22 Things I’ve Learned in 22 Years (Birthday Post, April 21st)

1️⃣life comes at you fast so it’s ok to take things slow sometimes. Don’t rush what already goes by so quickly. 
2️⃣enjoy the journey instead of being preoccupied about the destination 
3️⃣there is a lot that can be learned from others so never underestimate someone else’s potential to teach you something 
4️⃣you don’t always have to be social. Sometimes being alone is a good thing 
5️⃣time is of the essence and patience is a virtue 
6️⃣the best friendships are those that pick up just as they were left off- like there was never any time apart 
7️⃣it’s better to try and fail than to never try and not know 
8️⃣Most “problems” are non-existent. If it can be resolved by action, then it’s not a problem 9️⃣smiling makes everything better (though resting bitch face is comfortable so I’m not saying that won’t be happening😬) 
1️⃣0️⃣ONE thing isn’t EVERYthing 
1️⃣1️⃣do what makes you happy, not what will make other people think that you are happy 
1️⃣2️⃣it’s the small actions and decisions that make big changes 
1️⃣3️⃣the only person you have to prove something to is yourself. The only person you should compare yourself to is the person you want to be 
1️⃣4️⃣the universe doesn’t care if you’re unhappy and things won’t change just because you want them to... if you want change, then you gotta make moves 
1️⃣5️⃣don’t confuse thoughts/plans with actions. You may be thinking a lot about doing something and never actually take the necessary steps 
1️⃣6️⃣be positive and be kind- even when it’s hard (gotta work on these 🙃) 
1️⃣7️⃣be more afraid of not doing said thing, than afraid of doing it 
1️⃣8️⃣life truly does begin when you decide to be brave enough to leave your comfort zone 1️⃣9️⃣quality > quantity 
2️⃣0️⃣replace fear with excitement. Stop worrying about what could go wrong and be excited for what could go right 
2️⃣1️⃣don’t forget to remember why you started. Don’t complain about the decisions you made 2️⃣2️⃣be curious and be passionate. Ask a lot of questions and act on your intuition

The Most Important Step I Have Ever Taken (Worrying Doesn't Work Hard and Dreams Don't Work Unless You Do)

Just as I had discussed in my last post, I am currently reading a book called, "No Excuses!" by Brian Tracy. Brian Tracy is a world-renown motivational speaker and self-development author.

In his book, Tracy discusses several ways to become more disciplined in order to ultimately reach your dreams and goals. He shares statistics, history, and psychology in order to really bring his statements home.

There are so many invaluable lessons that I have learned from his book and I am only halfway through. I have already put his lessons into practice and feel that I have evolved as a person. My thoughts and mindset have changed. In a short week-and-a-half, I have become so much more self-aware, confident, excited rather than anxious, and productive! I want to share the one thing that has created these changes because it is so simple and life-changing! I recommend that you take out a piece of paper and a pencil. ALL YOU ARE REQUIRED TO DO IS TO THINK AND WRITE.

Write out a list of things you want to achieve in your lifetime. If you are not sure about so far in advance, make it within the next 5 years or within the next 10 years... whatever you want.

If you are not sure about what you want, write out what you think you may want. Or just write about what you know you for sure want. Whether it be to finish school, start a business, be able to afford a certain car you want, to travel somewhere... This is your personal life plan for success. You can do with it as you wish.

Then, like with an outline, under each goal, write out one, two, or more actions you can/need to take to achieve that goal. Are you going to save money? How will you do that? Will you talk to certain people? Who will you talk to? Are you going to break a bad habit? How are you going to stop yourself from doing that habit? Are you going to exercise more? How will you make sure you stick to your workout regimen (calendar, something motivational)? What are your resources for achieving these goals?

If you don' know the answers to these questions, then give
yourself some time to think about them. You can come back to your list whenever you want. You can edit it over and over.

Along with this list, write out a list of character traits you want to possess. If you were to be 100% happy with yourself, what characteristics would you have? If you were to envision the best version of yourself, how would you and others describe you?

Then decide that you are willing to work hard for these things. Decide that you are going to put in active effort to make these goals and dreams a reality. Decide that you are going to view your goals and dreams as plans.

You should begin to see that your focuses change now that you will have a clear understanding of what you want and what it will take to get there. Before I started writing down my goals, even though I knew what I wanted- everything was up in the air. I was thinking a lot, but not really doing much. I was hopeful, but not excited or active. Everything became concrete and I have started making moves that are actually helping me to move closer and closer to my vision for my future.

And remember this:

"Dreams don't work unless you do."
"Happiness comes when your life aligns with your blueprint."

Stick to Your Principles

If there is anything that I have learned through much trial and error, then it would have to be this.

With so many things in life, sometimes it is hard to say no, remind ourselves why we should or shouldn't do something, or simply just do the right thing. Whether it is turning something down, getting ourselves to do something we know we should, or just going about doing everyday things... most of the time we know what we should do and the consequences of not doing that said thing.

I am finally coming to learn and live by the idea of sticking to my principles.

What does it mean to stick to one's principles?

When I think about sticking to my principles, I think of:

• Knowing right from wrong (my personal rights and wrongs)- may not be the same for everyone and it doesn't need to be. 
• Being consistent- not wavering between something being okay and not being okay. I make something acceptable or unacceptable and keep those things under those categories. 
• Being disciplined!!!!- This is a big one and something I am learning to do every single day. We all are if we are conscious of it. I just started reading Brian Tracy's No Excuses! and am already almost halfway through. I am mesmerized by this book. It has opened my eyes to so many truths, that I have already started applying its ideas. 
• Being able to turn down an offer- even when people are trying to do something nice, it may not be necessarily what is good for you. It is not necessary to please everyone. You have to do what is right for you. 
• Not falling into peer pressure- other people can do what they want and that does not mean it's what you need to want or should want. It's okay to want and seek something different. 

I've learned that sticking to my principles is what will allow me to reach my goals and desires.
I have also realized that I feel better about myself and more confident overall when I remain true to myself and my values. This means that if something is not worth my time or energy, and does not make me feel good... then I will not invest myself in it.

We all have a gut feeling when thinking about decisions. Although some decisions are harder than others, most of the time we know what the decision should be. Listening to our gut feelings and trusting ourselves is one of the smartest things that we can do.

These are all concepts I am learning from this book, videos, and podcasts that I am spending my time reading and listening to. I feel as though this is a whole other way of understanding myself and the world around me. Everything becomes so much easier and clearer when we stick to our truths.

This is a major idea that I have learned and have begun applying to my life, and I will write about other concepts I admire as I continue to learn about them.