Six things I wish someone told me

Every day, I wish I could go back and make some changes in my life. I wish someone had told me things that I needed to hear and not what I wanted to.

It is amazing how much we grow and realize that what was once a priority is no longer an issue that matters. I know most people have one or two things they wish they did differently. These are some of the things every adult wants you to know.

DO NOT GROW UP TOO QUICK

Yes I know everyone around you is in a hurry to become independent and some speak and act in some type of way that makes you feel like the Jew one. It honestly does not matter. Savour every minute you have and enjoy your teenage years.

WORK MORE AND PLAY LESS

You need to start executing projects and getting yourself busy. This is the time to make something of you. Go out there and get a job every holiday you get. This makes you stand out during job interviews. No one wants a liability and no one wants to spend so much on a person who is not qualified enough. You need to play less and work more now and build a foundation for yourself because no time is more important than the present.

NEVER APOLOGIZE OR SECOND-GUESS YOURSELF

People tend to apologize when they do not need to. If you know what you are doing is right, you do not need to apologize. Also avoid second-guessing yourself and stop seeking validation from others. Only you can do you. Not everyone wants to see you succeed while some others cannot understand your vision and so they shut you down at an early stage. You need to just go for it and if you fail, you learn a way not to do it and things can only get better from there.

YOU ARE NEVER WRONG FOR DOING RIGHT

As teenagers, we tend to want to fit in and we let a lot of things slide in order to achieve that. But there really is no wrong in standing your ground and fighting for what you believe in. Your values speak volumes and at the end of day when a trusted person is needed to handle a very sensitive work or carry out duties, you will be called upon. So they might call you names now but when it really matters, you will be the fit one they will look for.

THE THINGS THAT MATTER NOW WOULD NOT IN 4 YEARS

As teenagers, we tend to have our priorities misplaced. We care more about our looks, our popularity status, how we are perceived by our peers, and the kind of friends we have to keep to stay socially relevant. This, at that time, seemed like the most important things to worry about and this makes us lose sight of what is truly important. As you mature, you realize that the friends you had in secondary school are hardly the friends you have now. You also realize how being socially relevant was really a waste of time. What should matter is how to make good grades and be aware and keep alert. You need to build an image for yourself and do not brand yourself as an empty bottle.

WHAT YOU SAY NOW MIGHT BITE YOU LATER

As teenagers, we tend to say a lot of things we do not mean or give and agree with opinions just to be accepted. You have to be careful what you say because words cannot be taken back and they will be forever remembered. Do not say things during your teenage years that will cause people to view you in a negative way in future. Opinions change and what you said four years ago may not be what you believe in now. So be careful.

At the end of the day, you realize that things really were never as they seemed and you hope someone gets it right when they have the chance. So, get it right.