10 things I learned from 22 to 32

It’s my birthday today.?

And I often find myself reflecting on years past.?

There are a few things that have been sticking with me today that I thought would be helpful to share.?

And since I like lists and even numbers…

I went ahead and wrote down the 10 things I wish I knew at 22…

That I now know help me as a 32 year old mom of two with two businesses.?

Here we go…

1??Fewer and better.

Simply put, the less I do the more high quality work I produce.

When I was first starting my business, I thought I had to do everything.

So I did a lot of things halfway.?

Instead, over the last few years, I’ve really been leaning into doing less.?

And doing it better.?

2??Keep standards.

There are lots of people, circumstances and self-doubt that will tempt you to lower your standards.

Don’t.

3??Time is the most valuable resource.

Back when we had little money, we’d clip and skimp and save everything we could to keep the money we had in our account.?

And, to that end, we wasted a lot of time.?

Now, I’m not saying be careless with money.?

But I am saying that if something costs a few extra bucks and it saves you a few hours.?

That’s a bargain I’d take now versus 10 years ago.?

4??You are the most valuable asset.?

There is no business, no relationship, no goal, no project worth you leaving yourself behind.?

There is no milestone worth losing your morals, your health or your sanity.?

And, on the other side of the coin…

There really is no limit into what you can invest into making yourself better.?

Cheers to unlimited self-development budgets.

5??Sometimes the blinders need to go on.?

When the world is screaming for your attention 24/7 and in infinite different directions…

Sometimes, the blinders need to go on.?

Laser focus, limited communication and deliberate work will help anyone through times of confusion and chaos.?

Choose a direction. And don’t look around.?

6??Listen more than speak.

This coming from quite the chatty gal.

I’ve really tried to dial it back over the years.?

Chatting less.

Listening more.?

Just because I have lots to say, doesn’t mean it needs to come out.?

Journaling has been a really helpful tool over here for quieting the mind.?

7??The only way to win is to help others win.

Service is such a gift.

Whether in business or with personal relationships.

The only way to win is to help other people get what they want.?

Period.?

It’ll bring forward the most fruitful relationships.?

The most rewarding experiences.?

Acting selfishly and focusing on what you might gain out of the deal holds you back.

I thought a lot like that in my early 20’s.?

Serving without expectation has unlocked incredible joy in my life.?

And I anticipate that will only grow in years to come.?

8??Follow the strange.?

I used to yearn to be accepted.?

To look like other people.?

To do what others wanted me to do.?

To belong.?

And now, being called strange is a badge of honor.?

If someone tells me I’m weird, it’s a sign that I’m on the right path.?

Maybe it’s confidence or a sign of getting crusty…

But either way, it’s more fun.?

9??No is a complete sentence.

There doesn’t need to be a reason attached to a “no”.

In fact, say “no” more than you say yes (see lesson #1).?

As I’ve gotten older I’ve needed to justify less to fewer people.

And, man, it feels good.?

??Happy people want to be with happy people.

Talking shit, throwing shade, generally putting people down…

Doesn’t serve.?

And it’s poisonous.?

Happy people want to be with happy people.

If you find that your circle struggles to be positive…

Go find a new one.?

There’s always time to reinvent the way you live, what you do, the people you surround yourself with, the way you treat your body, and how you think about yourself.?

Just because I’m 32, I don’t feel stuck in my ways.

And I don’t really feel like a spring chicken anymore.?

I need to be deliberate.

And nimble.?

Strong.

And flexible.?

I’m thankful for these last 10 years of my life.?

10 years married to my wonderful spouse.?

Started a business, moved 4 (almost 5 ??) times.

2 boys in 17 months.?

Started another business.?

Wrote a book.?

And, I very much believe…

The best is yet to come.?

Warmly,

Aly