23 Lessons in 23 Years
A few things I've learned in between walking and filing taxes
I first jotted down this list at the end of 2023 after being inspired by reading several of these kinds of lists myself. Now that I’ve officially turned 24, left my first job out of college in investment banking, and started a new role in venture capital in Austin, TX, I wanted to take a moment amidst this fast moving life to reflect on some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Maybe these will change with time or age like fine wine, and most importantly none of you asked for my advice. So here are 23 lessons from someone lucky enough to have seen the Earth revolve around the sun 23 times:
You won’t remember the dollars spent - whether it was a good decision, bad decision, too many drinks in a night out, or a last minute trip and you fall victim to price gouging. You really won’t remember the itemized receipt in a few months out
That said…. discipline goes a long way - pick your hard, because we all have to. You can’t do everything and spend on anything so you need to decide what you want to work hard for and are willing to endure delayed gratification for
Put family, friends, passion, and purpose above all else - take a moment during your busy schedule and ask why yourself why do you work so hard in the first place? Most likely the reason is so you can spend time with the people you love in a more comfortable and financially secured position, or that you are saving up for something (or someone) important. Know what it is that you work so hard for, and spend your time and/or money on it without thinking twice
You’ll never regret travel
Be a relentless learning at everything while young and with time
Learn smarter - ask better questions to get to the bottom of things
80-20 rule for time management - Identify the most productive inputs in anything you do and make them the priority
Make fun of yourself with new people - the easiest way to break the ice
Have humility and don’t try to steal the spotlight with boasting - the spotlight finds who it wants to at the end of the day
In a world where everyone right after college takes their work (or lack of) as their entire identity, understand that not the rest of the world thinks like this and that you truly don’t have to feel this pressure as well - might sound funny coming from a 23 year old (now 24) who has just started his working career but at least from what I’ve witnessed from meeting people around the world I know that your work is not your identity, interesting people come from all places and all professions, and everyone in one way or another figures out what's best for them with time
Be more observant
Slow down
Cook more at home - saves a lot of money and can be a lot healthier
Deep work in increments (45 - 90min)
Don’t beat yourself up in the status game
Understand life is truly a marathon - where you’ll find yourself ahead or behind at times but all that matters is you keep going wherever you are
Hangovers get worse but reunions get better - I cannot imagine when hangovers become 3 days but for the right people they’ll always be worth it
Leave home and your comfort zone - whatever that means, experience more to remove more “what ifs” in life
When you get the chance, ask old people profound questions
Sweat everyday
Catch sunsets and sunrises as often as you can
Laugh at memories, reflect on the good ones when you have a moment - (ex. During a plane ride, long drive, or the waiting area of a DMV)
Off of #22, Live in a way to create more
Thanks for reading when you didn’t have to, and here’s to many more lessons, memories, and years that we may be lucky enough to experience.
-Kevin