can level you up in your career— just know your worth or start a side hustle.
  8. Manage your time viciously— no one can buy more. 
  9. Most hard work happens when working focused, alone.
  10. You only get one body. Take care of it. 
  11. You can’t control what happens to you, but you can control how you respond. 
  12. It’s easier to be outraged and burn energy on external problems than to find internal peace. 
  13. Invest in yourself— through advanced education, the gym, diet, a good significant other, and your retirement accounts. Think long-term. 
  14. Debt is a lot harder to get out of than into.
  15. Don’t buy things to impress other people.
  16. You won’t be happy in a relationship if you’re not happy alone. 
  17. Buying depreciating assets will leave you broke and disappointed (Nipsey Hussle warned us)
  18. Manage your money proportional to your income.
  19. Get back to people within 24 hours, if possible. 
  20. Don’t be afraid to stand out. 
  21. Know and use your comparative advantages.
  22. Buy clothes that make you feel good
  23. Tip well— service people work their asses off.
  24. Lift weights
  25. You’re paying for exclusivity at high-end establishments, not necessarily for higher food and drink quality. 
  26. Never trust the government or politicians to solve your problems