Letter to my twenty one year-old self!

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Letter to my twenty one year-old self! / 032 04 Jul 2021

I just crossed my 50th birthday, and almost coincidentally, 29 years of work-life. So here are the key points from a fictional letter to my twenty one year-old self.

A ‘letter to myself’ is a simple tool for introspection, often used to look back and reminisce about the highs, lows and learning that life has served up to us. In looking back, one uses the wisdom gained over the years to understand and untangle the complex issues of the past, and to move on in the present. It is also a useful guide to younger colleagues and students who are just starting out on their careers, to know that everyone makes mistakes, but they may not affect a person as much as one may fear – provided, of course, that the right lessons are learnt and behaviours are adjusted. When I think back, I have come a long way, and so many things have mattered and made a difference – but not necessarily the same ones I had worried or obsessed over as a young professional. Do read on!

• It’s OK not to have Ivy league credentials – Yes, they are super-nice to have, and are a recognition of your talent and dedication as a young student. But I believe that over time, it is your talent and dedication as a professional that will matter more and more. There is still (a lot of) hope!
• This too shall pass – a career is not a sprint, it is a marathon of almost 40 years for most people. Over time, you will see success, failure and plenty of disappointment – I have personally come to believe that good or bad, this too shall pass. Stay positive!
• Stay passionate and curious – possibly the most important point I would tell my twenty one-year old self. Young trainees have stars in their eyes, and lots of energy and questions. I would tell myself to stay that way forever, and give cynicism a pass!
• Invest in yourself – the world is changing ever more rapidly. I have seen my business domain change and expand at such speed over the last 29 years. I would tell my twenty one-year old self to be a continuous learner and invest in myself, that is the best career-insurance policy
• Be financially literate – I started very late, I would tell my twenty one-year old self to start saving from the first month itself. It’s important to invest time and learn to handle money. Get an advisor if needed, and prudently invest a part of your earnings for the long-term!
• Build network, find mentor -?I would tell my younger self to focus on this systematically, and not opportunistically or sporadically. It is important to have a network in your professional domain. And it is equally important to find mentors at different points to help you grow!
• Focus on soft skills – I took a long time to acknowledge its importance. I would tell my younger self to accept it and learn it from day one – interpersonal skills, communication skills, time management, empathy, flexibility etc. They have an outsized impact on your career growth
• Be aware of office politics, but stay away – I would tell my younger self not to dismiss it outright, but to be aware, while staying aloof. Also to never indulge in loose talk – and never to hold or carry grudges. They only drag you down
• Stay grounded – I would tell my younger self to avoid the pitfalls of success, i.e. to never let it get to my head. Be confident, but stay humble – always
• Take time out for your health – I would tell myself to never neglect my health, take out the time for exercise and do regular check-ups. We need a healthy body first and foremost, everything else comes later
• Don’t worry about the future – Worry gets you nowhere, only increases your anxiety. I would tell my younger self to stay in the present, and not worry about how the future will unfold. But I would tell myself to prepare for it and be ready for it

I hope you liked reading this article, and look forward to your responses and feedback. Let us build a conversation around this topic. Warm regards, Krishnakumar.

Image courtesy: A Letter to My Younger Self | Soundview Magazine (summary.com)

References: None?