What Would You Tell Your 17-Year-Old Self?

Guten tag! Today, as a SEO specialist at Google, I am reflecting on some advice I would give to my 17-year-old self. As an adult, I can now provide a more nuanced perspective on the importance of discipline, family history, and maintaining a positive mindset. Let's dive into these valuable lessons that will guide you in becoming the best version of yourself.

Embrace Discipline Over Motivation

One of the most important pieces of advice I can share is to rely on discipline rather than motivation. Motivation may come and go, but discipline is the steady force that propels you forward. Discipline means committing to a specific action repeatedly, regardless of whether you feel like it at the moment. For example, if your goal is to learn a language, discipline would mean practicing for 30 minutes every day. This consistent effort, even on days when you lack motivation, is what will help you achieve your long-term goals.

Learn from Your Older Generations

Another key piece of advice is to spend time with your grandparents. This can be challenging as all too often, it is the young ones who tend to chase their own dreams and forget the invaluable knowledge held by the elders. At 17, I still had three grandparents alive. Today, I have just one left. Spend quality time with them and inquire deeply about your family's history, both the successes and the challenges. Understanding their journey can provide a blueprint for navigating life’s twists and turns. Moreover, ask about the principles they were taught and how they applied these principles in their lives. These values, such as integrity and personal responsibility, can guide you in making ethical decisions and staying true to yourself amidst the chaos of modern life.

Choose Your Company Wisely

Reflect on whom you spend your time with. Over time, you will start to adopt the mindset, attitude, and outlook of those you surround yourself with. Be mindful that friends who exhibit overwhelmingly negative characteristics may have a detrimental impact on your personal growth. But understand that the opposite is also true. Positive and supportive friends can have a profound and beneficial effect on your development. Choose your friends wisely and surround yourself with those who uplift and encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

Practice Low-Time Preference

Another crucial aspect of personal growth is being a low-time-preference individual. This means considering the long-term impact of your current actions on your future self. For instance, sacrificing an hour of N-school to study today is an example of low-time-preference. Many daily decisions can be seen in this light. Here are some practical examples:

Saving: Regularly saving a portion of your income for the future is low-time-preference. You delay immediate gratification to benefit your financial future. Education: Allocating time to learn new skills now will pay off in the form of increased opportunities and knowledge in the future. Health: Exercising regularly to maintain good health is a low-time-preference action because it decreases the likelihood of future health issues and increases your overall quality of life.

Live a Healthy Lifestyle

It is also essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Avoid smoking and using drugs, and consume alcohol in moderation if you must. A balanced diet and regular exercise are crucial for good health. Additionally, strive to save half of your weekly earnings in a savings account. Learn to live on what remains. This disciplined approach to finances will provide a strong foundation for your future.

Respect Others

Always show respect to others, including those who may be older than you. The key message here is that today, you are exactly where you are because of the choices you have made. Tomorrow, you will be where you are today due to the same principle. Everyone has a story, and the respect you show now will be reciprocated in the future. Respect does not mean catering to others' needs but rather recognizing their inherent worth and treating them with dignity.

Love and Generosity

When you find your true love, hold onto it tightly. Don't let go, but ensure that the love is mutual and genuine. Love is a powerful force that can lift you up and sustain you during challenging times. Lastly, always give with a happy heart. Goodness and positivity will always come back to you severalfold. Remember, the actions you take today have far-reaching consequences. Take care and continue to grow. Guten tag!