Advice for My 17-Year-Old Self

Last week, I shared a snapshot of some wisdom I wished I could send back to my 17-year-old self—lessons I’ve picked up along the way. I asked you all to share a few of your own "simple truths." The responses were incredible. Reading through the wisdom each of you offered reminded me that no matter where we are in life, we never stop learning from each other.

So today, I’m excited to share some of the wisdom you offered—gems that resonate deeply. They may seem simple, but they are powerful reminders of what really matters. Here’s a collection of your truths, now shared with all of you, just as they were shared with me. There were a few that especially resonated with me:

"You pack your own chute."

"Remember, you can do hard things."

"When there is no wind, row."

"You don’t have to attend every argument you’re invited to."

"Don’t water your weeds."

"What other people think about you is none of your business."

There are so many great lessons here! Thanks again to everyone who contributed—it's never too late to learn from one another. Check out YOUR entire list below.

I've tried to categorize the rest as best I could. I hope you find these as great as I did. Next week, I'll ask the same of you, but with your 30-year-old self in mind!

Dream Big

Don’t be afraid to dream bigger than anyone else around you.

You pack your own chute.

Say "yes" as often as possible. I don't regret doing things I was afraid to do or showing up for someone's whatever. I regret NOT saying yes or not showing up to a wedding because I went to work.

Never be afraid to bet on yourself. No one will ever toot your horn better than you can.

Always vote for yourself. If you don’t think you are worth voting for, why should anyone else?

Work less. The best, most unforgettable moments in life happen when you are not working.

Don’t wait for the perfect time to start something – the perfect time is always now.

Perseverance and Grit

Remember, you can do hard things.

When there is no wind, row.

My grit and perseverance can be both a strength and a weakness—the key is to learn when to persevere.

Sometimes, when things are falling apart, they are falling into place.

Discomfort leads to growth.

Some things can’t be fixed; they are only carried.

I learn to sew by ripping.

Even my worst experiences will later give me the ability to empathize and connect with others who have a shared experience—I’m not alone.

The obstacle is the way.

Failure is a mark of courage. It means you risked failure.

Rejection is a better form of redirection.

If you’ve faced the right direction, every kick in the ass is a boost.

Boundaries and Decision-Making

No. It is a complete sentence. Don’t always feel like you owe everyone an explanation.

Not making a decision is still a decision. You’ve just removed your intellect from the potential outcomes.

You don’t have to attend every argument you are invited to.

Control the controllable.

Don’t let the pursuit of perfection delay your progress.

Sometimes, you have to weed that garden. Stay close to those that help you blossom.

It’s okay if people don’t get your jokes.

The lies we tell ourselves are the worst kind of lies.

Don’t believe everything you think. The easiest person to fool is yourself.

Kindness and Relationships

Be kind to yourself and all creatures.

The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love and be loved in return.

Be kind to others. But first and foremost, be kind to yourself.

Treat people how they want to be treated.

You will not be defined by what you have accomplished or how much money you made but by how you genuinely treat people.

You can easily judge a person's character by how they treat others who can do nothing for them.

Overtip your waitress for no reason at all.

Do something for somebody every day for which you do not get paid.

Wisdom and Learning

Listen first, speak second.

Listen with your heart, not just with your ears.

Sometimes, it’s more important to be kind than right.

Learn to say I’m sorry and mean it.

Failure is the path to success.

There are times you need to give, and there are times you need to receive. Do both freely.

Achieve your goals, but it is essential not to lose sight of the journey.

Read writers you expect to disagree with. One idea that challenges your beliefs is worth a hundred ideas that confirm them.

Gratefulness and Self-Awareness

Be grateful for your yesterdays and todays—you never know what tomorrow will bring.

There is always something to be grateful for, even in the darkest times. Train your brain to see it.

Offer grace to others…and yourself.

Are you living the life you chose? Or are you living the life that chose you?

Bloom where you are planted.

Proper preparation prevents piss-poor performance.

Family and Legacy

Call your mother often. One day, she won’t answer.

Family is everything.

Pick up your kid until you absolutely can’t. You never know when they will suddenly be too heavy.

Spend your life enjoying the moments it gives you more and worrying less.

Go on the trip, use the "good china," and eat the brownie. Life is short—don't wait for a special occasion.

Personal Authenticity and Integrity

You be you. Everyone else is already taken.

Do you. Nobody else can ever be you.

Being genuine and kind is in!

When you promise to do something, follow through and do it.

You can tell a lot about a person’s character by how they treat a server.

Practical Life Advice

Don’t water your weeds.

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

Some people brighten the room when they enter, others when they depart.

Forever save some percent out of everything you earn, starting today.

If you borrow something, return it in better condition than you found it.

What other people think about you is none of your business.

Stay tuned; next week, I'll ask you what advice you would want to share with your 30-year-old self.