Recently, I came across a question, ‘What advice would you give to your younger self?’. The question got me pondering on all my life choices. There are numerous things I would tell my younger self some of them being:

Find joy in small things.

 Spend even more time with dad. Ask him all those questions.

Invest 100$ in the stock market every month. 

There is such thing as TOO MANY shoes, bags and dresses. 

Say NO. Or, “I’m sorry I’m just too busy” more often. It’s not rude.

It’s okay to NOT have everything figured out. Embrace the unknown.  

Form your own opinions. Take time to research different topics. And, never be afraid to have your own voice. It matters. 

It’s okay to quit something if it’s not working out for you: a friendship, a relationship, a job or anything. 

 Find people you can be vulnerable with. Laugh with. Those are the magical people that you need to keep the closest. 

Figuring out what you don’t want is the first step in the long process of naming what you do want. So the job, the friends and the boyfriends – all those things that weren’t the right fit, were essential so that you could know for sure what you want.

Enjoy being single. You are doing just fine on your own, and when you stop begging the wrong people for love, you open up room for the right person. You will then be so glad all the previous relationships didn’t work out the way you once wanted them to. 

If you keep praying for clarity about a relationship and not getting it, that is THE answer. Drop it!! 

…these are some of the MANY things I would advise little Yachna. 

Here, 12 people share warm and wise advice they would give their younger self that may be precisely what you needed today, and I’d love to hear yours…

 “When I was younger, I would worry more about what people think of me than what I REALLY wanted to do. Or what made me happy. I felt the constant need to prove myself to the world. So, I did things solely for that reason in mind. If I could go back in time, I would tell myself to stop taking unnecessary pressure as a child. Also, listen to your gut feeling. Trust it. And, finally, it is okay to fail. Not everything is a competition, which I had made for myself.” – Siddhi Khandelwal 

 “Stop being so loyal. I know it is a positive characteristic, but I feel like I missed out on a lot of experiences just because I couldn’t say ‘No’ to my friends. Be assertive. I was always too scared to hurt anyone’s feelings, so I never said never. And I really wish I had. Finally, always trust your instinct and go with it. “-Magda Kurniewicz

 “Never underestimate your abilities. Keep pushing till you reach your goals. No matter how many setbacks you may face, take it as a lesson, not a loss.” – Thembie Nkomazana

 ” Take time to look at the stars and moons each night. It makes life more appealing. That’s one advice I would give to my younger self. ” – Mara Cuteta 

 “Listen to your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. Rationalizing everything while ignoring your true emotions will only lead you back to the start. You will actually get further by allowing your feelings to lead you when making decisions.” – Ayla (Alias)

  “Don’t. Waste. Time.” – Kartik Kaushik

“To throw all possible doubt the window.” – Afsha Butt

“When I look back on my early 20s, I strongly feel I could have done better. The people we surround ourselves with are who we become. So, pick the people that will help you grow. Take action towards your goal at your own pace. It’s not a race. Just because you are stumbling now, doesn’t mean you will always be stumbling or failing. Overcome the fear of missing out. Finally, don’t be lazy and procrastinate. Your habits make or break you.” – Serat (alias)

“Start doing things. Do things, make things, break things. Because the earlier I start, the better I will get. Get an exercise routine as early on as you can. Be consistent. Keep experimenting and trying new things. Challenge yourself anytime you feel you can’t get out of your comfort zone. Challenge the herd mentality. Never stop trying. Failure is just a stepping stone to better things. Take time to know things that excite you. For me, all that comes from being open to new experiences without expectations. Finally, don’t forget to have fun in the process.” – Sabby Chaudhary

“Look for positive in things and conversations before jumping to the negative side of things. One of my friends advised me this, and let me tell you, it has made me a little wiser and patient. Changed my personal and professional life for good.” – Sunny Sogy

“Don’t just save but invest your money. I didn’t start investing until my late 20s. The sooner you start, the better. A solid GPA is essential, however social networking is just as crucial. Be kinder to yourself and know your worth. You are a lot stronger than you know. Also, finally don’t believe everything that you are told. Do your own research. Always.” – Palak Handa

“Don’t waste time pleasing people that don’t matter. Focus on building wealth. A few years ago, Dan Peña quoted in one of his interviews that really stuck with me, “any real change in the world, can only be brought through money.” Read books that teach you new skills. Your skills build you. Learn one each year.” – Sid (alias)

 Now, it’s your turn. What advice would you give to your younger self? I would love to know in the comments below. 

P.S.

A life-changing secret I wish I’d known sooner.

Picture of my siblings and I at the Universal Studios (years ago).

xx

Yachna