7 things I wish I knew when I was 21

Aging is an unavoidable part of life and we must accept it. As we get older, our bodies and minds go through changes that can have a major impact on our physical and mental health. It's essential to make the most of each day, using whatever resources we have available to us. This way, we can ensure that we are living meaningful lives and making the most of our limited time.

Whether it's spending time with family and friends, pursuing our passions, or taking care of our physical and mental health, we should prioritize the things that are important to us and make the most of our time. Life is short, so let's make the most of it while we still can!

1. You only have two essential tools: mind & body.

Taking care of our physical and mental health is essential for our overall well-being. Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in activities that nurture our mental health can all help us manage the various challenges that life throws our way.

Taking care of our minds and bodies can also help us stay positive and motivated, enabling us to reach our goals and aspirations more easily. Additionally, it can help us cultivate a sense of self-love and acceptance, helping us to lead a life full of joy and fulfillment.

1. This is the most critical year of your life.

If you've got big dreams you want to make a reality, now's the time to get going! Don't put it off or wait for the "perfect" moment - time is a precious thing and you never know when it's running out. Every passing moment is a chance to take action and chase your dreams. It's easy to get bogged down in our day-to-day stuff, but don't forget to make time for what matters most.

Life is short, so don't look back with regret wishing you'd started sooner. So if you've got dreams you want to make come true, take the first step right now. The present moment is all we've got, so make the most of it!

1. Find your philosophy.

Having a personal philosophy is essential for leading a fulfilling and purposeful life. It can provide us with the strength to overcome difficult times, and enable us to make decisions that align with our core values and beliefs. If you feel stuck or like you are veering off course, exploring various philosophies can be an excellent place to begin.

One that's been getting a lot of attention lately is Stoicism. It's focused on personal ethics and self-control. The Stoics thought that by focusing on what we can control and accepting what we can't, we'd be able to find inner peace and live a righteous life.

By examining and taking on elements of the Stoic philosophy, we can get a fresh take on life and make a path that fits with our values and goals. Ultimately, finding our philosophy can give us purpose and direction, leading to a life that's more meaningful and intentional.

1. What is a day 10 years from now?

Take a few minutes each day to slow down and think about where you want to be in the next 10 years. What goals have you set for yourself? How can you track your progress? Does thinking about the future make you excited or anxious? Think about what actions you can take today to get closer to your ideal future.

Focus on the stuff you can control and don't worry about the stuff you can't. This exercise can seem intimidating at first, but it can also bring a sense of peace and confidence that you're taking steps to create the future you want. Let yourself daydream a bit and then use it to help guide your decisions now.

1. It’s not a race. Stop competing with your contemporaries

Have you ever been told that winning is the only way to be happy? That you have to be better than everyone else to make it in life? Yeah, it's easy to buy into that idea since it's all over the place. But, I think it's a pretty dumb way to think. Why do we have to compete all the time? Why do we have to measure ourselves against others?

I believe it's better to take things at your own pace, enjoy the journey and find satisfaction in yourself. Do you want to be successful but completely miserable? You don't have to be a winner to be fulfilled. You can get peace and happiness from all kinds of unexpected places. Success and contentment don't have to be measured by how many awards you have or how you measure up to others.

1. Pick up a book instead of your phone

Ever reach for your phone instead of a book? It's almost like that's the only option now, right? But if you can find the strength within, why not pick up a self-improvement book or a novel instead of scrolling through social media and getting it all worked up? Imagine a world where you can get lost in a different one for a while and get the knowledge or entertainment you want. Why not give it a try and grab a physical book or even a Kindle? It could be just what you need to take a break from the digital world and give your mind some TLC.

1. Take things one at a time

When life throws us into a fast-paced whirlwind of information, distractions, and obligations, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed and stressed out. We may feel pressure to do it all at once, multitasking and juggling multiple priorities.

But when we try and do too much, we can end up feeling scattered, anxious, and burned out. Taking things one at a time, however, ensures that we give each task or activity our full attention, allowing us to do it well and efficiently.

That doesn't mean we can't think about the big picture or plan for the future. It just means that we should be mindful of the present moment and focus on what we can do right now to move forward.

Taking things one step at a time can be an empowering way to approach life. We can break down big goals into smaller, more achievable tasks, and prioritize what's important. It also helps us feel more in control and less overwhelmed, as we take on each challenge as it comes.

So if you're feeling overwhelmed, try taking things one at a time. Focus on what you can do at this moment and trust that you'll keep making progress toward your goals and dreams. Life is a journey, and it's okay to take it one step at a time.