42 Lessons from 42 Years of Life | Justin Welsh

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Today I turn 42, and I made it a point to reflect on every unique life or business lesson someone has taught me. I wanted to share them with you because of how meaningful they've been to me.

These aren't just words; they are principles that have shaped me, guided me, and fueled my growth as an individual and a professional.

42 Lessons from 42 Years of Life:

Personal Development & Choices:

  • Don't fuck around in your 20s.
  • Travel internationally before you're 25.
  • Don't date people you know you have no future with.
  • If you party hard, work harder.
  • You are who you surround yourself with. Pick wisely.
  • Some people will hate you for no reason. Screw 'em.
  • Nice guys finish last. Kind, assertive people don't.

Career Strategy & Mindset:

  • Build meaningful & modern skills ASAP.
  • Don't take roles at work that you don't have interest in.
  • If you can't teach yourself, you're a liability.
  • Your environment often dictates your success.
  • If you're always a bottom performer, you're frustrating others.
  • If you suck at your job, don't complain. Quit or get better.
  • Take a bunch of small risks early in your career.

Leadership & Management:

  • When you become successful, check your ego.
  • When someone gives you an opportunity, do your absolute best.
  • Hire top performers and get out of their way.
  • Immediately fire people who create drama at work.
  • Thinking is great. Action solves problems.
  • Some people have it. Some people don't.
  • You can't say yes to everyone - don't try.

Communication & Relationships at Work:

  • Don't burn bridges at work.
  • Build boundaries with your boss and direct reports.
  • Never lash out at work.
  • Don't send an angry email. Talk in person.
  • Never shit-talk your employees or colleagues.
  • When you need help at work, ask for it.
  • Everyone has an agenda. Help them achieve it.

Personal Mindset & Philosophy:

  • Assume everyone has positive intentions.
  • Most mistakes are from ignorance, not malice.
  • Learn to control your own narrative.
  • Don't compare yourself to others. Be your best you.
  • Being selfish is sometimes the best thing for your family.
  • Only spend time with people who reciprocate.
  • Optimists are often wealthy, and pessimists are often right.

Performance & Success:

  • C students who take action outperform Valedictorians.
  • If you're always a top performer, average people will frustrate you.
  • You can always make more money, never more time.
  • Everyone is winging it. You don't need permission to join them.
  • Plans are great, but planning to be surprised is best.
  • Serial complainers aren't worth taking seriously.

I hope these lessons are helpful to you.

Of course, some might be specific only to my journey, so take them with a grain of salt.

Good luck out there!

요약하다
The author reflects on 42 life and business lessons learned over 42 years, covering personal development, career strategy, leadership, communication, mindset, and success. Lessons include avoiding wasting time in your 20s, surrounding yourself with the right people, building modern skills, taking risks, checking ego in success, hiring top performers, effective communication, assuming positive intentions, and prioritizing action over comparison. The author emphasizes the importance of personal growth, making wise choices, and maintaining a positive mindset for success in both personal and professional life.