Reflections on 50 years

  1. Start now. Look for holes later.
  2. Stuff won't make you happy
  3. Don't fear future events (they'll probably never happen)
  4. Minimise meetings for meetings sake
  5. Try to break unhelpful routines that keep you in a slumber
  6. Step away from the desk. More.
  7. Less screens, more faces.
  8. Little things can mean a lot.
  9. If someone unexpectedly pops into your mind, message or call them immediately.
  10. Say thank you, more.
  11. Stop and think. Meditate. Try to slow down time.
  12. Avoid the news. Especially first thing in the morning or last thing at night
  13. Eat less but better quality. Same goes for drinking wine.
  14. Having kids is the greatest gift on earth. Don't let finances or 'economic fears' stop you
  15. Sleep is so important. Have rituals to ensure you get a goods night sleep - find whatever works best for you
  16. Aim for 10k steps per day
  17. Eat and drink with friends and family. Laugh until your sides hurt
  18. Money is a tool. Not something to hoard and stress over
  19. Don't send a message to anyone in the same room - get off your butt and go speak to them
  20. Work hard, play hard (a cliche but true)
  21. Open fires warm the cockles
  22. Embrace wonderful failures
  23. Know where you want to get to and find a guide (mentor) who's already made it
  24. Try to write with a pen (ideally a fountain pen) every day
  25. Become brilliant at your one thing
  26. Dogs are ace but very tying - know what you're letting yourself in for
  27. Know your number
  28. That chatter in your head is often a load of crap. Learn to tune it out
  29. Read real physical books and support your local library (and planet)
  30. It's okay to change your mind as the facts change
  31. Put down the phone
  32. Stop and breathe, purposefully
  33. Family is everything. Cherish your loved ones
  34. Never hinge your future on politicians or economic changes - only you can make the difference
  35. There is always sunshine above the grey cloud
  36. Keep a daily journal. Flick back to see how your thoughts evolve
  37. Sounds like a challenge? Say yes. Growth comes from stepping out of comfort zones
  38. Discipline yourself to sit still and resist the urge to find entertainment
  39. Find your energetic flow, be it morning, afternoon or night
  40. New isn't always best
  41. Be the light in the room
  42. Motion finds it's course. Go with the flow
  43. Read and listen to opposing views regularly. Don't dismiss out of hand
  44. Blue skies never get boring
  45. Don't stuff your brain with info all the time. Leave space for music, idle chatter and silence
  46. Laugh. More.
  47. More thinking, less doing (the wrong things).
  48. You'll have 7+ careers, don't stress every move
  49. Those moments just before you fall asleep are powerful. Design your thoughts accordingly
  50. It's all a game, enjoy the ride