30 Maxims For 30 Years
This week was my 30th birthday - a round birthday, one of the age milestones and the perfect opportunity for a moment of reflection. What have I learnt so far, and how will that perspective change as the years progress? Here, then, are my 30 maxims - my look back at 30 years of life. What do you think I've missed and what would you put in your own list? Let me know in the comments below!
Discipline is consistently making the hard choice.
You can be happy with very little - if you let yourself be.
There are three cornerstone habits: diet; exercise; and the care of your mental health.
Never leave an important conversation to an email.
There is nothing new under the sun. Innovation comes from assembling existing ideas in novel ways.
“Innovation comes from assembling existing ideas in novel ways.”
Everything you do and experience has a purpose - even if you don't yet know it.
Attention and focus are today's rarest commodities. Cultivate yours.
Practice letting go of your emotions. Stored up stress, anger or resentment hurts only yourself.
There are no shortcuts to anything worth having.
In the real world, intelligence serves you as far as it can be practically applied.
“There are no shortcuts to anything worth having.”
Don't try to do everything on your own. Sooner or later, you will need other people to reach the next level.
Many things are solved with a good night's sleep.
When you start to feel sorry for yourself, stop and be grateful for what you already have.
Cultivate networks. Relationships are 90% of professional success.
Just because you can do something doesn't mean that you should.
“Many things are solved with a good night's sleep.”
Freedom requires money.
Never stop learning, about the world and about yourself.
People require more than the utilitarian: music; literature; art to transcend the mundane.
Convictions are the enemy of reason. Always be ready to admit you might be wrong.
Always have a project on the go, something that brings you purpose and fulfillment.
“People require more than the utilitarian: music; literature; art to transcend the mundane.”
Not everything requires a purpose. Leave time to enjoy yourself for enjoyment's sake.
Seek out people with more knowledge and experience than you do. This is how you grow.
Live your values. Live the life you want to lead.
Every choice should be exposed to critical examination.
Don't blame others; take personal responsibility for your actions.
“Not everything requires a purpose. Leave time to enjoy yourself for enjoyment's sake.”
Credit where credit is due.
Benchmark your progress.
There is no need to be self-conscious; you overestimate how much the average person even takes note of what you are doing.
Cherish your closest relationships.
And, whatever you do, always think for yourself.
Cambridge graduate. Writer and thinker. Life enthusiast.
