64 Essential Pieces of Advice to My Younger Self

Looking back, I can’t help but think about all the lessons I’ve learned through both the highs and the lows. If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to be kinder, more patient, and to not worry so much about things that didn’t really matter.

Life is full of moments where we wish we had the knowledge we do now, and it’s those reflections that shape us. If I could offer any advice to my younger self, it would be to trust the journey, even when it feels uncertain.

Key Advice to My Younger Self

Looking back, it’s easy to see how the twists and turns of life shaped who I am today. But in those moments, it didn’t always feel that way. The beauty of hindsight is that it gives us clarity and understanding that we often lack in the present.

If I could sit down with my younger self, I’d share the kind of advice that could have made things smoother, or at least less overwhelming. These insights come not just from personal experience, but from the wisdom gained through time and reflection.

In my younger years, I often felt the pressure to figure everything out—fast. Whether it was trying to decide on the “perfect” career path, managing relationships, or handling setbacks, I believed there was always a right and wrong way to approach things. I’ve since learned that life isn’t so black and white. Many of the things I thought were urgent or life-altering were just stepping stones, guiding me toward a bigger picture.

This list of advice is a reflection of the lessons I’ve learned over time. It’s not just about what I could have done differently, but also about appreciating the journey for what it was—mistakes, successes, and all. The advice is rooted in the realization that everything unfolds as it should, even if the road isn’t always clear.

From embracing failure to valuing relationships, this advice to my younger self is less about regret and more about growth. It’s a reminder that life’s challenges and experiences, whether easy or difficult, are all part of the process.

Here’s a list of 65 pieces of advice to my younger self:

1. Don’t stay in a job just because it’s comfortable—challenge yourself to grow, even if it means starting over.
2. When something feels off in a relationship, trust that gut feeling and address it sooner rather than later.
3. Keep the friends who show up for you in the tough times, not just the fun ones.
4. It’s okay to skip a social event if you need some quiet time—don’t feel guilty for prioritizing yourself.
5. Sign up for that class you’ve been eyeing, even if it feels intimidating. You’ll thank yourself later.
6. Call your family more often—one day, you’ll wish you had more of those conversations.
7. Don’t be afraid to fail miserably at something new—it’s better than not trying at all.
8. Say “I love you” more to the people who matter, even when you think they already know.
9. Stop overthinking every decision—sometimes, you just need to take action and figure things out along the way.
10. Remember that not every opportunity is meant for you, and that’s okay. Walk away from the ones that don’t align with your values.
11. Don’t wait until you’re completely exhausted to take a break—listen to your body’s signals earlier.
12. Start saving small amounts, even if it seems insignificant. Compound interest is your friend, and you’ll be surprised how quickly it adds up.
13. Stop worrying about where you “should” be by a certain age—life isn’t a race or a checklist.
14. Let go of that grudge—it’s only weighing you down, and the other person has likely moved on.
15. Celebrate the small wins, like finishing a book or cooking a meal. They count, too.
16. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you’re drowning—people want to support you, but they need to know you need it.
17. Book that solo trip you’ve been dreaming of—you’ll learn more about yourself than you ever thought possible.
18. Don’t buy things to impress others—you’ll never get satisfaction from external validation.
19. When you make a mistake, own up to it quickly—it’s easier than dragging it out and hoping no one notices.
20. If a hobby makes you happy, carve out time for it regularly—life isn’t just about work.
21. Don’t be afraid to say no to plans that don’t excite you. Your time is valuable—spend it on things that actually make you happy.
22. Be okay with outgrowing friendships. Not everyone is meant to be in your life forever, and that’s part of growth.
23. Don’t force yourself into a career path just because it’s what others expect. Follow what feels fulfilling.
24. Quit obsessing over being perfect—you’ll look back and realize that the imperfections were part of the charm.
25. Don’t stay in a relationship out of fear of being alone—loneliness is better than feeling lonely next to someone.
26. Learn how to cook a few good meals—future you will be thankful during both the broke and fancy times.
27. Take photos of the little, seemingly mundane moments—they’ll be the ones that make you smile the most later.
28. Stop putting off going to therapy—your mental health is just as important as your physical health.
29. Spend more time in nature—it will reset you in ways you don’t even realize until you’re out there.
30. Don’t overwork yourself trying to prove your worth—rest is productive too, and you’re enough as you are.
31. Say “no” to opportunities that don’t align with your values, even if they seem lucrative.
32. Hold onto those handwritten notes and cards—they’ll mean more to you as time passes.
33. Let yourself cry when you need to—bottling up emotions only makes it harder in the long run.
34. Stay in touch with your childhood friends—they’re the ones who know you before life got complicated.
35. Don’t be afraid to look silly while trying something new—you’re not supposed to be perfect at it right away.
36. Go to the doctor when something feels off—your body knows best, and early intervention matters.
37. Instead of constantly apologizing, say thank you more—shift your mindset from feeling guilty to being grateful.
38. Declutter your life—both physically and mentally. A clearer space makes for a clearer mind.
39. Visit your grandparents more—they won’t always be around to share their wisdom and love.
40. Don’t hold back your laughter—those belly laughs with friends will be some of your favorite memories.
41. Quit trying to keep up with people who don’t make you feel good—your circle should lift you higher, not bring you down.
42. Spend more time reading books that open your mind—you’ll grow in ways you didn’t expect.
43. Don’t be afraid to admit you don’t know something—it’s the first step to learning something new.
44. Stop putting pressure on yourself to have everything together—life is messy, and so are you.
45. Be upfront about your feelings—people can’t read your mind, and unspoken emotions only lead to frustration.
46. Avoid drama—it’s not worth the energy and usually doesn’t change anything.
47. Don’t pass up a chance to travel, even if it’s inconvenient. You’ll never regret the experiences you gain.
48. Write down your thoughts and dreams—they’re easier to achieve when you can see them on paper.
49. Be mindful of who you vent to—not everyone has your best interests at heart.
50. Laugh at your own mistakes—they’re part of your story, and they don’t define you.
51. Learn to sit in silence sometimes—you’ll discover a lot about yourself in the quiet.
52. Say yes to the things that scare you—those are the moments that make life interesting.
53. It’s okay if you don’t fit into certain spaces—you’ll eventually find the ones where you belong.
54. Be quick to forgive yourself—you’re allowed to be imperfect and human.
55. Always speak kindly to yourself—you’re going to spend your entire life in your own head.
56. Save for the future, but don’t deprive yourself of joy in the present.
57. Give people second chances, but know when it’s time to walk away.
58. Spend more time offline—life is happening in front of you, not behind a screen.
59. Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. You’re allowed to change as many times as it takes.
60. Take time to check in with yourself—ask if you’re genuinely happy, and adjust accordingly.
61. Cherish every phase of life—you’ll never be in the same place again.
62. Let yourself be bad at something new—you don’t need to be perfect right away.
63. Take your own advice more often—you know more than you think you do.
64. Don’t wait for a “better time” to do something you want—there’s no such thing as the perfect moment.

After going through these pieces of advice, it’s clear that growth is a constant process, and sometimes the lessons come after we’ve lived through the experiences. Each point here reflects moments of clarity that often only arrive with time.

If I could go back and make different choices, I’d probably still stumble at times, but at least I’d be kinder to myself along the way. The truth is, we can’t change the past, but we can take these lessons forward and live with more intention, knowing that the journey is just as important as the destination.