23 Life Principles - I Wish I'd Known Earlier

Life, they say, is a relentless teacher. It doesn’t operate on a neat syllabus, nor does it provide advance notice for the inevitable examinations. Instead, life prefers to hurl lessons at us, often disguised as failures, heartbreaks, and those precious, hard-won victories that leave an indelible mark on our souls.

Standing here, amidst the gentle rolling hills of middle age, I find myself gazing back at the eager, perhaps slightly naive, eighteen-year-old I once was. Stepping out into the world with eyes wide with dreams and a heart full of anticipation, I was, in many ways, utterly unprepared for the beautiful, chaotic symphony that lay ahead.

If I could, I would whisper into the ear of that younger self. I wouldn’t burden him with clichés about hard work and humility.

Instead, I would impart a collection of raw, practical, and utterly no-nonsense truths – principles that have sculpted my life, career, and, perhaps most importantly, my mindset.

These aren’t just ideas; they are the echoes of experience, lessons etched in time.

So, for anyone standing at that precipice of adulthood, or indeed anyone navigating the ever-turning wheel of life, allow me to share these 23 hard-hitting principles I wish I had truly understood when the world first unfurled before me.

1. The Silent Thief: Financial Neglect is a Gradual Demise

Money, in many ways, is akin to the very air we breathe. Fail to manage it, and it will, imperceptibly at first, begin to control you. It's not about chasing riches, but about understanding its flow.

Imagine a slow leak in a tyre, unnoticed, it gradually flattens, leaving you stranded. Ignoring your finances is similar.

Start early. Budget, track, and invest, even small amounts. Your future self will look back with profound gratitude.

Embrace budgeting apps like ‘Money Dashboard’ or ‘Emma’ to gain clear oversight. Prioritise saving before spending, automating a portion of your income into a separate account before you are even tempted to touch it.

2. Patience Isn't a Virtue; It's a Strategic Action

The adage that patience is a virtue often misses a crucial point. Merely waiting for opportunities to materialise is a passive, and often losing, strategy.

Life rewards action.

It favours those who test the waters, learn from the ebb and flow, and adapt accordingly. The swift of the foot often wins the race, not those lingering at the starting line, awaiting an invitation to begin.

Have an idea simmering? Don't wait for the ‘perfect’ moment. Begin today. Remember, progress, not perfection, is the initial goal.

Launch, learn, and then refine.

3. The Customer's Mirror: It's Not About Your Offering, But Their Need

Whether you are presenting a product, an idea, or even yourself in the somewhat theatrical setting of a job interview, remember this fundamental truth, people are inherently self-interested.

It’s not a flaw, it’s human nature.

They aren't primarily concerned with you, they are concerned with themselves, their needs, their aspirations, and their problems. Your value lies in your ability to solve their problems.

Shift your perspective from ‘What am I offering?’ to ‘How does this alleviate a pain point?’. Speak directly to their concerns. No one truly buys ‘a drill’, they invest in ‘a perfectly formed hole in the wall’ to hang their cherished memories.

4. Relevance: A Fleeting Commodity in a Rapid World

The world is in constant motion. Skills become obsolete. Industries transform. The relentless march of progress waits for no one. Complacency is a quiet quicksand. In today's world, you are perpetually just weeks away from becoming outdated, from being rendered irrelevant if you stand still.

Commit to lifelong learning. Acquire a new, valuable skill each month. Engage with industry trends as if your livelihood depends on it because, in essence, it truly does.

5. The Language of Clarity: Translate Life into Mathematics

Intuition and gut feelings have their place, but in an increasingly complex world, data reigns supreme. Embrace the clarity of numbers. Track everything of significance, from your fitness regime to your spending habits, and crucial business metrics. Quantify where possible to understand the underlying patterns.

Utilise spreadsheets or habit-tracking applications to monitor your progress and decisions. Move beyond guesswork, analyse patterns and make choices underpinned by data.

6. The Echo Chamber of Mediocrity: Avoid the Energy Drains

Not everyone shares a burning ambition for greatness. Some are content with the ordinary, and that is their prerogative. However, be discerning in your associations. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire, uplift, and challenge you to grow. Avoid those who drain your energy and dampen your spirit.

Conduct a careful audit of your inner circle. If certain relationships consistently leave you feeling depleted rather than inspired, it may be time to re-evaluate their place in your life. Create distance from those who are chronic complainers and masters of excuses.

7. The Root Cause Revelation: Dig Deeper Than Symptoms

Most people, when faced with challenges, tend to treat the superficial symptoms rather than addressing the underlying, fundamental causes. True problem-solving necessitates identifying the root issue before rushing to implement solutions.

Employ the ‘Five Whys’ technique. When confronted with a problem, ask ‘Why?’ repeatedly (up to five times) to progressively delve deeper and uncover the true root cause.

Example: ‘I am perpetually tired.’ → Why? ‘I consistently sleep late.’ → Why? ‘I spend hours scrolling on my phone before bed.’ → Why? ‘I lack a structured bedtime routine.’ → Solution: Implement a bedtime alarm and pre-sleep digital curfew.

8. The Price of True Success: An All-Encompassing Commitment

Building a thriving business, or indeed a truly fulfilling life, demands your ‘everything’. There are no genuine shortcuts or miraculous ‘hacks’. Success is born from unwavering commitment and significant sacrifice. Be prepared to invest wholeheartedly.

Choose your battles with wisdom. If a goal is truly worthy of your pursuit, be prepared to go ‘all in’. Half-hearted efforts yield half-hearted results.

9. Navigating the Unknown: Novelty Demands Innovation

Relying solely on past successes in the face of new, unprecedented problems is a path to obsolescence. The world is constantly evolving, and yesterday's solutions may be inadequate, or even detrimental, today.

When faced with a novel challenge, ask yourself: ‘If I had absolutely no limitations, how would I approach solving this?’ Seek inspiration from outside your immediate industry or field of expertise.

10. The Undeniable Truth: Data Trumps Anecdotes

Personal opinions and subjective stories hold limited weight in the grand scheme of things. Results, quantifiable and demonstrable, are what truly matter. Embrace objectivity and data-driven decision-making.

Adopt a scientific approach to life. Test assumptions rigorously. Track outcomes meticulously. Allow numbers and empirical evidence to guide your decisions, rather than relying on subjective narratives.

11. The Universal Classroom: Wisdom Resides in Unexpected Places

It is a common human tendency to assume that wisdom is the domain of the ‘experts’, the formally educated, or those in positions of authority. However, life has a beautiful way of challenging such assumptions.

Everyone, regardless of their background or perceived status, possesses a unique tapestry of experiences. Within this tapestry lies threads of knowledge, perspectives, and insights that may well elude you.

Remain perpetually open to learning from absolutely anyone.

Cultivate the art of asking questions. Become more inquisitive in your interactions. Adopt the mindset that every individual you encounter knows something that you do not.

Listen with genuine intent to understand, not merely to respond.

12. The True North of Self-Worth: Anchored in Contribution, Not Validation

Ego is a fragile construct, often desperately seeking external validation to bolster a shaky sense of self-worth. This is a precarious foundation. True, lasting self-esteem should not be tethered to the fickle opinions of others, nor to the elusive pursuit of ‘being right’.

Instead, anchor your self-worth in the intrinsic satisfaction derived from seeking and discovering the ‘right answer’, the most effective solution, the deeper truth, irrespective of whether it aligns with your initial assumptions.

Embrace humility as a strength, not a weakness. Be quick to acknowledge errors.

Cultivate the intellectual honesty to be the first to say, “I was mistaken. However, here is what I have learned from this experience.” Growth resides in learning, not in clinging to being infallible.

13. The Engine of Progress: Knowledge Activated Through Action

Accumulating knowledge is akin to gathering the finest raw materials. However, raw materials, no matter how exquisite, remain inert until they are fashioned into something purposeful.

Reading a hundred books on carpentry will not construct a single piece of furniture if you never pick up a tool and begin to shape the wood. Knowledge, divorced from application, is potential unfulfilled.

Immediately after absorbing new knowledge, seek to apply it in a tangible way within a 24-hour window.

Reinforce your understanding by teaching the concept to another person. The act of articulation clarifies comprehension.

14. The Crucible of Growth: Mistakes as Master Teachers

Mistakes are an unavoidable facet of the human experience. To err is, indeed, human. However, it is in our response to these errors that our potential for growth lies. Denial, defensiveness, and rationalisation serve only to keep us tethered to stagnation. Conversely, acknowledging, owning, and dissecting our mistakes unlocks a profound learning opportunity.

Mistakes, when embraced, become our most potent educators.

At the close of each day, dedicate a few moments to reflective journaling. Note down one mistake you made during the day. Critically analyse the circumstances, your actions, and, most importantly, distil the lesson embedded within the error.

15. Beyond Imitation: The Imperative of Originality in a World of Copies

In a world saturated with information and readily available models, it is tempting to simply replicate what appears successful. Copying, however, inherently places you perpetually in the wake of originality. True progress, genuine innovation, and lasting impact stem from the capacity to solve novel problems with novel solutions. If your skillset is limited to imitation, you will forever be playing catch-up.

Actively cultivate divergent thinking. Deliberately expose yourself to unconventional ideas and perspectives. Engage with literature and art forms outside your comfort zone. Challenge accepted norms and assumptions, both your own and those of the wider world.

16. The Interwoven Fabric of Success: The Power of Collective Endeavour

The myth of the solitary genius, achieving monumental success in isolation, is largely a romantic fallacy. In reality, meaningful accomplishments are almost invariably the product of collaborative effort. Success is, fundamentally, a team sport. Nurture strong, authentic relationships. Build a network of support, collaboration, and shared aspiration

Actively seek out mentors who can offer guidance and wisdom based on their experience. Equally, extend a hand to those who are earlier in their journey, offering your support and knowledge. Adopt a philosophy of giving before receiving, understanding that reciprocity is a natural law of interconnectedness.

17. The Silent Saboteurs: Shield Yourself from Negativity's Shadow

Negative individuals operate like a subtle, yet persistent, drain on your energy, enthusiasm, and ambition. Their pervasive pessimism, their inherent inclination to see obstacles rather than opportunities, can insidiously sabotage your progress. Protect your mental and emotional space from the corrosive influence of negativity.

Learn to identify ‘energy vampires’ – those individuals who consistently leave you feeling depleted, discouraged, or cynical. If someone habitually presents a problem for every solution or consistently undermines your aspirations, it is a signal to create a healthy distance.

18. The Pace of Progress: Accelerate, Don't Hinder

In any collaborative endeavour, be it professional or personal, resist the urge to ask others to decelerate to accommodate your pace. Such a request is inherently limiting, both to them and, ultimately, to yourself. Instead, embrace the challenge to accelerate your own growth, to enhance your own capabilities, to meet and even exceed the pace of progress.

If you find yourself struggling to keep pace with those around you, do not seek to hold them back. Instead, intensify your efforts. Work with greater focus, dedicate more time to skill development, and cultivate a mindset of continuous improvement. Embrace the stretch.

19. Decisive Pruning: Ruthlessly Discard Failing Ventures

Pride, particularly in the early stages of a venture, can be a significant impediment to sound judgment. It can blind you to the reality of a failing idea, a flawed project, or a dead-end path. Do not allow ego to keep you tethered to a sinking ship. Develop the courage and the decisiveness to swiftly abandon initiatives that are demonstrably not working.

Establish clear metrics for success and failure at the outset of any project or endeavour. Regularly and objectively assess progress against these metrics. If an initiative consistently fails to meet predefined benchmarks, pivot decisively. Do not fear course correction; fear stagnation.

20. The Audience's Verdict: Results Speak Louder Than Effort

In the realm of business, and indeed in the broader context of life, external audiences be they customers, clients, employers, or even society at large are primarily concerned with outcomes.

They are less interested in the magnitude of your effort, the sincerity of your intentions, or the complexity of your process. Ultimately, results are the currency of credibility and success.

Shift your focus from merely ‘trying hard’ to ‘delivering results’. Cease expecting recognition or commendation solely for effort expended. Channel your energy towards achieving tangible, measurable outcomes that demonstrably add value.

21. The Price of Dreams: Goals Make Demands, Not Requests

Dreams, aspirations, and ambitious goals are not passive wishes, they are active demands. They necessitate sacrifices, require adjustments, and often compel us to step outside our comfort zones.

Be prepared to meet the demands of your dreams. Understand that significant achievement seldom comes without significant investment and alteration.

Before committing to a significant goal, engage in honest self-assessment. Deliberate whether the potential reward is genuinely commensurate with the inevitable sacrifices demanded. If the answer is a resounding ‘yes’, then commit fully and without reservation.

22. The Dance of Timing: Righteousness Out of Sync is Futility

The brilliance of an idea, the validity of an argument, or the appropriateness of an action is inextricably linked to timing.

Being demonstrably ‘right’ at an inopportune moment can be functionally equivalent to being entirely wrong. Context and timing are crucial determinants of impact and reception.

Cultivate not only the capacity to generate innovative ideas but also the discernment to recognise the opportune moment to act upon them. Develop an acute awareness of the prevailing environment, the relevant trends, and the receptive climate for your endeavours.

23. The Unrivalled Data Source: Failure as a Font of Wisdom

Failure is not the antithesis of success; it is, in fact, an integral component of the learning process. Failure, when approached with a growth mindset, constitutes the most information-rich data stream available.

Embrace failure not as a finality, but as a valuable feedback loop. Fail rapidly, analyse rigorously, and learn even faster.

Cultivate resilience in the face of setbacks. View each failure as a learning opportunity in disguise.

Develop a systematic approach to analysing failures, extracting key lessons, and adapting your strategies accordingly.

Remember, every failure, if examined closely, offers a pathway to future success.

Life does not provide a pre-drawn map, nor does it come with a guaranteed route to success or fulfilment.

However, these 23 principles, gleaned from the school of hard knocks and the passage of time, can serve as your personal compass.

Apply them thoughtfully, adapt them to your unique circumstances, and observe the transformative impact they can have on your life's journey.

The echoes of time whisper wisdom to those who are willing to listen.

------------------------------------- End ----------------------------------------

Thank you for reading.

I truly appreciate you taking the time to experience my work. Writing is my passion, and I'm working hard to make it a sustainable career.

If you enjoyed this piece and would like to offer support for my writing and help me create more content like this.

You can buy me a cup of coffee

Every bit of support is deeply appreciated.

https://ko-fi.com/jonjc

If you're unable to support monetarily no worries, leaving a comment and a like to this post will do. Also sharing this piece with others who might connect with it would be a huge act of kindness.

Regardless, I send you my warmest thanks and good wishes for your support and kindness. Good day