8 Things I Would Say To Myself… Today.

I was recently reading a post on the professional network, LinkedIn, from Richard Branson called, ‘Advice From 65 Year-Old Me To 25 Year-Old Me’ (read it here later).

As I was reading it, and there was some good advice for the entrepreneurially minded, I thought to myself, as cool as that would be to send a letter to your younger self from now, what would I say to myself today?

What have I learned from the past that I could use to propel me forward into tomorrow?

So then, as my strange-working mind would have it, here are 8 things that I would say to myself, today. Things that I feel are important for me to remember in my daily life as a forty-something…

1. Wherever you are – Be fully there!

Avoid too much distraction. When someone starts speaking to you, put down your phone, iPad, iPod, TV remote, newspaper (if they still exist), book, etc. and actually look at the person while they’re talking to you! Revolutionary right?

2. Focus on one thing at a time.

That doesn’t mean that you only have one thing on the go at a time, JUST FOCUS! I remember a sermon from years ago called, What Time Is IT? The thought was that there are different stages in life, is it school time? Is it work time? Is it family time?

Whatever time it is, focus on that while keeping one eye on the big picture.

3. Love your family above all

This includes loving them above church ministry. WHAT? HERETIC! No, You need to love your family more than your ‘station’ or ‘ministry’. They are your most important ministry. This is a lesson hard learnt through burnout and marriage break-down.

4. Keep a level head when making decisions

It’s great to get excited about things, Graham (insert your name here), but please think through the possible impact on those close to you and measure the risk versus reward in relation to where you are in life right now (financially, spiritually, physically, mentally).

5. Educate yourself continually.

Never stop learning about yourself, life, love, eternity, financial stewardship, your hobbies, those you love, and on the list goes…

Give yourself to what you love always considering what’s most important right now.

6. What’s the most beneficial and productive thing you could be doing right now?

No, really, what are you actually supposed to be doing?

7. Don’t forget to breathe.

In the midst of difficult situations or just ordinary moments – remember to take a minute to look around and just breathe.

Don’t let life fly by unnoticed.

8. Unsubscribe from the unimportant.

Every now and then I’ll go on a ‘subscription-spree’ when I’m looking for information on something in particular. After a couple of weeks of this however, I’m drowning in daily emails and it’s time to unsubscribe to all but the most useful. Do this in life also.

Bonus Points – Put procrastination off til tomorrow.

I couldn’t bring myself to finish a list at 9, it just didn’t seem right… so here’s a ‘bonus section’ – But seriously, I’m learning slowly that the best thing to procrastinate about, is procrastinating.

You CAN make yourself do things to PREPARE for tomorrow.

 

This is my own personal list of things I need to remember daily and I hope there’s something that stirs up in you as you read it to encourage you to write your list.

What life lessons have you learnt that you need to perhaps stop and consider right now?

“But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you.” – 1 Samuel 12:24

Many blessings to you and yours

Graham.