We all have moments in life when we look back and wonder, “What if I had known then what I know now?” It’s a question that inspires reflection on our journeys, challenges, and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Whether it’s advice on self-acceptance, overcoming obstacles, or simply taking life a little less seriously, the messages we might give to our younger selves are as diverse as our experiences. Here are powerful messages from several remarkable experts who share their insights on what they would tell their younger selves, offering wisdom that can resonate with us all…
“Trust your inner voice that tells you EXACTLY what you need to be doing in life. Stop doubting yourself and stop devaluing your skills. Know and remember that your natural gifts are so needed in the world!” Teodora Paucean, Associate Certified Coach ICF
“None of it really matters anyway, so just do you and it will all work out ok. Oh, and don’t waste so much money on utter crap!” Laura Wingate, Founder & CEO of Meno Plan
“You don’t have as much time as you think. Don’t waste any of it on pettiness, frivolousness, or resentfulness!” Lance Loya, Author, Keynote Speaker & Coach
“Dear Maryann, I want to express my gratitude for everything you’ve experienced, and I’m also sorry for the challenges you’ve faced. These experiences have played a significant role in shaping who I am today.” Employee Engagement Expert, Maryann Manasseh
“Kevin, your life will be rough. The challenges you face as a creative will come with hardships, confusion, and ridicule of others who feel they are better than you. You will be perceived as being different, strange, not fitting in, and even be called a freak at times in your life, but know this, embrace those words as they will come to drive you to become who you were meant to be and to learn the things you need to learn without fear.
You have a unique set of gifts so be yourself at all times and others will seek your insights, talents, and skills when they become lost or can’t be different, strange, or even when they need to embrace their inner freak to be brave enough to do what they can’t do on their own.
Remember, the history books are only filled with the freaks, and never the mundane. So be you for them, despite the words they will use.” Kevin M. Dulle, Visual Translator
“You are enough! Love yourself as you are and where you are, even if you don’t know. It’s ok and you are ok. The external influences are just that, external. No matter how loud, heavy or persistent they are. You always have a choice, so choose you. If in doubt, be silent and protect your own peace as you try to protect the peace of others.
What you do and how you do it doesn’t need explaining to everyone.
Enjoy the journey of discovery and living by your own values. The rest of the world doesn’t care as much as you think they do, so just let that go and be you without looking for validation or assurances.
Your journey won’t be like others and that is ok. Embrace that difference and not feel the need to apologise or explain this to everyone. It is what it is. Your value isn’t determined by things or other people’s opinion of you. Your value doesn’t diminish because someone doesn’t see or recognise it.
Accept this as a lesson in resilience and stay true to your own vision and conviction of believing in yourself!
In the end you are capable of great things, but these things don’t define you. Let them go once they are done and keep moving forward, even if it is simply surviving at times. You are enough!” Dan Underwood, Career & Business Coach
“Dear Younger Self,
Remember that every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth. Trust in your instincts, and never be afraid to take risks in pursuit of your dreams.
Be kind to yourself and others, because your actions, no matter how small, have the potential to create a positive impact on the world around you.
And lastly, don’t forget to have fun and take the time to appreciate the beauty in the world around you.” Sheza Marinova, Graphic Designer at TikTok
Reflecting on our younger selves, it’s clear how far we’ve come – and just how powerful the lessons learned along the way truly are. These insights remind us that trusting ourselves, embracing our quirks, and standing tall through challenges are what make us who we are.
In the end, it’s all pretty straightforward: trust your gut, embrace what makes you unique, and don’t let the noise derail you. Your career, your journey, your life – it’s all yours to shape.
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