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10 Things I Wish I Started Doing Earlier

By Alberte BrøndumPublished 10 months ago 2 min read

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We all have those "ugh, I wish I knew this sooner" moments. Whether it's about habits, mindset, or just how we spend our time - looking back always makes you realize what could've made life easier, better, or just more you.

Here are 10 things I seriously wish I started doing earlier. Maybe you'll relate - or maybe this will help you get a head start.

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1. Writing Things Down

For the longest time, I tried to keep everything in my head - ideas, to-dos, feelings, goals. It was chaos. Once I started journaling and writing things down (even simple checklists), everything felt more organized. It clears your mind in a weirdly satisfying way.

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2. Creating Instead of Just Consuming

Scrolling TikTok and YouTube is fun, but wow… creating something - even small things like a digital product, a design, or a blog post - feels so much better. I wish I started making anything earlier, instead of just watching other people live their creative lives.

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3. Learning About Money

Budgeting, saving, and earning online? I avoided it because I thought it was "for adults." Nope. I wish I started learning how money works (and how to make it) way earlier. Even just understanding passive income or how to sell digital products makes you feel way more in control.

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4. Taking Breaks Without Feeling Guilty

I used to feel bad for resting. Like if I wasn't being productive, I was wasting time. But guess what? Burnout is real. Taking a break isn't lazy - it's smart. Rest fuels productivity. I wish I accepted that sooner.

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5. Posting My Work Even If It Wasn't Perfect

Perfectionism held me back. I didn't want to post a design, share a writing piece, or sell anything unless it was "perfect." Now I know: progress > perfection. You learn and grow by putting things out there, even if they're not flawless.

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6. Setting Boundaries Online and Offline

Saying "no" felt awkward. But trying to please everyone? Even worse. Learning to protect my time and energy has been a game-changer - and I wish I figured that out earlier.

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7. Exploring Digital Tools Like Canva & Notion

These tools are free (or cheap), super fun, and make your life SO much easier. I could've saved so much time planning, designing, and staying organized if I'd just explored them sooner. Plus, I found out I actually enjoy design through Canva, which sparked new ideas for digital products.

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8. Trying Side Hustles (Even Small Ones)

I used to think side hustles were for adults with full-time jobs. Nope. I could've started with simple things like printables, selling designs, or freelance tasks. Just starting something builds confidence - and income.

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9. Taking Myself Seriously (Even When No One Else Did)

Sometimes it felt weird to say, "I want to make money online" or "I'm building something." But honestly, taking yourself seriously is the first step. I wish I believed in my own ideas earlier, even when no one else got it.

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10. Letting Myself Learn in Public

I was scared to look like a beginner. But now I realize: everyone starts somewhere. Sharing your process, your failures, and your learning is not embarrassing - it's inspiring. People love seeing growth. I wish I let myself be more open about the messy, figuring-it-out stage.

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Final Thoughts

If you've been waiting for a sign to start something - creating, sharing, building, organizing your life, or just doing what feels right - this is it.

Because the only thing worse than starting late… is not starting at all. 💫

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