21 Things I Wish I Knew In My Twenties

1. This too shall pass.


2. What they say is required is not really what is required.


3. The whole world is not looking at you.


4. Good news: You have a lot of years ahead of you.


5. Bad news: Those years will start passing more quickly.


6. Set specific goals. All others are meaningless.


7. Don't regard the spiritual as impractical. It may well be the most practical thing in your life.


8. If you are trying to impress someone, your priorities are skewed.


9. Don't use humor as a weapon. Employ it as a defense.


10. The journey from A to B often goes from A to Z, M, and D before arriving at B.


11. Seek balance in all things.


12. Master a skill, then master another.


13. You are far from the only nervous person in the room.


14. Don't burn bridges. You may need them sooner than you think.


15. There are many times when it is better to be kind than clever.


16. Worry less and strive to reduce your fears. Years from now, you'll shake your head at the way minor matters used to trouble you.


17. Talk more with your parents and, if possible, tape some of their reminiscences.


18. Be reluctant to assign bad motives to others. Most of us are blundering, not conspiring.


19. Keep your word. Do what you say you will do.


20. Consider which of your virtues has become a vice. At least one has.


21. Try not to trip over the rocks on your way to the horizon. Don't let your grand vision distract you from what is needed to achieve it.