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Arjun Vijay Prakash
Arjun Vijay Prakash

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My 14th Birthday: 14+2 Things I'd Tell My Younger Self

Today, I am turning 14 and it got me thinking about what I've learned and what I wish I had known earlier. Life is an exciting journey full of opportunities to grow and learn. I can't help but think about how my past experiences have shaped me. If I could talk to my younger self, here are 14 pieces of advice I'd share.

  1. Nothing Really Matters at ALL
    Your worries and fears are nothing compared to the vastness of the universe. Focus on what truly makes you happy and helps others, because that's what matters the most.

  2. It's Okay to Make Mistakes and Fail
    Move quickly, decide quickly, learn fast, fail faster but never stop!*

  3. Embrace Uniqueness
    Comparison is the thief of joy. You don't have to be like everyone else, don't worry about fitting in the crowd. Embrace your uniqueness, and be proud of who you are.

  4. Prioritization
    Everything in life is about prioritization.* Prioritization helps you focus on what truly matters and makes the best use of your resources.

  5. Follow Your Passion
    Discover what you're passionate about and pursue it with all your heart. Passion trumps sacrifice when you want to build something big.

  6. Keep Learning and Keep Trying
    Education is a gift. Keep learning, exploring new things, and never stop being curious. If you never try, you will never know.*

  7. Ask for Help
    It's okay to ask for help when you need it. No one has all the answers.

  8. Be Patient / Practice Deferred Gratification
    Great things take time to achieve. Deferred gratification involves delaying instant satisfaction for a more significant, future benefit.

  9. Overcome the Fear
    Don't let fear hold you back from exploring and learning new things.

  10. How You Learn Everyday and Whom You Learn From Are Very Important*
    Books are a fantastic way to learn about the world and expand your knowledge. Another effective way to learn is by engaging in intellectual discussions.*

  11. Fire >>> Skill Set
    The fire in a person is more important than the skill set.*

  12. The Next Level
    It's all about taking it to the next level. Except, the next level never comes.*

  13. Capability. Attitude. A deep sense of purpose in what we are doing.*
    The three essential elements required for success are Capability, a Positive Attitude and Meaningful Purpose. These three factors will work together to help you excel in your chasings and find fulfilment in your actions.

  14. Are you having fun?*
    No matter where you are in your life, you must ask yourself this question.*

  15. Be more Execution-Based* (Bonus)
    Get better 1% every day**. Consistent and purposeful execution, no matter how small, can lead to very meaningful progress over periods.

  16. Take Chances (Bonus)
    Step out of your comfort zone and take the opportunity. You'll be amazed at what you can achieve.

Do you have any advice for yourself or words of guidance for me as I turn 14 today?

Share your thoughts in the comments below. 🎂🎉

Thanks for 8787!


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*From the book Unlocking Unicorn Secrets
**From the book Atomic Habits

Top comments (2)

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pavelee profile image
Paweł Ciosek

Thanks for the article! 🙏

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sehgalspandan profile image
Spandan Sehgal

Happy birthday, keep going... I hope your journey in coding goes well. I understand how you might be feeling as I am also 15.