Meeting My Younger Self for Coffee

If you could sit down with your younger self over coffee, what would you say? What lessons would you share? Would your younger self even listen?

Recently, I imagined what that conversation might look like. As I walked into the café, I saw him—me, years ago—sitting there, eager and intense. The differences between us were striking, yet the essence remained the same.

Demeanour

• Younger me: intense, driven, opportunity-focused, wanted to be accepted, and wanted to have an impact. I asked if I may tell you what I do and show you my training programs?
• Current me: relaxed and comfortable with myself. I invite you to tell me your story and I’ll tell you mine. From there, let’s see if we align around our values. If yes, let’s keep talking about how we may be able to work together. I’d rather be respected and valued than liked.

Business Success

• Younger me: will the business succeed, be profitable, and will I become well known?
• Current me: yes, the business has done very well. More importantly, we’re helping people grow, develop their skills, and increase their confidence. Lots of people will know you, but you’ll realize it’s not as important to be known by everyone. What’s more important is that you are known for who you are, who you have helped, and how they have benefited from your support.

Fears

• Younger me: will I make enough money to sustain and build the business?
• Current me: relax - focus on becoming a person that does quality work, builds relationships with good people and organizations, and provides excellent resources.

Parting Words

?As our coffee cups emptied, I left him with a few final thoughts:

• Life moves much faster than you realize. All those “old” people were right about what they said. Pay attention and clarify your priorities. For me, they are God, my wife, children, family, friends, clients, and the communities I live and work in.
• Growth Through Learning is more than a good name for a company. It’s a motto to live by! It was a good choice as it captured the essence of who we are.
• Worry less about what others think. If you become successful, others will be jealous. That’s for them to come to grips with. If you worked hard for what you achieved and didn’t lie, cheat, or deceive to get there – you own it. Don’t apologize for being successful.

Looking back, I see that success isn’t just about what you build, but who you become in the process. And if my younger self walked away with just one lesson, I hope it’s this: trust the journey, do the work, and stay true to your values. What would yours be?

P.S. Come join my COMPLIMENTARY webinar on March 26th at 12 PM PST where I’ll discuss career advancement strategies! In particular, you’ll learn about job security and opportunities, discover the specific skills that will get you promoted, receive exclusive resources, and meet like-minded professionals! For more information and to register (only 12 spots available), send me a private message or email me at [email protected].