I just turned 45 — and what have I learned?

Life lessons come in many shapes and sizes, and often are learned the hard way (I certainly know that). The older I get, the more willing I am to take risks. I wish I'd become willing to do that sooner. At age 45, here are 10 life lessons I wish I'd learned earlier in life that I hope my dear “Carrick Family” learn them sooner as well.

Among the other lessons I've learned: A good haircut and a nice pair of shoes and a suit show that you take yourself seriously - and others should, too. I try not to look back with regret, but here are some things I wish I'd known a decade ago.

1. Take time to pay attention to your health.

I had asked a doctor once or twice for help with cholesterol and blood pressure problems, hoping that there was the magical pill – but there isn’t, so I dropped it. It wasn't until I committed to spend whatever time it took to find the cause that I discovered what I really needed to do. My health is immeasurably better since I took better control of my life and I learned the value of spending time on my health opposed to my wealth.

2. Be intimidating.

I used to sit on my successes, so I didn't seem full of myself. But I've realized that, if I want to advance my career, I'm the best person to testify to my own greatness.

I don't suggest being boastful or rude, but you should celebrate your accomplishments large and small.

3. No bad days.

I really believe in the law of attraction – you attract what you think and what you are. If you start by thinking you are having a bad day – then you will. So, stop having “bad days” and be grateful for every day that you do have happy, healthy and content.

4. Dream big and let yourself fail.

Ten years ago, I was scared I might find out I wasn't good enough to be a business leader - entrepreneur. It wasn't until I accepted that I might fall flat on my face that I was ready get serious about building a business.

I wish I had taken that risk sooner. Instead, I waited until I left a secure job to figure out my business life - the career equivalent of throwing someone off the boat so they can learn to swim.

5. Take a vacation that has nothing to do with work or family.

For many years, my vacations all revolved around work or visits to family members. I recently took my first real vacation in decades: fun destination, no work obligations, no family, no to-do list. It was delightful (and addictive - I'm planning more trips like this in the future).

If you're part of the 52% of South Africans who left leave days unused last year - or someone who doesn't really get away from it all - book some tickets to somewhere very far from your everyday life right now.

6. You're probably not going to strike it rich.

A recent conversation that I had with one of my colleagues opened my eyes to the power of compounding savings (yet again). If I had invested just R 1,000 a month starting twenty years ago, I could have almost R 590,000 in my bank account now.

Fortunately, it's never too late to start saving.

7. Do something you're terrible at.

I spent most of my years focused on the required “must be done list”. I missed out on activities and projects that would have enriched my life. Now I embrace things that don't come easily to me. It's humbling to pursue a hobby I'm bad at, but there are cognitive benefits to learning new skills.

8. Wear a great suit.

After a lifetime of frugal suit purchases, I splurged on a designer suit and tailored shirts.  It was the best purchase I've ever made. They have lasted much longer than less expensive suits and they make me look professional at the same time.

Never underestimate the power of an awesome suit – shirt & tie.

9. Do a favor you don't want to do.

I'm not a natural caretaker - I'd make a terrible nurse. But my wife (Di) and I took a turn caring for my father whom last year August was diagnosed with cancer. Chemotherapy, radiation and then eventually the most horrific facial operation. But it was one of the best things we ever did.

I learned I have the capacity to do things I thought I couldn't. And I got precious time with someone I loved after so many years of a distant relationship.

10.  Don’t be afraid to show your emotions.

I'm an introvert, so my default emotion is always guarded. However, I have learned that life is just far too short not to say, “I love you”. My wife taught me this. We are raised to be hard and not to show our true self, this is one of the biggest lessons that I have learned over the last 10 years – it is OK to be yourself.