29 Things I Learned by 29
Hopefully I’ve learned more than just this list, but here are some fun ones.
Editing is easier than writing, so just get the first draft done.
Being authentic is good, but having accountability is better. Keep the friends that show up.
Leaders are comfortable with their day being interrupted.
Choose less convenience: Freshly grind your coffee. Stock loose leaf tea. Shred your own cheese.
Hospitality is not a lesser spiritual gift.
Never take pills or vitamins on an empty stomach.
It doesn’t have to be your fault for it to be your responsibility.
Rushing never gets you there faster.
Caffeine isn’t a substitute for sleep.
There’s a big difference between tired and fatigued.
Learn the self control to slow down now, or your body will make you slow down.
How you practice is how you perform. There’s no substitute for good work, not even hard work.
A dull pencil is better than a sharp memory. Write it down.
Don’t lend anything you wouldn’t mind losing.
(But stuff really is just stuff, most of it you can replace.)Buy fewer, better things. Then take care of them.
If you can’t afford to tip generously, you can’t afford to go out.
It can feel good to be good, enjoying helping someone doesn’t make it selfish.
Ask and listen more than you speak. (Okay, this is still a work in progress.) But just because someone is talking doesn’t mean you have to listen. Just because you were asked, doesn’t mean you need to answer.
Most things worth doing are worth doing poorly.
Values should be ordered. Good shouldn’t come at the expense of what’s best, don’t pursue perfection at the expense of the good.
Not everything is right or wrong, sometimes it’s just different.
Don’t worry about looking pretentious or basic, do what you really like and trust your taste will appeal to someone.
Under promise, over deliver. When you realize you miscalculated, ask for help.
Take time off from your projects. Art is work, not who you are.
Envy is an enemy of beauty and will destroy your relationship with art.
You can only string a necklace one pearl at a time.
Knowing “why” doesn’t give you the peace you really want.
Be tough on sin, not on yourself. Regret isn’t the same thing as repentance.
You really can’t add to your life by worrying.
Wishing you a happy birthday, either early or belated. Or both.
May we never stop learning to walk in the right direction, no matter the size of our steps.
