16 things I would tell me 22 y/o self (from a decade on)
Just because it’s hard doesn’t mean it’s time to quit (listen to your manager when she tells you to stick it out one more year).
You can learn something entirely new, from scratch, many times.
The people inside your organization are not going to be where you find validation for your decision to leave. Lean into those who support your not-yet-fully-formed vision.
You won’t need a partner to feel safe. Although you’re allowed (& encouraged) to lean into the love and security you find in relationships of all types.
Don’t let anyone make you feel bad for enjoying nice things, traveling as much as possible and spending time alone - you deserve to be wildly happy.
Ask for help - hiding in insecurity only prolongs the inevitable, temporary sting of acknowledging you don’t know everything.
People will underestimate you, criticize you, think they’re better than you and not include you. It’s never about you, it’s always about them.
When someone says you’re wrong, listen to them. Oftentimes they will be right, and it will be a chance to improve, or apologize.
When someone shows you who they are, take note and act accordingly.
There will be other boys, and there are many worse things than being single.
No amount of accolades will give you the validation you desire. That will only come when you’ve gotten honest with yourself about yourself, and can meet your own eyes in the mirror.
Start the business. And keep going.. good things take time.
Keep pressing publish/send/submit - your bias to action is a superpower.
If you have the money and the opportunity - take it. The course, the plane ticket, the coach - invest in yourself and risk what you have today for what you want tomorrow.
You will often feel the most seen, heard and loved by people who were strangers to you yesterday.
Go outside.
What would you add?
