In 1996, I was a walking sack of spermatozoa, a physical specimen who picked up heavy things and ran marathons—and wholly undereducated, from four years of sleeping through college. I had raw intelligence, but nothing in the way of accumulated wisdom. What I lacked in sagacity I made up for with pure, limitless ambition: whatever I tried, I was going to succeed at. If I was going to be a Coast Guard officer, I was going to be an Admiral. If I was going to be a writer, I would make Granta’s list of best young writers. If I was going to be a trader, I would end up in one of those Jack Schwager books.
Wow – every single one of these hits home. I've more or less learned these lessons at various times throughout my life (I'm 60) and wish I had taken them to heart earlier.
I'd add "stay positive." Stuff happens and by pushing through the challenges of crap in life, people develop character and depth. Everyone is negative at points in their lives, but those should be points, not persistent. I've never seen a negative person achieve their potential.
I recall in college telling people that I was interested in a LOT of things, but I was getting a degree in civil engineering because I was confident that I could always find a good job that would let me support a family, and would generally leave me time to follow my interests and hobbies. Looking back 50 years later, it worked out pretty well.
I never had the drive that you speak of, and I suggest that it is not something that I could have developed. I considered options that required that kind of drive a few times, and in every case I realized that it simply was not part of my character, and trying to force it would make me miserable.
Having said that, I have accomplished a lot of things in my life, and I am happy with where I am now. I am still, even in retirement, working and progressing, curious and adventurous (within limits), and looking forward to doing more interesting things.
I posted a reply a couple of days ago, but have kept thinking about another counsel you gave to your younger self, e.g., not to think so much about sex. As a married man nearing 50 years of age, this is easy counsel to give, but nearly impossible for a man of 22 to accept. I would rather counsel a young man to not be afraid to get married, assuming he is willing to make and keep marriage covenants.
I have noted that men who marry well at a younger age tend to do better in life than those who don't. I suspect that part of this is that they are now able to maintain their focus on other priorities. As I read once in an article on salesmanship, "A satisfied need does not motivate." You might also say that a satisfied need does not distract.
But as you noted in "No Worries", it is critical that a young man marry well, as this is likely to be the most important financial decision of his life.
Excellent advice to give to a younger person. There are studies where seniors were asked what they would do differently and they often said "Worry less".
Wow, I really identify with your list on so many levels! From my experience with the military (I was Air Force) to outworking people, to rising to the top of my career field. You hit on a good many of them. So what type of fiction do you want to dominate?
Wow – every single one of these hits home. I've more or less learned these lessons at various times throughout my life (I'm 60) and wish I had taken them to heart earlier.
I'd add "stay positive." Stuff happens and by pushing through the challenges of crap in life, people develop character and depth. Everyone is negative at points in their lives, but those should be points, not persistent. I've never seen a negative person achieve their potential.
I recall in college telling people that I was interested in a LOT of things, but I was getting a degree in civil engineering because I was confident that I could always find a good job that would let me support a family, and would generally leave me time to follow my interests and hobbies. Looking back 50 years later, it worked out pretty well.
I never had the drive that you speak of, and I suggest that it is not something that I could have developed. I considered options that required that kind of drive a few times, and in every case I realized that it simply was not part of my character, and trying to force it would make me miserable.
Having said that, I have accomplished a lot of things in my life, and I am happy with where I am now. I am still, even in retirement, working and progressing, curious and adventurous (within limits), and looking forward to doing more interesting things.
Do you have any books you recommend to help become a better communicator?
I posted a reply a couple of days ago, but have kept thinking about another counsel you gave to your younger self, e.g., not to think so much about sex. As a married man nearing 50 years of age, this is easy counsel to give, but nearly impossible for a man of 22 to accept. I would rather counsel a young man to not be afraid to get married, assuming he is willing to make and keep marriage covenants.
I have noted that men who marry well at a younger age tend to do better in life than those who don't. I suspect that part of this is that they are now able to maintain their focus on other priorities. As I read once in an article on salesmanship, "A satisfied need does not motivate." You might also say that a satisfied need does not distract.
But as you noted in "No Worries", it is critical that a young man marry well, as this is likely to be the most important financial decision of his life.
Excellent advice to give to a younger person. There are studies where seniors were asked what they would do differently and they often said "Worry less".
Mohnish Pabrai talking of ropes… https://youtu.be/ODk8k2OfsHQ?si=rrthmtVC2BgKpCi4
Wow, I really identify with your list on so many levels! From my experience with the military (I was Air Force) to outworking people, to rising to the top of my career field. You hit on a good many of them. So what type of fiction do you want to dominate?