21 Lessons I Learned in 21 Years

1. Send that cold email: Every email is seen, some are read, and a few get a response. Remember, you miss 100% of the chances you don’t take.
2. Wear that old coat, buy that new book: Invest in yourself. Buy that book, read it, learn that skill, take that course, research, and build something of your own. Invest in things no one can take away from you, like your mindset, experiences, and knowledge.
3. When you grow, make sure to uplift others: Life is a journey, and gratitude goes a long way. Give back to society in every possible way. When you're at your lowest, remember that the life you’re living is a dream for someone else.
4. One who goes the extra mile is a gem: I always try to under-promise and over-deliver, not just at work but in life as well. It’s essential to put in your creativity and ideas.
5. Smile, it increases face value: A smiling face goes a long way. Smile at that stranger on the train; maybe they're having a bad day, and it brightens their mood. You never know.
6. We always get to keep something in life: Lose a job? You gain a lesson and perhaps a friend. Miss a train? You witness a story. Miss an opportunity? A better one may come along. You always get to keep something.
7. You need no medication, just a conversation with an old friend: And how true that is. Old friends and conversations about school, teachers, and memories bring nostalgia.
8. Add moments to your life before you add them to your Instagram highlights: It’s easy to get distracted these days. Social media makes it seem like everyone’s happy and earning six figures. Take time to live in reality and find solitary moments for yourself.
9. Getting older is the best thing that ever happened to me: I used to fear aging, but now I embrace it. I can do so much and be everything I wanted to be at this age. I can take that solo trip, I can drive, I can do whatever I want (though I have to work and earn for it).
10. When you see something beautiful in others, tell them: A small, meaningful gesture. Tell people what you appreciate about them. Tell strangers they’re amazing—you never know who needs it.
11. Make time for your hobbies: No matter how busy you get, make time for your hobbies. Spend solitary moments doing what you love, whether it’s painting, drawing, content creation, or writing.
12. If God gives you a dream, it’s because you have the courage to make it happen: Sometimes the easier path leads you where you were meant to be. Don’t restrict yourself from exploring it.
13. If you believe you’re the chosen one, you surely are: A Potterhead’s way of giving you motivation, but it goes a long way. Believe, deep down, that you’re meant for great things in life.
14. Empathy with boundaries: This powerful concept means you can be kind and compassionate yet still have boundaries to say no when needed.
15. Small progress is better than no progress at all: Over time, I’ve started to embrace small steps forward, improving by 1% every day. It makes me look forward to each new day.
16. Dream it, breathe it, nurture it, believe in it, make it your reality, and then live it: I’ll always remind myself—if you can dream it, you can do it. Dream big, and make it happen.
17. What’s yours will find you: I once waited for a package for a month and finally had to abandon it at my doorstep, even though it came from across the sea. It taught me that what’s meant for you will always come.
18. Sit with yourself every single day: When you can enjoy solitude, nothing can stop you. I like to take time to just sit with my thoughts, filling my mind with positivity.
19. Life always gives you a second chance, but you must be prepared: Opportunity favors the prepared. You'll get another chance to prove yourself, so be ready for it.
20. Hate is heavy—say hi: Be the person who brings excitement when they see others. Make people feel welcome; life is too short to hold grudges. Make the most of it.
21. Trust the process: It’s all about the journey. Hustle, work hard, give your best to the path you're on. Life is a marathon, a rollercoaster. Enjoy the ride, even when it’s scary, because those memories last. Meet more people, travel, experience new cultures, try new things, make friends, go on solo trips, and figure out your way. Trust me, creating a YouTube channel was the best decision of my life.

It taught me that sometimes, it’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency and showing up. The book of your life will have chapters written by you. The canvas of your life will be painted with your own brush, so make every stroke count and use all the colors you want.