36 Lessons I’ve Learned in 36 Years
There’s something about a birthday that gets you thinking. Today I turn 36. When I woke up I told (reminded) Alyssa (4) that today was my birthday. She said, “Happy B-day. Does this mean you’re gonna get old like a grandpa?” I assured her we had some time and she said, “Good, then we’ll have a lot of time together.”
In honor of my 36th b-day, here are 36 lessons I’ve learned. Other than #1, they are in no particular order.
- I feel like I should start with what is most important to me. Nothing matters more than loving God and others.
- Planning my day the night before makes a dramatic difference in my effectiveness.
- Learning to better get along with people will make a bigger difference than any other skill.
- Prayer/quiet time each day gives me more peace.
- Our attitude really does determine how far we go.
- I can learn infinitely more by leveraging other people’s time through reading their books.
- I need to be very careful before judging others. I have no idea what they’re going through.
- Taking a nap each day is NOT a time waster.
- All people have a need to feel important and appreciated. Fill that need.
- Words can have a tremendous impact. Use them wisely.
- “Happy wife happy life” is a cliché for a reason.:)
- We all need accountability.
- I need to be intentional about who I spend my time with.
- What gets measured gets done. Track what is important.
- The Jones’ are broke. Don’t try to keep up with them.
- Less is more.
- The right coach can change your life. Don’t be afraid to invest heavily.
- People will like me if I show genuine concern for them.
- Mo-mentum is powerful. For dramatic results I need to move some things around.
- We all make time for what is important to us. Our bank accounts and calendars don’t lie.
- When collaborating on projects with others, one plus one does NOT equal two. It equals more.
- The best fitness program is the one we follow.
- There is no perfect diet as we are all different.
- Children (at least mine) respond better to discipline that makes sense.
- Vacations/time off must be scheduled in advance or they won’t happen.
- The single most effective component to a personal finance plan is a zero based written budget.
- I shouldn’t take myself too seriously. Find the humor that is everywhere including myself.
- Focus on the things I’m good at and enjoy.
- Do what I say. Always. If I tell my daughter I’ll do something tomorrow, get it done.
- Be long-term minded with everything. Spiritual. Relationships. Financial. Physical.
- Take responsibility for my life and circumstances.
- We can help control our own destiny simply by having clear written goals, a plan to get there, and taking consistent action.
- The #1 way to lead is by example.
- One of the best ways to overcome fear and anxiety is to be thankful.
- Pursuing a hobby or passion (for me BJJ) will bring a tremendous sense of fulfillment.
- We tend to overcomplicate things. For example, the “secret” to a happy marriage is spending enough quality time with each other. Many of us don’t do that.
It took me 36 years to learn these lessons and I’m excited to see what I learn in the next 36 years!
5 Bonus Lessons
- Keep overhead low and don’t wear yourself out to be rich (That second part isn’t mine:0).
- Model a proven plan.
- Success is a journey not a destination Enjoy the process.
- With most injuries, it’s better to do something.
- To live like no one else in any area, I will have to live like no one else. Most people aren’t doing the things needed to be successful.
Article Written by:
Billy Hofacker (CEO and Owner of Total Body Boot Camp, TBBC Transformation Coach, B.S., CSCS, FMS Level 1)
Click Here to Learn more about Billy H.