You are on page 1of 27

10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago

http://www.lifereboot.com/2010/10-things-i-wish-someone-told-me-10-years-ago/
January 1st, 2010 by Shaun Boyd

At the start of every year, I like to review my goals. I pull out the list of goals I set for myself last January, and
then grade myself on how well I did.

This year is quite different than past years. Everything changed after Cassie was diagnosed with cancer.
Suddenly, nothing was important except her health.

Its been tough. I looked after her the best that I could, I tried to be as encouraging as possible, and I made
efforts to improve my career situation so that she could take time off to focus on her health. The year is over
and, thankfully, the most important goal we set out to achieve has been achieved: Cassie beat cancer.

Although I didnt do any of the fighting you have Cassie and her doctors to praise for that I did get caught
up in the ride. I was exhausted by the emotional roller coaster, and I found myself constantly wishing for 2010
to arrive just so we could move past this difficult time in our lives. I was anxious to start experiencing normal
life again.

Here I am now, happy that 2010 is upon us, wondering what else to write about. It feels like cancer has been
the topic of conversation for so long, that Ive forgotten how to talk about anything else.

Im glad for how things turned out. Im ecstatic that shes cured. But Im tired of the subject. I didnt want to
make another post about cancer, but the words are coming out of me anyway.

I suppose that Im afraid if I dont talk about it, the only other thing I can say about 2009 is that life was on pause
for a while, so nothing else was accomplished. Maybe Im ashamed about the fact that my intention is for this
to be a progressive blog, and Ive spent a lot of time ignoring it in favor of other priorities.

The other thing about 2009 is that I feel so detached from everything I experienced throughout it. It feels like
Im waking up from a bad dream. I remember feeling scared, sad, and impatient but I couldnt always express
those feelings, because I felt obligated to appear outwardly normal and together. Being hysterical wasnt an
option.

I started imagining what types of things I wish I could have told myself earlier this year: Everythings going to be
alright. One year from now, this will all be behind you. Trust me, shell be okay.

The concept was pretty fascinating to me, and I took it a step further and imagined what I might like to tell
myself if I could go back in time to give my younger self some advice about life.

I think that the dawn of a new decade is an excellent time to reflect upon the last ten years, and figure out what
life lessons Ive managed to learn from them:

#10 For the most part, what others think doesnt matter.

Ten years ago I was a 17 year old high school student who let the opinions of other people largely influence my
choices. It was a dumb way to live, considering that ten years later, those people whose opinions I held in such
high regard arent even a part of my life anymore!

The times when someone elses opinion of you truly matters are few and far between. Think first impressions,
like meeting your significant others family, meeting a new client, or meeting a potential employer for a job
interview.

Dont let other people rent space in your head. What they think of you isnt important. What matters most is
how you feel about yourself.
#9 Explore new hobbies and opportunities often.

When I cared about what other people might think about me, I never tried new things. I was afraid that if I
sucked at something, Id be embarrassed. To spare myself the embarrassment of being bad at something new, I
would never explore opportunities to learn a new skill, or start a new hobby.

Looking back on it, I see it as lots of time lost!

Nowadays Im always anxious to put myself out there and learn something new. I sing at karaoke, I enter
juggling contests, and I play Euchre even though I suck at all of them. I try new things as they come up, whether
its a new restaurant, a new beer, or a new pastime. When you try new things, you discover more and more
things that you enjoy.

Currently, I have plans to master the piano, the pool table, the surfboard, and the pen in my lifetime. Theyre
things that I know I love. Still, if you were to introduce me to a unicycle today, Id hop right on to try and take it
for a spin, fall off, and then hop on again!

As Harold and Maude put it best, Everyone has the right to make an ass out of themselves. You just cant let
the world judge you too much.

#8 Nobody knows what youre thinking unless you tell them.

People cant read your mind. This goes for your significant other, your employer, and that hot girl youre too
scared to talk to.

Ten years ago I was dating someone I no longer wanted to date. I knew that I was unhappy in the relationship,
but she didnt. Consequently, I waited and waited for things to improve, but they never did. I want to scream at
my young self: Well no shit things didnt improve. You never told her anything was wrong!

Relationships cant improve unless you communicate. This applies to your relationship with your employer also
if youre working hard at your job and believe that you deserve a raise, you probably wont get it unless you
ask for it.

Simply put, your supervisor doesnt know what you want. Dont wait for them to come to you, because your
blood will boil over and youll end up quitting before it ever happens. Ask to meet privately and spell it out for
them!

As for that hot girl, if you dont say anything before she walks out that door, then shes going to walk out of your
life forever having never known you. Dont let it happen. Learn to communicate so people can know you.

#7 Talk to everyone in college.

Professors. Classmates. Roommates. Neighbors. Frats. Sororities. Clubs. Students outside of your major.
Students outside of your social clique. Returning students that are older than you. Teaching assistants. Resident
assistants. Adjuncts. Tutors. Career advisors. Deans. Librarians. Friends.

Why? Networking. When employers look for a good match for a job opening, the first thing they do is ask the
people theyre already working with if they know someone who would do well in the position. They tend to
look through resumes as a last resort.

College is the best opportunity youll ever have to build a complex, varied network of smart people. Use it to
your advantage and get your name out there, because grades mean nothing in the real world.

Also, live it up, because college is fucking awesome. Trust me when I tell you that after youve graduated, youll
go through college withdrawal. Theres a reason why so many people say its the best four years of your life.
#6 Leave every job on good terms.

No matter how good it might feel to tell your boss to suck it right before storming out of a dead-end job forever,
it is never worth it. You will probably need another job someday, and you might just need some good
references to get it.

Giving up all opportunities for future recommendations for one fleeting moment to tell your employer what you
really think about them is a bad trade. Give two weeks notice, and say thanks for the opportunity to work with
them even if its bullshit.

#5 Pay your dues.

Even though you may have been hot shit in college, or at your last job, it will not grant you the slightest amount
of entitlement in a new position for a new employer. In many companies, youre basically getting in line to wait
your turn to move up the ladder, and it may take years to advance beyond positions of indentured servitude.

Stick to it. Hopping from company to company looking for something better may allow you to get ahead in
the short-term, but in the long-term your resume will become a mishmash of temporary stints that makes you
look like a quitter.

In the end, persistence creates an impression of dedication and relevant experience and it will outshine any
other attribute, every time.

So take a look around. If youre absolutely certain youre on the right career path, then stick to it. Pay your
dues. Climb ladders. It will be your turn soon enough.

#4 Invest in yourself.

When you invest in yourself you can never lose. This applies to everything:

Learn to cook. Youll save a bajillion dollars on food in your lifetime.

Learn a foreign language. Youll expand your horizons and be easily employable.

Learn to spend less than you earn. Youll never be broke.

#3 You cant change anything by just sitting back and looking at it.

Change requires two things: a conscious decision to accomplish something, and follow-through. If you want
something accomplished, then do it now. If it cant be done now, then do it today. If it cant be done today,
then start it today.

Change is tough, but the most difficult step is getting started. Of course once youve actually started, the most
difficult step is following through. Change is tricky like that but know that if you truly want it, youll find a
way to create change in your life.

#2 Expect people to be negative, especially if youre carving your own path.

In all walks of life, you wont see eye-to-eye with everyone. People will come out of the woodwork to tell you
that youll fail, tell you that you suck, laugh at you, argue with you, call you names, write you messages laced
with profanity, and be altogether unpleasant. As Tony Gazzo from Rocky put it, Some guys, they just hate for
no reason.

The thing is, although its common to receive negativity from strangers, youll find that even the people you
know and love can surprise you with negative attitudes. No matter who it is thats trying to boo you off the
stage, dont let them succeed in doing so.
#1 Do what you are.

Weve all heard that If you love what you do, you will never work another day in your life. The problem is that
few people seem to actually have this luxury.

It seems that somewhere along the line the consensus changed to If you do what you need to do, when you
need to do it, then maybe someday you can do what you want to do, when you want to do it. You end up
spending the majority of your life waiting for that someday to arrive.

Its mostly unavoidable though, since we spend most of our growing years hearing things like:

You need to go to college.


You need to get a job.
You need to keep working even if you dont like your job, to pay for college.
You need to save for retirement, so that you have the option to retire.

Once you finally make it to retirement, then you can finally do what you want. It seems so backwards, doesnt
it?

When Im not distracting myself from how repetitive my job is, I always think about how Im slowly trading away
the sunny days of my youth for job security. I show up, put my butt in a chair for eight hours a day, and collect
a paycheck. Congratulations, Ive traded away some time for some money.

I dont feel alive at my job. I do shit thats unimportant to me. Id rather spend my time doing anything else, but
the things I want to do wouldnt pay me the way my boring job does.

Consequently, I write. Not because it earns me a lot of money, but because I feel most alive when Im writing.
For me, to not write is suicide and I desperately wish that I realized this about me sooner.

If I could offer my younger self some real advice, Id tell myself not to base my career choice on what someone
else recommended. Id tell myself not to pick a major because its whats popular. Id tell myself not to get into
a career field for the money.

Id tell myself that the right choice is much simpler: Do what you are. As long as youre true to yourself, and
follow your own interests, you can find success through passion. Perhaps more importantly, you wont wake up
ten years later in a career field you hate wondering What the hell happened?

So thats my list of things I wish I knew when I was younger. We all think about things like this from time to time
so if you agree or disagree with what Id tell myself, or if you have any bits of wisdom that you wish someone
would have taught you long ago, please share in the comments!

140 Responses to 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago

#1 meh on 02, Jan, 2010 at 1:59 pm

I never thought Id end up back where I started 10 years ago. Yet, here I am, drinking a glass of
cynicism, playing infinite rounds of limbo. I suppose though, we have to be torn down to bare
bones before we can really figure out who we are.

Id tell my younger self to be less naive, but I am not even sure that would have helped.
#2 Twitter Trackbacks for 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago LifeReboot.com
[lifereboot.com] on Topsy.com on 03, Jan, 2010 at 8:33 am

[...] 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago LifeReboot.com


http://www.lifereboot.com/2010.....-years-ago view page cached At the start of every year, I
like to review my goals. I pull out the list of goals I set for myself last January, and then grade
myself on how well I [...]

#3 Rankle on 03, Jan, 2010 at 9:24 am

Great post. Regarding #7, talk to everyone, not just those you are trying to include in your
network. The security guard, the maid, the trashman, the 7-11 clerk; everyone. Dont force it and
dont treat it like it is an assignment. Just because their job or their station in life is not what
appears to be prestigious, they have knowledge and wisdom at some level that is not only
beneficial to you, it is downright amazing! Everyone has a story that if written like a novel
would be a bestseller. See if you can find it.

#4 M on 03, Jan, 2010 at 10:42 am

Thanks for writing this, I literally just stumbled and read it. This one thing helped me make my
decision as to what I am going to be. Thanks random blogger out of the blue, you potentially
changed a life.

#5 Pajero Tim on 03, Jan, 2010 at 10:53 am

Nice post but I disagree with number 6 I always left on bad terms on purpose, that way I would
never have to do that job again. It forced me to find things I liked doing.

One thing Id tell myself ten years ago is to quit the booze. As I always suspected, Im infinitely
happier without it than with it after being dry for three years. Again, it forces me to find true
happiness in life rather than dull my senses with alcohol.

#6 Angie on 03, Jan, 2010 at 11:03 am

Hey, thanks for the tips! Im still considered to be in my adolescent years so I dont really think I
have much wisdom to contribute. I agree with the tips provided though and I will be sure to
make use of them.

#7 Janet Bowser on 03, Jan, 2010 at 11:43 am

What a great post, but I have to say that I have been reading your post about James and his
passion. What has struck me is that as he started from such simple forms of movie making and
developed his own method of creating fixes for his problems, I do sort of the same thing with my
paintings.

I guess neither one of us has had any format teaching in our passions, but we find a way. Thanks,
that was encouraging to me. I may never make a penny painting, but it keeps me sane and brings
me out of my shell, I am sort of shy, too.

#8 Ruth on 03, Jan, 2010 at 1:10 pm

Thank you for your lovely post. I StumbledUpon it this morning and will return again.

#9 Jenzipan on 03, Jan, 2010 at 1:12 pm


I am only 16 and have a lot to learn about life in general. Im glad Ive had the chance to see this
post you couldnt tell yourself 10 years ago but youve told me. I hope I can put them to
good use.
I COMPLETELY agree with #10, though. Thats one Ive definitely learned already. I think its
also good to know when a friendship is over, as sad as it is. There are people Ive known who
cause a lot of unnecessary stress and drama. It always feels more hostile if you let that grow
instead of addressing the issue and, if theres no saving it, moving on. The drama doesnt help at
all during high school.

Anyway, thank you for your post.

#10 Bill G. on 03, Jan, 2010 at 1:17 pm

Great list. Number one particularly applies to me and my previous decade. I graduated high
school in 2003 and the went on to struggle through college for six years until finally deciding to
call it quits this past year. I came to the realization that the only reason I was doing it was
because other people said I should, and that it didnt make me happy (in fact it made me quite
suicidal at times, and Im not just saying that in jest).

Now that Ive quit Ive got a great job learning to be a butcher and guess what, I love it! Cutting
meat and helping people make their decisions for what to have for dinner (whether an every day
meal or a huge one like Thanksgiving or Christmas) is incredibly satisfying work and I truly
believe that I enjoy it more than any office job that I would have gotten with my college degree.
Sure Ill never make six figures, but theres enough money down the road in the career to keep
me comfortable and able to take a vacation every now and then, and thats all I really need. And
at least during all that time Im not on vacation I actually enjoy my work

#11 mona gonzalez on 03, Jan, 2010 at 1:58 pm

Thank you for sharing this, and also for sharing your wifes journey over cancer. I am glad the
ordeal is over and hope the best for your family. Thank you too for sharing your writing, too. I
think you are quite gifted and the pointers are wise.

#12 Edgar Ruskov on 03, Jan, 2010 at 2:15 pm

You sir,

are a wise man. I feel (as an engineering student) that Ill probably end up hating my job/life and
go off to pay my final dues to God by wrestling a cougar on mt. Everest a lot of people do not
want to retire and end up in a home

#13 Ta4ka on 03, Jan, 2010 at 2:17 pm

Lovet every single point you made. I found myself in lots of your words, especially in the
begining that your happy that 2009 has ended. I think this will be a much better year for me and I
cant wait for it to start.

Anyway my passion is in developing websites, that is what I love and always have, besides my
work where i work for other people websites the most fullfuilling thing to me is when I work on
my idea, check it out if you have the time

#14 Turbowoman on 03, Jan, 2010 at 4:17 pm


You make it sound as if 27 is old and that you have wasted a life-time searching for a suitable
career. Actually, you are probably only 1/4 of the way through your life. If you enjoy writing so
much, go to school to study creative writing or journalism, or write articles for your local paper.
In reading your blog, it is apparent you would make an excellent special feature writer. I am
glad that your girlfriend beat cancer, what a great New Years gift.

#15 Caitlin on 03, Jan, 2010 at 6:54 pm

I stumbled this article, and I have to say that I am glad that I did. You said that 10 years ago you
were 17? I am 17 now. I appreciate the knowledge you have passed on, and I will keep it in
mind.

#16 hmm.. on 03, Jan, 2010 at 7:39 pm

well i agree with most of what youve written, im 3 years older than you and know i dont know
everything and looking back 10 years really doesnt help that much because i was 100x more
ignorant of how the world works. i presetnly work in a job im good at but has no real future in it
(computer tech) and it pays better than anything else i did prior to that (hotel clerk, ive actually
seen and heard ads for these types of jobs calling them careers; lol, read Nickled and Dimed for
a closer approximation of the truth) but i dont really like it much, i was once passionate about
computing but that long since dulled over, especially seeing what the internet has largely become
another avenue for the shallow vacuous consumer driven lifestyles that benefit only corporate
board members stock portfolios.

ive had similar experiences to what you relate (homeless/close friend with so-called terimal
cancer etc, and i was and they were both younger than you) but i think you should back off the
im grizzled air of the article cause youre not; not by a long shot (this is not an insult). ask
someone 30 years older than you what they think, in fact ask a bunch of them.

the one thing i agree with the most is the networking thing, i have exactly 2 friends, im an
introvert with incurable chronic depression and other problems and that has been teh biggest
obstacle to changing work fields or anything else as i have no family so there is no one to help. i
dont agree because of the networking aspect, though. i agree because i believe in the socratic
sentiment that everyone has something to teach you whether you (or they) know it. i believe
deeply you must look inward before you can do anything in the external world. introspection
isnt all bad. for me i cant think of anything i actually love doing enough to notice its not work
except playing video games and smoking weed and i cant get paid to do either =)

$.02

#17 Rusty on 03, Jan, 2010 at 10:36 pm

Most of these points are good advice. That said, I was a little concerned by #5. It seems that
there might be a little bit of the ol straighten up and do what you are told coming through in
your writing. There is something to be said about sticking to a job that you love, but dealing with
crap just so you can climb this imaginary ladder can sometimes blind you to what your life may
actually be about. It is best put by a wise man named Alan Watts.

http://www.neticons.net/music_life/

#18 Sharyn Naismith on 03, Jan, 2010 at 11:17 pm


Got here through StumbleUpon and just wanted to say thanks for this post. Theres a lot of stuff
there that I needed to read again. I know exactly how you feel I had a couple of years put on
hold because of medical issues and it sucks. I still feel like Im catching up!

Hang in there, and heres to a much better 2010.

#19 Michelle on 04, Jan, 2010 at 2:50 am

Those people that say college was the greatest years of their lives live pretty sad lives. I think
getting married, having a family, and being in a career you love should be the greatest years of
your life. Otherwise, you make good points.

#20 Colleen Hill on 04, Jan, 2010 at 3:14 am

Stumbledupon this and loved it very wise. As a retired professional, I agree, definitely do
something you love, if at all possible. But finding out what that is might be a rocky and twisty
road. I ended up doing almost exactly opposite of what I thought I wanted to do, and loved it. I
wanted to be a speech pathologist with adults in hospitals and rehab centers, and ended up
working with middle school kids in school. We had much to offer each other, and I always felt
privileged to talk with kids and get paid to do it!

#21 Meheen on 04, Jan, 2010 at 4:22 am

I dunno. Im 18 and I have no interest in selling my soul for money. Corporate kissing ass only
gets you far in this life. The paycheck might be there and it might help fill your stomach but it
wont fill your soul.
To be perfectly honest I really dont like money. Why should I get a degree in something I dont
have a passion for and slave for 50 years to eventually buy a BMW?
I like college but hate partying.

The networking advice is good, as an artist it is really important, but nothing is more important
than a strong portfolio.

I really feel like the only worthwhile pursuit in life is to create. So Im studying art. I could never
retire from art. I want to paint on my deathbed. Even if I go blind Ill just have someone tell me
what color is what and Ill keep going for it.

Im going to school to become an elementary school teacher because thats where the good
advice comes in; not the whole go to college, get a job but believe in yourself and follow
your heart. But, Im fully aware that if I dont like it I can switch gears. I would NEVER want
to have just one job in my life. It sounds awful.
I want to open a cafe, operate a gallery, teach a class, so many things. Humans can do so much
and its insulting to tell any person to limit themselves to one job in their life.

#22 nivv on 04, Jan, 2010 at 5:07 am

Nice! The problem for most people around me is, however, that no one knows what they want to
be doing. It seems that it takes some time to figure that out, and after 14 years of education, we
still havnt learned the most important thing, to know what you want to do. You can only
achieve this by testing stuff out

#23 Saurabh on 04, Jan, 2010 at 6:24 am


Quite informative and I especially liked your style of writing.very free flowing and
straightforward. Suggestion were very good. but alas i am too old now to change some decisions
now :(. anyways good luck with your site. Keep writing!!!

#24 Alannah on 04, Jan, 2010 at 7:50 am

Touche my friend. Very enlightening. Normally Id hesitate to respond but thanks to #10, here i
am!!! Im you 10 years ago, just trying to make the right decisions and follow those steps that
have been replaying in my head. Thanks dude :]

#25 mercedes on 04, Jan, 2010 at 8:15 am

Hey Shaun,
This is a great post. The 10 things are fantastic but Id add and 11th for women (mostly) :You
are way more gorgeous than you know.

On a side note I had the same year from hell that you had in 2009 in 2008 except I was in
Cassies shoes. And from a year in the future youre right it does get better, normal life returns,
cancer stops being the primary topic of conversation and you can start being young again and
stop hanging out a hospitals! My very best wishes to the both of you.

#26 links for 2010-01-04 | Glorified Monkey on 04, Jan, 2010 at 11:05 am

[...] 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago LifeReboot.com (tags: life advice) [...]

#27 Silver on 04, Jan, 2010 at 3:55 pm

Wow. You captured not only those typical important life lessons, but shared them such an
emotional and personl breath that Im close to tears. It really has been one hell of a year, and it
seems to have been tough for everyone I know. My only addition is to remember remember
ones personal list when times are good, when its easy to put stuff off to tomorrow. Not only are
our tomorrows limited, but our positive actions can be a respectful sign of support to those
whose lives are currently on hold just trying to stay afloat instead of swimming.

#28 Alexander on 04, Jan, 2010 at 5:03 pm

I stumbledupon this. Fantastic, Im 18 just about to start university next month. I will return to
this advice. Thank you very much

#29 Clark Haley on 04, Jan, 2010 at 6:59 pm

Thanks for the post. As the husband of a cancer survivor (3 years ago), I can tell you that within
a year it will all seem like a bad memory. Im passing on your tips to my college age sons! Life
has many lessons!

#30 Lester on 04, Jan, 2010 at 7:13 pm

your #1 might have literally changed my life.

doing what you are, being a writer that is, changed someones life.

id say that that is an accomplishment.

#31 FabiolaMX on 04, Jan, 2010 at 8:01 pm


I really enjoyed your post. Reading it made me see that Ive made some mistakes in my life, and
you just pointed them out for me.

I really do agree with #8, I try always to speak up my mind, loud and clear, because thats the
only way to let others know what you want, think and feel.

But #1 really hit me, and really hard. This was the biggest mistake I have ever made and now
Im trying to repair it. Searching, reading, talking to other people, watching I now investigate
to discover my true passion in life, and then stick to it.
Thank you!

#32 Leon on 04, Jan, 2010 at 8:02 pm

Do what you are! Thanks, its making me feel better for walking away from my old job and
doing more of what I love today.

#33 R on 04, Jan, 2010 at 8:57 pm

Thanks for those pearls of wisdom. They are an inspiration. My father died of cancer just a
couple months ago so I can really relate. He battled Leukemia for 8 years and the slow suffering
was unfathomable. The conversation always centered around and returned to pain, hospitals,
doctors, appointments It all showed me how much we need to enjoy the moment. You cant
take your money with you. Love your family right now.

#34 Shaun Boyd on 04, Jan, 2010 at 9:56 pm

@Everyone

Thanks for all of the positive feedback. I wasnt expecting such an enthusiastic response from
my first post of the New Year, but Im grateful to know that many of you found inspiration in it!

Thanks, also, for the kind words about Cassies triumph over cancer. It feels so good to talk
about it like its in the past. Cheers!

#35 Andres Ferraro on 04, Jan, 2010 at 10:07 pm

Excellent list. Heres what I do: I have a place near a lake that I visit every so often The place
is beautiful and calm. What I do there is two things after sitting down for a minute. First I try to
send a message to my past self a message much like your life lessons I think hard What would
I tell the Andres that sat in this same spot a year ago?. Of course I cant travel through time, but
suspending disbelief helps a lot with the second part: Listening. I try hard to hear myself in the
future and try to imagine what that Andres from the future is telling me. What is he whispering?
What did he come here to tell me a year from now?

#36 Joseph Bernard on 05, Jan, 2010 at 1:45 am

What a thoughtful and inspired list. Thanks for spreading your light out into the world.

Joseph

#37 jace anderson on 05, Jan, 2010 at 1:47 am

this is a must read, not only for me but for lots of folks. i will be sharing this page. Thanks for
that.
#38 ven on 05, Jan, 2010 at 1:51 am

this is very inspiring.. im feeling rather down these days and this certainly perked me up,
especially the part where you said Everyone has the right to make an ass out of themselves. You
just cant let the world judge you too much. Ive always been shy to try new things so maybe
this year ill change that, and i wont care if i make an ass out of myself

#39 Kate on 05, Jan, 2010 at 1:57 am

I loved every word of this. It meant something to me, thank you.

#40 Beth Terry on 05, Jan, 2010 at 2:01 am

Shaun well said. And congratulations on getting it so young. Your maturity and wisdom will
serve you well. You had a rough journey with your wifes illness, and you learned the lessons.
So few really do learn them. I know youll find that path you seek far sooner than you think.

You have a great writing voice. Keep it up.


Enjoy the journey!
Beth

#41 Miriam Zapata on 05, Jan, 2010 at 2:13 am

Being hysterical wasnt an option.

its not?

Aww.

I feel the same way about everything I read here. Thanks for sharing.

#42 Crystall on 05, Jan, 2010 at 2:35 am

This post is really wonderful very well-written and spot-on. I have a few years on you and have
made many of the same mistakes in life that you have listed. I, like Andres (above), need to
listen out for that Crystall of the future and make some changes for the right reasons. Thanks for
your insite.

#43 Jamie Favreau on 05, Jan, 2010 at 2:39 am

I think another thing is to know when to get out of a toxic anything. To know how to walk away.
I think that is as important as communicating the right thing to the person in your life. You have
to be able to walk away and make a clean start.

#44 Cyler on 05, Jan, 2010 at 3:10 am

I was given a link by a friend and I have now added this blog to my RSS. I think #4 stood out the
most for me, but theyre all great. I am at a time of transition in my life and this was perfect for
me to read on the eve of my move to a different province. Thank you.

#45 Carla Quick on 05, Jan, 2010 at 3:53 am

I loved your blog. I agree with everything you say. A bad bout of post-natal depression forced
me to re-evaluate what was important to me and who I was. It shouldnt have taken that, but in
a weird way the end result was that I am a happier, more confident person who worries less
about what people thinks and continually tries to be myself whatever.. Thank you for
reminding me what is important and I am so pleased that Cassie AND you, beat cancer

#46 Tabs on 05, Jan, 2010 at 4:10 am

Im so glad I stumbled across this. Im 19 years old and a sophmore in collegeliving the life :).
Im so different from who I used to be. College has opened up a whole new world to me and I
cant say I hate it. You are totally right with every life lesson you posted on here. Im glad that I
got to read this 10 years before instead of 10 years after. So Thank You.

#47 P J B on 05, Jan, 2010 at 4:18 am

#10 is so true !! I am so glad that, I have finally on the path of doing what I love to do. Great
post !!!

#48 Dylan on 05, Jan, 2010 at 4:37 am

ive came to many of these same conclusions myself the tricky partive noticedis
implementing them.

I feel like Im living the wrong way. Ill manage though.

#49 Jo on 05, Jan, 2010 at 7:27 am

The hardest thing is to find out what you love doing, and the only way to at least try to find that
is to experiment different things. And is a privilege to be able to do that, since we have bills to
pay. When we get aroud the 30s, we want to have a house, children, and sometimes these
dreams take over the dream to find the job or occupation that completes you. But we can always
try to figure things out, having a job that we hate is the worst thing ever.

#50 Marvalus on 05, Jan, 2010 at 3:56 pm

This article is why I keep Stumble-ing

Thank you for being the wind at my back today!

#51 Mario on 05, Jan, 2010 at 4:35 pm

Thanks god Cassie is all right. After an event like this you never will see the life as before. All
the things take a new look, and we use to modify the priorities. What before appeared like a
problem (a bill to pay, a deadline, etc), not longer are problems. Just are like any item to be fixed
on day to day basis. Thanks for sharing in your blog.

#52 Sarah on 05, Jan, 2010 at 6:25 pm

Thank youthank you.

Im 17, about to leave home, and will always remember these. May God Bless you.

#53 Miss M on 05, Jan, 2010 at 11:16 pm

That is terrific for you, for Cassie.


I have a dear friend that recently fought the same battle with cancer. Unfortunately, the ending is
not the same. My friend leaves behind her husband and children and much sadness for family
and friends.

While I agree with everything you said above, and I thank you for that, I must add that
overpowering any of your ten is prayer.

#54 ris on 06, Jan, 2010 at 10:35 am

I just stumbledupon this article and I guess God wanted me to read it.

Ive been living this dilema for a few months now, and Im talking about n# 1. I love
Photography and I really want to become a professional, but my family and friends keep telling
me that I will die of starvation if I go this way. They say I should do something more money-
reliable because Ill eventually get rich somehow.

As you said: if we do what we are we will be successful because were doing something we were
made to.
Now Ill just shut my ears down and I wont listen to any other advices. I just loved yours and
Im sure you know what youre talking about.

#55 dtm on 06, Jan, 2010 at 12:40 pm

Great list. Ive posted a similar list to my blog and we definitely agree on many points.

too bad retrospect is 20/20 instead of foresight.

#56 Rolltide! on 06, Jan, 2010 at 12:43 pm

Inspiring to say the least! Thanks so much!

#57 heatherK on 06, Jan, 2010 at 1:14 pm

I disagree with #5 in part. I do agree that paying dues is a good thing in terms of developing
character. And I do agree that one should not hop from job to job for the sole reason of looking
for something better because the grass is usually always the same shade no matter where you
go.

The part I disagree with is your advice to stay loyal to a job and a company because nowadays,
its not guaranteed that the company will stay loyal to you. Sure, stay long enough to give it an
honest chance. But at some point its going to be obvious that its the right place for you to be or
not, and if its not, dont waste any more time there.

And Ive actually heard that staying at one place for a long time might actually hurt a person
when looking for a job; employers today like to see varied experience.

#58 Most Tweeted Articles by Google Experts on 06, Jan, 2010 at 1:58 pm

[...] WordPress 2.9.1 2 Likes Online Marketing Manager (m/w) 2 Likes 10 Things I Wish
Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago LifeReboot.com 2 Likes ??? Android ?????? Nexus One???
Android [...]

#59 Michael on 06, Jan, 2010 at 4:19 pm


Man, follow your own advice! Quit your job today and become a writer. Life is too short, etc etc

#60 Michael on 06, Jan, 2010 at 4:27 pm

Oh, never mind. It seems youve already done so. Write on

#61 Candy on 06, Jan, 2010 at 6:10 pm

Hi Shaun,

Im about the same age as you (27), and I agree with most of your main points. I definitely agree
that one should explore hobbies and opportunities, other people, as well as yourself as much as
possible! I think my biggest regrets involve not engaging more in the world out there to make the
most of my life at all times.

I do have a couple of corollaries I would add to what you have already written:
#7- Getting to know others is good for more than just networking. Its good to simply make life
more interesting and to learn new things.
#5- While loyalty and dedication to an employer is commendable, dont expect that trying to
pay your dues will help you to move up the ladder. I learned this the hard wayI tried to lie
low and just do my job and was still laid off at the end of 2009. I will just take what I can
from the experience and see it as a new opportunity to try out a different kind of work in the
future, though
#3- The best way to change yourself is to be sure to make sure what you are doing is clearly
defined. I find that writing my goals and reviewing them periodically helps me to accomplish
more than if I simply think about my goals without putting them into a more concrete form.
#2- There will always be negative people out there, not just targeting you and your goals, but
also making the worst of out of your shared situations (i.e., coworkers talking bad about your
boss). Cultivate relationships with the people who are positive and expect the best out of other
people, not those who expect the worst. Strive for relationships of mutual respect and trust with
those people, and distance yourself from people who trash others behind their back.

Thanks for the thought-provoking post! Hope you have a great 2010!

#62 Tanya Pineda on 06, Jan, 2010 at 6:59 pm

Everything youre saying is making alot of sense. Im a senior in High School awaiting for my
college acceptance letters so the college advice is really helpful as well as the relationship
advice.
Thank You.

#63 MasacruAlex on 06, Jan, 2010 at 7:19 pm

Thank you for letting us know what you didnt back then Helps me a lot and other people as
well , indeed dont put to SOUL what others say or think about you , haters : D

#64 Brittany on 06, Jan, 2010 at 7:50 pm

Id tell my younger self to embrace the space she takes up in this world and to stand up for
herself. Id tell her that marriage at 19 is not a good idea and to go to college away from her
hometown. Money management is imperative. Credit cards are evil and the borrower is slave to
the lender.

Im so glad to hear Cassie and you are doing well. I lost my father to cancer.
Thanks for this list! I needed to read it today.

#65 bobby on 07, Jan, 2010 at 1:59 am

Im in college now, its good to hear these thoughts. This is an awesome way to get pumped up
about doing things you like, basically living your life the right way. this is one of the best blogs
ive ever read, it makes me excited to be alive. Im just a college student, but you should take
your own advice and do something about your career. Tell your boss to read your blogno
chance it will get you fired. If hes a reasonable guy, it could work to benefit you. Take a chance,
heck I could even see this getting published somewhere, I would buy it.

peace

#66 Dee on 07, Jan, 2010 at 2:58 am

Hey. Very sound practical advice, and I have been repeating some of the same messages to
myself. Im pushing 30. I have been in the real world, held a good job, changed it up a few
times, and now Im back in school again. As much as it hurts my manhood to not have the bank
account to support myself and maybe a wife and some kids someday, I keep telling myself that
this is a journey. Every day gets you one step closer to somewhere that you werent
standing previously. Thats what I think anyway.

Linking you to my blog. Will be back soon. Thanks.

#67 Juan on 07, Jan, 2010 at 4:49 pm

Thanks, Gracias de verdad !!!

You know, yesterday I was picking my best friend in the airport with another good friend of us.
For thing of life we started a chat that resumed everything that was written in this post. The only
thing is that we are starting a new cycle and life is became more than just party and not doing a
shit. Life now becomes real, I must start working and in the middle term, leave my house and
buy my car. I hope I can have the BMW I want, the Ducatti to ride my girl and my astonishing
home where I can raise my family and my beautiful (unknown) wife.

But is this possible? Shit men I just wonder and wonder of how can I make this possible, I read, I
learn from people and always try to believe this is going to happen. But the truth is that I am lost.
I have always reached extraordinary achievements (scholarship, pay my own life and party style,
good student bla bla) but the thing is that I am not feeling right. I think I am lost and that all
things that I want I just want them for granted but I dont feel that passion for things. Maybe,
well not maybe, for true the weed is affecting my life. And something I just know after reading
this and talking so sincerely with my friends yesterday is that I have to stop this stupid thing
right know. I want life as it is know and not as I expect it will be, if you expect happiness in your
life in the future, you are not really living anyones life, you just are feeding you expectations for
something you might want.

Be what you are now!! I want to believe in me, I want to wake up every morning and feel happy
for my life, feel happy for the things I have and I do. I want to feel the passion as and extra super
included ingredient in my life that is reflected always with the persons I talk and live around in
my life. This must include everyone, not preferences for nothing at all.

Dude, the only thing I can tell you is thanks, this article has not change my life but it has given
me the strength to say NO MORE. I want something else for my life; I am young, handsome and
intelligent. I want to accomplish all the goals I have and the first thing I have to do is get in love
again with my life. No more weed, no more life excess. Just feel what you do, remember what
you want and be grateful of what you have. As I say to my self,

El pasado nos condena, pero son los actos que hagamos en el presente los que nos liberan

Gracias de verdad, y espero cumplirle a todo aquel que lea esto que yo har un cambio en mi
vida y ser el putas que siempre he sido y voy a ser!

#68 Emily on 07, Jan, 2010 at 5:55 pm

Amazing post. Im only 17 and I feel the need to do these to get me where i want to be in life.
And atleast, even if you dont get paid for this, youre able to write to us and make a change in
our lives aswell as ours.

Thank you, really glad you shared this

#69 Delynn on 09, Jan, 2010 at 2:02 pm

@Shaun Great post. Reminds me of Brad Paisleys Letter to me

My list of ten things I would tell myself ten years ago, if I could:

1) Life is short. Even the young can die tomorrow. Always hug your family and friend when
saying goodbye as if it will be the last time you see them. Some day you will be right.
2) Smile even when you dont feel like it. Sulking may be fun for you, but it makes you
insufferable to be around.
3) Stop procrastinating now! Never put off til tomorrow what you could get done today.
4) People will try to crush your dreams. Dont let them. No matter how crazy your ideas are,
dont let anyone take them away from you. Sure theyre crazy; what dream isnt?
5) Do your homework. I know right now you dont need to, but it will be absolutely necessary in
college.
6) Run. A lot. As much as possible. Exercise daily: the endorphines will make you happy, and
the skinniness will help you fit into your jeans.
7) Just do it. Youre gonna end up doing it eventually, and its so much easier to just get it over
with.
8 ) Always raise your hand when someone asks can I have a volunteer?
9) Take every opportunity to travel, whether it be to the grocery store or the moon.
10) Write a little bit (or a lot) every day. Dont worry about how good it is; youll get better as
you go. Dont let anyone tell you its stupid. Dont ever stop.

#70 Palaverer on 09, Jan, 2010 at 11:59 pm

Excellent life advice. I desperately wish I had been taught critical thinking skills as a child. I
could have avoided some huge mistakes that way. Thats why Im going to school now and plan
to teach thinking skills to the next generation.

#71 Duncan on 12, Jan, 2010 at 11:25 am

An enlightening article. Thank you. I read it with pleasure.

#72 Justin de la Cruz on 13, Jan, 2010 at 1:18 pm

Hi. Just wanted to say thanks and that a lot of this stuff resonated with me.
#73 Em on 16, Jan, 2010 at 5:40 am

Brilliant. This has the potential to change a lot of lives out there and im so happy for you that
the big problems of 2009 are over.

#74 coconutdelite on 17, Jan, 2010 at 12:35 am

Dig the article. What you write is true; I can really relate to #1 & #8.

I let all sorts of people guide me to a specific career. Problem was, after 3 months of being a
legal assistant I wanted to quit, and did. The job wasnt creative, but I am. Long story short, Im
now doing what I love where I can express myself creatively #8 If I could only spit out words
as easy as I can write them down.

#75 fellowsoul on 18, Jan, 2010 at 7:36 am

I would like to think that you are on the right track with your content on this site. I have been
(and still am) in the same straits than you are: the job is not gratifying, the interests which make
me feel alive are those which wont pay so much, i would like to have some change, but wont
know what on earth i would do for a living, and so on and forth.

I find myself also giving advice for my younger self. So it makes me wonder, what is the
reason why we wont get that kind of advice from the more experienced people around us. I
mean, what will we think of these things when we are 40 or 60? Or maybe we do get the advice
but the truth is we have to learn by our own.

Why dont you sometime do an article about the advice which older people would give us? They
must have a galaxy of information to tell us they have all get through all of this earlier. Or is it
so afterall, that its our own quest to make.

#76 Blake on 22, Jan, 2010 at 7:15 pm

I am thankful to have found your blog. Thank you for your wisdom and inspiration. 10
yearsIm the big 32 today. I would tell my 22 year old self to buck-up and go for it. Actually, I
guess Im telling my 32 year old self the same thing! BUCK UP AND GO FOR IT!!!!!!!
I feel something boiling inside. Something that has never quite been there before. I awaken daily
to more of myself and who I really am. I think sometimes we, as beings, can be too patienttoo
patient with our circumstances and obstaclesand Im completely guilty of that! Though, the
patience is dimming and the light is coming into focusand I believe Ive found my
microscope~your blog! So glad to hear dear Cassie is healed! And look foward to reading
through your blog. All the best to you and yours Shaun

#77 Amy on 23, Jan, 2010 at 3:05 am

Thank you for reminding me what is important.I wish so deeply I had known this stuff at your
age, I have my first born in college now so a bit older than you, I left college in my sophmor
year with an associates degree in communication, to marrydumb dumb dumbbeen at that for
21 yrs and 3 of being engaged dumb.and now have 3 kids 2 college one ten years behind
them. I had struggles but the marriage is overdone.
I wish I lived more for me, I was at the place you were when you were unhappy with the
girlfriend but didnt say itI suffered for years and why because I didnt speak up.
I now use writing and humor to get through, I never achieved my real goals and due to a failed
marriage that would have been over sooner but I was worried what the kids would thinkand
still do. But I have to live for me, health worries I have make me realize this life is a party and
parties are not made to last. I need to party while I can. Thank you for your wisdom.
I am so glad Stumble Upon lead me to this.

#78 Spesh. on 24, Jan, 2010 at 9:49 pm

Im seventeen, and suffer from low self esteem, not following through, peer pressure. You know,
all the good stuff you already talked about not doing. I dont know what Im going to do with
myself after graduating. Ive gotten rejected from three of my top schools. I hate my life right
now. Youve just reminded me again that I wanted to enjoy life. Do what you are Im a writer.
Sometimes thats all I can identify myself as, and it doesnt feel quite like enough. Doing that for
a living seems like a prayer for job insecurity at the moment.
Reading your advice made me realize that I dont really give a damn about job security. That I
need to do what I want and stop worrying about what my mom wants, what my friends are going
to do. If I ever want a half ass shot at being happy, at some point.
Thanks alot.

#79 Ed McLean on 29, Jan, 2010 at 7:30 pm

Excellent post for someone your age..quite remarkable actually. Retrospect at 27 is rare indeed.
Heres one more thing to live by that I read a very long time agoturns out it was more true
than I could imagine.
Marry the right personit will account for 87% of your happiness

Be well and keep writing

#80 David @ A Happy Pocket Full of Money on 01, Feb, 2010 at 10:00 am

About #10 Forgive my french, but there is a funny saying I once saw. It said, opinions are like
***holes. Everybody has one. And a year from now, most wont matter anyways.

About #8 it is so true. And it works in reverse also. You cannot mind read, so no point trying
to imagine what other people are thinking about you. They cannot smell your thoughts, and nor
can you smell theirs.

#81 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago | Alabama Portrait Photographer - Jerrell
Terrell on 03, Feb, 2010 at 5:34 pm

[...] Told Me 10 Years Ago Sunday, January 31, 2010 Posted in PersonalOne of my favorite sites
to read, Life Reboot, posted an amazing article 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years
Ago. Reading through the [...]

#82 jay on 04, Feb, 2010 at 2:44 am

Great post Shaun. I am glad I stumbled upon this link and was completely engrossed with
whatever you had to say. All the points make terrific sense to me and in a way I could relate to
them as I am of same age. The presentation was such that I felt forced to recommend it to some
other friends.

Thanks for sharing.

#83 Munazza on 05, Feb, 2010 at 6:36 am

hey Shaun! I got directed here but my dear friend Jay..and honestly, It was far beyond my
expectations:)
You have a way with words..and I love that fact:) Impressive post:) Guess I am soon going to get
hooked to your posts. great going:)

#84 Natalie on 16, Feb, 2010 at 9:33 am

Excellent list! As a woman, the list would be different because soo much of your life is tangled
up with your romantic/reproductive decisions. We breed little boys to grow up and make money,
we train little girls to go out and take care of someone.

#85 Rohit Bhatia on 25, Feb, 2010 at 2:08 pm

This is a very well thought off list.

I liked reading each and every point you made. My fav is #8: Nobody know what you are
thinking unless you tell em

#86 think. sunsets & silhouette dreams` on 16, Mar, 2010 at 2:38 am

[...] 16 March, 2010 Adapted from 10 things I wish someone told me 10 years ago [...]

#87 B on 17, Mar, 2010 at 2:17 pm

Very inspiring and well said. Im printing this out for my children to read.
Thank you.

#88 Jessica Pabinquit on 25, Mar, 2010 at 6:09 am

. You seriously changed my life. Thank you- you brought me to tears of joy.

#89 Matt Cooper on 25, Mar, 2010 at 12:52 pm

Quite a self indulgent article and very common problems people think about and deal with
everyday naturally. I hope your boss doesnt read this?

#90 Lauren on 27, Mar, 2010 at 8:01 pm

I stumbled upon this blog (literally) and after reading this entry, I think Ill come back and keep
reading. You are very wise for your age and have a lot of fantastic things to say (and not to
mention, youre a great writer so keep it up). I truly agree with what you say here. Life is too
short to waste doing stupid restricting things, spending time with people who bring you down, or
worry about things that arent really a big deal. To make the most of life, you need to do what
makes you happy, expand your horizons and take time to appreciate the things you already have.
Great job with the post. Cant wait to read more.

#91 RachaelBlogs on 30, Mar, 2010 at 6:44 am

What a fantastic and inspiring blog post


There are so many simple things that we need to focus on that often get pushed aside by the rest
of life.

hope your 2010 and every year after is great x

#92 Jessica on 30, Mar, 2010 at 11:40 pm


Im 16, and stumbled upon this the other night, while I was actually typing a research paper
about colleges and majors for my english class. Im a sophomore in high school, so I feel like I
still have some time, but I am so confused with what to do with my life. When I read #1, so
many thoughts went through my mind. Thank you thank you thank you. Words cannot explain
how much you have influenced me.

Also, the whole, dont worry about what some people think about you, because chances are,
they wont be in your life 10 years from now thought process has come up many times since I
read it. Now when I walk around school, present projects, or just go out, I think about the fact
that what others think doesnt matter. Because they wont be in my life in 10 years, let alone 10
minutes.

When you said to learn a new language, right away, my slacking off in Spanish came into mind.
I seem to always push it to the side as just another class, not one of the important ones. When in
reality, I should be studying for it the most.

Ive decided to read this again every few days, to remind myself of how beautiful life is and how
much I need to take advantage of each and every moment and decision. Thank you. If I could
give you a huge hug right now, I honestly would. I wish you the best.

#93 Elle Samuel on 07, Apr, 2010 at 12:15 am

I just stumbled across this, but love this post. Its always interesting how our perspective of life
changes in 10 years. Thank you for writing this!

#94 Scott Russell on 16, Apr, 2010 at 11:29 pm

Another stumbler who is asking myself these same things. Can agree with all of them and def
could use some working on some of them, mostly the networking and keeping good terms with
jobs. Having a real hard time with that last one as Im impatient and would rather be bettering
myself then folding retail clothes, working a register, calling random people just to be hung up
on, etc. as Im a questioner of the time and money dichotomy and usually find myself pushing
for the former. Thanks for your words of wisdom though for whatever its worth:)

#95 aware on 17, Apr, 2010 at 5:19 am

great words, be happy you are aware of these things now! the past is gone and you HAVE
learned from it, now change your idea of what your future holds and make life happen as you
dream and create it! Love, Hope, and Faith everything else is constantly changing

#96 links for Inspiration | Funny World Wide Web on 18, Apr, 2010 at 8:35 pm

[...] 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago LifeReboot.com (tags: inspiration
lifehacks advice life lessons self-improvement) [...]

#97 Snipeor on 03, May, 2010 at 7:49 am

Wisdom is a comb your given when all your hair is gone

But may I thank you all for lending me a comb whilst my hair is still growing.

#98 Ella on 03, May, 2010 at 8:32 am


Do what you are. Those words have proved so very important after wasting 18 long years of
my working life in the wrong sector. Having rethought my career path to one that is relevant to
who I am, Im now at college and will be heading to university in September. Ill be 39 years old
in one months time with four, maybe six years of full time education ahead of me. Im broke and
have exams ahead shortly but have never been happier.

Do what you are is the law. If you have the opportunity to drag yourself out of the career black
hole, then do it! I sure as hell wont be spending my health insurance on stress related illnesses
in the future. I have a future:)

Thanks very much Shaunyoure a Stumbleupon diamond:)

#99 butterfly on 03, May, 2010 at 9:22 am

hi this is my first time to your site and I was touched by your story although did know nothing
about it. But what did hit me was this: being sick of talking about something. I recently did that.
i had talked about a failed relationship for so long, and even wrote three books about it now I am
faced with blogging on my self development and just saying the truth about life. Good job that
you are still setting goals.

#100 lisa on 03, May, 2010 at 4:17 pm

Interesting that i stumbled onto this site at this specific time in my life. Thankyou for the wisdom
youve shared. Ive only just decided to post-pone my acceptance to my first choice school, in
order to spend a gap year volunteering in South America. Its an attempt to incorporate all of the
points youve discussed above, ideas that have literaly been consuming me as of late. I hope
others find such clarity on your writing

#101 Steve on 03, May, 2010 at 10:39 pm

You have really moved me. I suck at writing, so Ill just say it as best I can: you are an amazing
writer and I feel truly inspired by this passage. I look forward to future posts.
Thank you for this.

#102 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10 Years Ago LifeReboot.com Eternal Thoughts
from a Sunshine Mind on 04, May, 2010 at 9:18 am

[...] May 4, 2010 by gurnage Great read and advice for all.
http://www.lifereboot.com/2010.....years-ago/ [...]

#103 Aron L on 05, May, 2010 at 7:15 am

Thank you so much for this post, mailed it to some of my friends. I am 19 years old and I think
allot about things like this and I really hope that I will learn from this.
Thank you for sharing. It feels world needs more of this.

#104 teh_disciplererer.....er on 05, May, 2010 at 7:37 pm

lol, noob i figured all tat stuff out yrs ago

#105 hallsan on 20, May, 2010 at 3:08 pm

Thanks, you put yourself out there and your insights are good, and very worthwhile reading.
#106 Stephanie on 23, May, 2010 at 11:04 pm

I feel personally that it doesnt matter who you are or what age you are, I am 18 and almost
everything that you said to me is common sense to live a truly healthy and happy life. All in all
what youre saying is be true to yourself and respect yourself/others, of course other things too.
If youre not already doing that then you need to look @ yourself. When it comes down to it you
really only have yourself, so why live doing what other people expect of you? I refuse to
conform in my life, in some things you have to a little (like work depending) but otherwise I live
life for myself and stay true to what I expect of others.

And honestly you shouldnt have to work as a waitress or have a menial job to understand that
being rude to those lower than you is wrong. Everyone is human so obviously any discrimination
is unacceptable! I think the one thing on here that was kind of helpful was #2 because I have a
rather small support system and am a family outcast because I dont put up with bullshit. This
yet again touches on the be true to yourself issue. Thanks for posting anyways, but those who
dont already know this need to be truer to themselves and stop conforming! I do agree that
networking is important.

#107 YouWillnotRemeberthisName on 24, May, 2010 at 12:47 am

This list Im only 17 and Im going to use this list. I stumbled this and Im going to use it.

Thank-you Shaun Boyd.

#108 Jule on 06, Jun, 2010 at 4:55 pm

Wow, I am currently finishing up my freshman year of college, and after long sleepless nights,
fights on the phone with my parents, and lots of tears I have realized #1 and #2 are SO true. I
was in my major for the high paying career at the end of 4 years AND because its what my
parents want for me. Well, newsflash, I dont want to do it anymore, and I have excellent
alternatives. I personally dont think changing your major because youd be happy doing
something that you are is a problem. I am a people person, I would like to be with people,
helping and communicating, NOT sitting in a lab all day. Can you say negativity? Man alive!
Everyone was negative! My advisers, my friends in my major, even the people who are
supposedly my cheerleaderslets just say they werent cheering when I told them the news
BUT the people who love me know its best. Thank you for this list, it truly applies.

#109 Andrew on 06, Jun, 2010 at 10:18 pm

Thanks for a great article. Some of these points really hit home. I will surely take these to heart
and make good use of the ones I can. I wish I could have made better use of #7. I am a bit shy
and chose to be a loner of sorts. I only talked to other people whether it be other students or
professors when I had to. I have often thought about this before I even reading your blog. I am
now 40 and not only do I not have a good network, I am still single. Seems like most of my
friends met there special someone while in school. I chose to hide in my apartment when not in
class. I recently was laid off and realized I did not have a solid network to fall back on either.
Makes me wish Id had more fun, gotten out more, and talked to more people when I was there.
Anyway, Ive rambled long enough!
Thanks again for the great advice!
-Andrew

#110 Andrea on 07, Jun, 2010 at 5:33 am

I needed this. Thank you very much.


#111 Ruth on 07, Jun, 2010 at 7:23 am

Stumbled on this and it harmonises beautifully with what Im up to but Im 49.

It wasnt cancer that brought me to my senses. It was the end of my 25 year marriage. Some
people identify with their work, but for me its all about family. I was completely devastated,
even though I knew the relationship wasnt perfect. It was like a bereavement, but with the added
pain of knowing my ex was happier than ever with a new partner, while I ached for a significant
other more than I could bear.

So, with my 2 children off at college, I decided to chuck in my full-time work in education,
where Id been climbing ladders for ages. Knowing that one day I will get a tiny pension from
my teaching, which feels like a safety net (though not a very strong one), Ive had a gap year for
the first time in my life and although I have no money, Im getting happy!

My new goals are nothing like the ones I used to make. Instead of having the end in mind, I aim
now to be alert to opportunites as they arise, to have a look at whats just around the corner and
to downshift as much as possible. Theres a whole community out there of people living frugally
on purpose, because they want time more than money and it tunes in with environmental
concerns too.

So, for instance, the last 3 times Ive been out running I have come across something interesting.
The first time it was 3 fat tie-wraps lying on the ground, which have fixed my broken tent poles.
Next, it was two bookcases in someones front garden. I put a postcard through their door
enquiring whether these were going in or being chucked out and now Im gloss-painting them
to go up in my house. Yesterday I came across a poster for a series of morning Walks and Talks
by the river. I can attend because I only work part-time now. Who knows where that may lead.

#112 Allison on 07, Jun, 2010 at 11:24 am

Im 17 and ive been thinking about all these things a lot lately, and how even looking back on
the last 3 years i feel as if theyre wasted time, i was never sure how to put it into words, but you
did an excellent job! thanks Im going to really try to follow this advice i know it will make my
life just amazing

#113 Kelsey on 10, Jun, 2010 at 6:26 pm

I stumbled upon your blog by accident but I want you to know that you have just saved me. I feel
undecided about everything in my life. This blog filled my heart with longing. I want to create a
new life for myself. I am beginning to realize that it is okay to do things differently. I always live
by the motto:Do whats right by you, and let others do the same. Its a theme that has burned
me at times but, overall I feel proud of my individual choices. Reading your post reinforced that
motivation and self confidence can really change things. I want to thank you for finally making
me feel like its okay to be confused. I want to thank you, for giving me the motivation to live
MY life. I am going to quit my job tomorrow (on good terms, of course) and start a new life for
myself. I dont want to be robbed of my individuality anymore. Thank you for saving me from
living a life thats not my own.

#114 Samantha on 11, Jun, 2010 at 8:47 am

I enjoyed this article very much. There are those days when you need someone else to say it, so
it doesnt seem insane that you only hear it when you tell yourself. I relate to the not writing is
suicide emotional closet you battle to turn the light on but electicity cost money and society
fails to guide us on solar energy because they are busy fucking us while we are left sorely rubing
two sticks together to start a fire.

#115 Alison on 15, Jul, 2010 at 1:32 pm

I want to give this list to my 2 teenager children and I hope with all my heart that they will
believe and follow this wisdom because it will make an amazing difference if they do.

What you say here is important and true (and I wish someone had given it to me when I was 18
years old)

Thank you for sharing.

#116 anaise5 on 05, Aug, 2010 at 12:48 pm

This is an awesome blog! Just what I need as a 20 year old student who is on a constant search
for my dream career, this advice really opens my eyes up to a few things Ive never realized
prior to reading this..THANKS : )

#117 Rae on 12, Aug, 2010 at 4:40 am

This is great advice! I am constantly told what I should or should not because of money, and it is
truly so confusing when you are just starting out on your own on how to handle everything.
Number one especially hit home for me because both my parents/family continually nag me on
my career choice. It gives me hope and makes me want to pursue my dream even more after
reading this!

#118 jeremy on 12, Aug, 2010 at 9:18 pm

Nothing else to say but you did a good job and I hope you are writing now as a profession.

#119 Tim Helm on 12, Aug, 2010 at 9:50 pm

Thank You for writing such an inspiring piece. This has changed many people as i read the
comments. I especially like #1 Enjoy your life

#120 vidyarthi asit on 13, Aug, 2010 at 8:27 am

thanks Dude!!! its an awesome post..


infact anytime i look at ur posts i just start reStarting

#121 Rachel on 13, Aug, 2010 at 3:12 pm

Ive read several of these wish I knew then pieces but this one spoke to be the most, especially
#9. Ive always been afraid of trying new things because I worried I would mess something up
and look like a fool. I was always worried that people would look at me and expect me to fail.
Even over the most mundane things. I was worried about taking this motorcycle class with my
fiance because I was worried that I would look stupid and fail in front of everyone. Then I came
across your article and it honestly spoke to me. I realized how right you were. So what if I look
stupid? Im stepping out of my safety box and I might actually enjoy myself. So I signed up for
the class and I actually find myself excited about it starting. Im still young, and I dont want to
look back on my youth with regrets that I let fear stop me from doing something I may enjoy.

Needless to say, that belief also helps boost confidence in myself. A wonderful feeling.
So I just wanted to say a line to let you know that your words really did affect someone.

This may just be a fleeting moment and I may lose my courage again but I dont think so. I want
this to continue, and I want to continue trying new things. Im sure Ill still be afraid trying new
things, but Ill still be doing them with a smile on my face.

Thank you.

#122 Eleanor on 03, Oct, 2010 at 7:36 pm

So happy to hear your wife got free of the cancer. Thats inspiring.

#123 Brittany on 22, Oct, 2010 at 9:23 pm

I was so inspired by this! Im 19 years old and still trying to figure out what I want to do with
my life. I seriously started crying when I finished reading this, you are so right on sooo many
levels dude! I just want to print this out, hang it in my room, and look at it everyday to remind
me that there is so much more to life than the bullshit that has been bringing me down. Thank
you so much for this:)

#124 Glenn R Smith on 23, Oct, 2010 at 1:51 pm

Very good article. I am 38 and thought I knew it doesnt matter what people think but it is only
now I really get it. Also doing what you love is so important and never stop being curious what
your passion is or how to make a living from it, because there is always a way.

#125 John Smith on 24, Oct, 2010 at 12:15 pm

This is an awesome blog! Just what I need as a 20 year old student who is on a constant search
for my dream career, this advice really opens my eyes up to a few things Ive never realized
prior to reading this..THANKS : )

#126 Nkem on 03, Nov, 2010 at 6:51 am

my life had been lived for those and now after reading the first five i realized my life was for me
and not for them.

#127 Gabe Arnold on 14, Nov, 2010 at 11:37 pm

Excellent post. This is what they should teach the first day of highschool AND college. Thanks
for sharing my friend.

#128 Manda Noel on 19, Nov, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Wow, I am so glad I found this blog post. I am a songwriter (in my spare time) and have recently
been offered an amazing opportunity to work with some amazing people in Nashville (I live in
Texas). Amazing as it is, Ive been stuck in the conflict of if I should leave my very good job
and family here in Texas to pursue my dream in Nashville. Thanks to point #1 on this post, Ive
made my decision. Thanks so much.

#129 Cleo on 10, Jan, 2011 at 11:46 am

Wow! It feels surreal that I found this site today because I wrote almost the same thing in my
blog as your bullet point #1. I am in my early 20s and have an inner battle all the time about
what Im doing with my life. Thank you for writing what you did. It gives me hope that I can
enjoy my everyday now instead of waiting for freedom when I retire. I just need to be brave
enough to embrace change.

#130 fajas colombianas on 13, Apr, 2011 at 11:23 am

This is what I do aswell, talking and communicating with everyone. Networking is the best thing
in the world, the more you know people, the more you would suceed because you would know
who to go to for this and that.

#131 Emmy on 17, Apr, 2011 at 3:08 pm

I just stumbled this, and usually I dont read articles I stumbleupon, but your article stick out to
me. Im 16 and Ive had some troubles lately and this article just gave me a little help. Thank
you for writing this article.

#132 Micag on 18, Dec, 2011 at 9:56 am

Sir I thank you for this advice, Im almost 30 and feel the same as you, but I couldnt write it so
well.

#133 Joshua Magann on 29, Dec, 2011 at 1:08 am

Hey mate, i am 21 and just finished my first year at uni. i have 2 or 3 to go. great quote on
college been awesome. your right with most of the stuff you say. great post.

#134 Julie on 25, Feb, 2012 at 11:24 am

Thanks for this article! This really confirmed so many things that Ive been mulling over
recentlyIve started realizing that I AM allowed to fail and I DONT have to do what everyone
else thinks I should do. At the end of my life Im the one responsible for how it turned out not
my parents or anyone else. This has encouraged me to take a break from college and try out
other things I want to dolike being a flight attendant and traveling the world! I might never
have another chance to do that. Thank you so much for your inspiring words!

#135 Alex on 17, Mar, 2012 at 12:11 am

Definitely good advice that the majority of people do not see or know will lead them to
happiness, coming from a 20 year old, I know many of these things to be true, Im just stuck
trying to find the motivation to help, I feel Ive really lost it in the last year
well written article by the way

#136 isheyana de silva on 01, Apr, 2012 at 1:28 pm

thank u so much, i really wanted something like this. it was really helpful. tnx again.

#137 18 Things I Wish Someone Told Me When I Was 18 on 03, May, 2012 at 6:36 pm

[...] Also, if you liked this article and youre looking for similar advice on life, love and personal
growth I highly recommend that you read The Road Less Traveled by M. Scott Peck. Its an
easy, enjoyable read that literally changed my life. This article was co-written by Marc and
Angel and Shaun Boyd, and inspired by Shauns post, 10 Things I Wish Someone Told Me 10
Years Ago. [...]
#138 jeny on 20, Sep, 2012 at 5:58 pm

thankss for these advice!! it really helpss

#139 Randy on 13, Dec, 2012 at 10:25 am

You inspired me a lot.

#140 somegurl on 20, Mar, 2013 at 9:35 pm

Hey Shaun!
So, my uncle sent this post to me three years ago when you first wrote it and when I was going
through my old messages, I just saw this post and I laugh at how ironic that is. Your last advice
to follow what you love to do; well, i love to write and Ive known that for a while one way or
another. My mom is a writer and I guess it just always was in the genes. But, now, im going to
graduate from grade 12 and here I am, being the most-loved child in my humongous family
because I got into a good university and finally, they are hoping there would be a doctor in the
family after all the too-many-engineers. Well, good for them!
But, although I am good at all my subjects as a hard-working student, my interests have always
been in studying literature and photography and here I am convincing my self that I will become
a doctor and then, find some way to incorporate my writing skills and my interest in literature
into my life. And I just wanted to let you know that although I would love to follow all that
youve said, I really feel that in todays world, we are basically living our life according to
societys standards and not according to our own standards; so, how am I supposed to go and do
all I want to do in life and pretend like what others think doesnt matter when my life is built by
the hands of society?
By the way, for all it matters, I am pretty sure that the uncle that sent this link to me is the next
happiest person next to my parents that I got into a good university and yet, it is ironic!

You might also like