Happy Birthday to Me! Here are 28 lessons that I have learned over the last 28 years

My birthday is right around the corner on the 18th and it’s got me thinking about all the things that I have learned over the last 28 years. 

1. Developing habits are better for long-term success than drastic changes
2. There is time to push yourself and work hard,  and then there is time to rest and reflect. EACH are important!
3. Don’t take things too personally, others are reflecting their own mindset onto you. 
4. Only accept criticism from people you would seek advice from
5. There is learning in everything! 
6. If you can understand your love language you can find rewards that will really motivate yourself
7. Health is far more simple than many sources make it seem.
8. Starting is the hardest part.
9. Progress over perfection. 
10. Asking yourself “Why” clarifies the importance of a goal, and asking yourself “what” leads to action steps.
11. Self-awareness is the key to living the life you wish to live.
12. Find your support team. These people will help when you need help, push you when you’re stuck and cheer you on when you achieve even your smallest goals.
13. Learn how your brain works, and work with it. Fighting your own brain will make even the easiest tasks impossible. 
14. Do it even if it scares you. Especially if it’s a step that will move you towards your goals.
15. Develop your healthy stress management and coping mechanisms before stressful events happen, you will need them when life gets hard. 
16. Skill development is the best way to get unstuck, grow your self-esteem and confidence, and achieve your long-term goals.  
17. Most problems can be solved by learning a new skill and changing your mindset.
18. Health is not a personality trait, it is a set of skills you learn and values that you have.
19. Understanding your values and standards will simplify your life
20. The quality of the question determines the quality of the answer and the outcome
21. Moderation in all things!
22. If you don’t enjoy it you won’t stick with it. If you want to be consistent with something you don’t enjoy, connect it to things that you value.
23. A growth mindset is the most important thing to develop.
24. Learning only takes you so far, you have to use what you learn and take action to grow.
25. Rest is productive and necessary! 
26. Stress is enviable, how you frame it is your choice. Are you motivated and passionate? Or are you frazzled or burnt out? 
27. Treat others the way you want to be treated, and watch how they treat you back. Watch, learn, then decide if you want them in your life. You get to pick who is in your circle.

28. Be nice, you never know how a small act of kindness could change someone’s life. 

I am sure that there are more lessons to learn with the rest of my life still ahead of me. With new goals, skills and adventures to be had, join me to live your best life as I live mine.