25 Lessons Learned on the Road to JD XXV

So I turn 25 tomorrow. For whatever reason, this is whole being a quarter of a way to 100 is kind of a big deal to me. The road from 24 to 25 has had its bumps, but I can say I'm in a better place in life than I was 366 days ago. Here are some lessons I have learned along the way.

1. There is no future in living in the past.
2. When you are exceptional, people take notice.
3. Approach each day as if it is a battle between yourself and the you of yesterday.
4. “Finding yourself” is a never-ending, ever-changing process.
5. People grow apart. This cannot be changed.
6. Always be ready to make fun of yourself. It takes away the incentive for others to make fun of you.
7. Let nothing stand in your way..
8. People will disappoint you. You, as a person, will inevitably disappoint others. Don’t dwell on it. Just move on.
9. Life is more enjoyable in the absence of expectation.
10. Keeping your body and mind sharp is a necessity, not a luxury. Don’t let yourself go.
11. Do not stubbornly persist in the pursuit of something that no longer suits your current position in life.
12. Don’t take work personally. Do your best, but leave your work at work.
13. There will be those who do not like you. But if you like yourself, a lot of people will like you as well.
14. Eliminate filler. Anything without purpose is pointless.
15. Nothing causes credibility loss faster than an inability to keep your word.
16. If someone wrongs you, don’t hold a grudge. That said, be careful to not put yourself in a position where that person could wrong you in the same fashion. Fool me once…
17. Life requires patience. Urgency has its time and place, but life requires patience more often than urgency.
18. It is much easier to fall asleep after a day of productivity than a day of inactivity.
19. You do not have to agree with someone, but you also are not required to voice your disagreement. Act with tact.
20. You’re only as old as you feel.
21. Life is more interesting when you are someone who cannot be placed in a metaphorical box.
22. Be gracious. Be humble. Be generous. But don’t allow anyone to take advantage of you.
23. Life is cyclical in nature. Ride it out.
24. Be accountable to yourself.
25. Never stop improving.