Wisdom Gained at 30 That I Wish I Knew at 20

Turning 30 has been a profound milestone that led me to reflect on my journey so far. It made me realise that the knowledge and experiences I've gained in this decade could have made my 20s significantly different. Today, I'd like to share those lessons with you, hoping they can help shape your journey too.

1. Mindset and Self-Perception

The Journey, Not The Destination:?A precious piece of wisdom I inherited from my dad is that "Happiness is the journey, not the destination." The allure of achieving our goals often blinds us to the beauty of the journey. Take time to appreciate the path you're on - the lessons you learn, the people you meet, and the experiences you gather.

Be Your Own Cheerleader:?We tend to be our harshest critics, often overlooking our accomplishments and focusing on our failures. Shifting focus from ourselves to others, and celebrating the small victories can make our journeys much more enjoyable.

Evolution of Purpose:?Your life purpose isn't set in stone. It evolves as you grow and gain more experiences. So, it's okay if your purpose changes over time, it’s part of life.

2. Long-term Growth and Skill Stacking

Investing in Skills:?In my 20s, I focused on immediate gains without realising the power of accumulating skills over time. Today, I wish I had delved into AI, lead generation, online marketing, and sales sooner. It's not the best consultant who gets the most clients, but the most well-known one. As the world changes, we need to adapt and learn to use powerful tools like AI, not get overrun by them.

Skill Stacking:?This concept, highlighted in books like 'Happy Sexy Millionaire' by Steven Bartlett and referred to as 'Identity Capital' by Brené Brown, revolves around accumulating various skills over a longer period that, when combined, make you exceptional. So, don't just think about what you can achieve in a year. Think about the skills you can acquire over five years that allow you to be in the top 1%.

Embrace Risks:?Taking risks can lead to compelling content and remarkable growth in your business. A memorable instance for me was when I blanked out on a TED stage while delivering a speech in Chinese. It was a humbling experience that made for an epic story.?You can watch it here .

3. Building Relationships and Networks

Quality Over Quantity:?It's not about having many fleeting connections, but nurturing long-term relationships that matter. Remember, it takes a decade to build a brand but just one day to break it.

Appreciating Your Support System:?Every great man has a greater woman supporting him. Make sure to appreciate and take care of that woman. Here's to my rock, Evelyn, as we celebrate our 8th year together!

4. Inner and Outer wealth

You Get What You Pay For:?Invest in high-quality people and you'll see a high-quality return. It's true in personal relationships and it's true in business.

The Power of Gratitude:?Gratitude is the cornerstone of fulfilment in life. Wealth starts internally, not externally. If you aren't grateful for where you are now and what you have, moving forward can feel empty and unfulfilling.

Beware the "When I have this, then I will" Addiction ie. When I have success then I will focus on my health and family. Focus on being the person you aspire to be now, and watch your journey unfold. Don't fall into the trap of tying your worth or happiness to future accomplishments.

Remember, spend your time with people who lift you up and energise you, not those who drain your energy. As you move forward, always choose progress over perfection.

I hope you can learn from my mistakes and accelerate your growth with one of these insights.

Warmly

Ben Ivey