It’s the second Sunday of the year and coincidentally, it happens to be my 22nd birthday!
So I thought it would be nice to share some of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned thus far, especially in the last year. This is going to be different from the usual style you’re used to on here. Something more casual doesn’t seem like a bad idea…

Let’s roll them out, shall we?:)

1. GOD IS EVERYTHING AND MORE!

2. Refer to number one above. Twice for emphasis.

3. MONEY is a renewable and reusable tool, TIME is the ultimate currency. Spend it wisely.

4. People come in different shapes and sizes — literally and figuratively.
Expecting others to think or act as you do is setting yourself up to always get hurt… because they won’t. Everyone is built differently and the ability to tolerate others even when you don’t agree with their actions is a valuable life skill.
Paying more attention to your actions and focusing less on other people’s reactions, and vice versa saves you from a lot of emotional and psychological stress… Know this and know peace!

5. School doesn’t equal Education.
Having a degree doesn’t automatically make one educated. Truth is, the school system has drastically depleted over the years and is in need of major reforms. Using that as the scale of measuring true knowledge is totally outdated. Education has become more of personal responsibility than a school function.
Don’t get me wrong, going to school is fine, but EDUCATE yourself while at it.

6. Cultivate the art of reading valuable books
While we are still on the issue of educating oneself, one of the easiest and surest ways of getting educated is by reading the right books. Now, “right books” here is subjective to your needs at every given point in time, but the general idea I am trying to communicate is that treasures are stored away in books and only a reader finds them.

7. There is always some validation for every opinion that exists.
VALIDATION ≠ TRUTH.

8. Be good to people always. Unconditionally too. The golden rule has a way of rewarding every act of kindness.

9. “Overnight success” never happens overnight.
For every success you admire, there is a sacrifice. Tons and tons of underground effort go unnoticed. Eventually, they compound, shoot through the surface, and are categorized as sudden. Take a closer look and you would be able to trace the track record preceding the “breakthrough”.

10. Pursue growth intentionally.
I’m not referring to growth in terms of age or physical attributes – that happens automatically. Every other form of growth is your responsibility. You can only be a better version of yourself spiritually, intellectually, mentally, etc. by seeking out and applying the things that make for growth in those areas. Leaving your life to chance is inviting stagnancy to stay – or worse still, regression sets in.

11. Worry less, PRAY more.

12. “Your network determines your…”. You know how it goes:)
Cliche you might say, but true nonetheless. Having a strong network – in relation to your goals and aspirations – has great benefits. Build up as many valuable relationships as possible – and be willing to offer value as well. You might reap the dividends of some of those relationships immediately and others may come in handy in the future.

13. “As a man thinketh… so is he” – The book of Proverbs

14. You can never give what you don’t have.
Seek to build value in yourself if you desire to offer value to the world. People can tell who is real and who is not. Pretending to be what you’re not has its expiry date. Instead, spend time and recourses developing genuine value. Why fake what can be real?

15. Want to achieve anything?… JUST BEGIN!
Don’t fuss too much about things when starting out. It is okay, and in fact necessary, to count the cost and set things in order before launching into any venture, but bear in mind that the path only gets clearer as you go. No matter how much you plan, it only remains a plan until you begin to execute. Don’t get stuck at overthinking about doing things, just do them. And yeah, there’s a term for it – paralysis by analysis. Sounds cool yeah?:)

16. “Better is the end of a thing than it’s beginning thereof” – The Bible
A follow up to the previous point… Of course, it doesn’t end at just beginning (pun intended). Being able to see things through is even more important than setting them in motion. The reward of fulfillment in anything we set out to do is gotten when we arrive at ‘done’, not at ‘go’. Understand that everything involves a process. Stay consistent, learn and modify as you go and you’d eventually reach the finish line.

17. REST is a productive activity.

18. Pride kills.

19. Balance is key.
There are so many facets to life, and each requires some form of commitment to keep the wheels rolling. The ability to put an adequate balance on all sides is paramount if you intend to live stress-free.

20. A few valuable friends are worth more than a flock of casual friends.
Pay attention to the people you surround yourself with. You reflect the circle you keep.

21. Health is Wealth.
I know what you’re thinking – another cliche right? Well, someone once said, “A cliche is a truth we all got bored of”. Keyword: TRUTH.
Truth is a person’s health is the true measure of his/her capacity as it determines the state of the vessel that conveys the substance within. Damage to your health, amongst other consequences, limits your ability to cause any form of impact to the world around you. Learn to take good care of yourself.

22. Dream big, Dare to do.
There is no tax on dreams, have lots of them:) And don’t stop at that… Take the plunge and act on those dreams.

If you’ve stuck around until this point, well done! Here’s an extra point:)

Bonus: You have just one chance at life, make the best of it.

There you have it! 22 of the many lessons I’ve picked up along the way. I hope you found them valuable?

Feel free to add to the list down in the comments;)

Have a wonderful week!