Let me be more specific. Today is my 40 birthday.
To put it frankly, my life hasn't turned out like I imagined when I was 20.
Some things, like parenthood, turned out to be greater than I imagined; other things, like my health, have not been as good. Either way, I learned a lot along this rocky way that it seems only time itself can teach.
I say "seems" because I think these life lessons can and should be taught earlier -- so, hopefully, by my sharing them, you don't have to take 40 years to learn them, too.
I have found that practicing these 40 lessons like tenets has made my life better in many ways. I'm more creative, efficient, and focused. But most importantly, I'm a happier person.
So here are the 40 things it took me 40 years to learn:
#40
The only person you're fooling is yourself. So stop the act and be yourself.
#39
If people don't like you, that's OK. There are plenty of people who do like you, so focus on them instead.
#38
Getting older doesn't automatically equal getting wiser. Sometimes people just repeat the same mistakes over and over again for years and never learn from them. So do your best not to be like these people; learn from a mistake the first time.
#37
You're the one with the most information regarding your situation, so that also makes you the best one to make the best decision that's best suited for you.
#36
Make decisions based on what your heart desires, and you will figure out how to make it happen with your brain step-by-step along the way.
#35
You don't always know what you don't know. Sometimes you can only figure out if there are missing pieces of information by moving forward anyway.
#34
Mistakes are inevitable. It's how you respond that matters most.
#33
Group statistics aren't applicable to an individual person's circumstance. So it doesn't matter how high or low the failure rate is; you truly will never know if you can succeed until you go for it yourself.
#32
Nobody knows the future.
#31
If anybody tells you they know the future, they're full of shit.
#30
Believe in your dreams, even when everyone else thinks you're crazy.
#29
Stop stressing out. A calm approach with a well-rested mind gets you the best solution without harm to your health.
#28
Get at least seven hours of sleep to function optimally throughout your day.
#27
Take care of your body. It's the temple that houses your soul.
#26
Be your word. Say what you mean. Keep your promises.
#25
Confidence is only gained through action.
#24
A moment's temptation fades faster than you think, but the consequences can last a lifetime. And a lifetime is a really long time.
#23
Things may not go according to plan (and oftentimes they won't), but you should always have a plan anyway. It gives you a sense of direction that allows you to keep moving forward.
#22
Be tenacious in following your plan. But change your plan if needed. You haven't failed if you keep working towards a solution.
#21
Work smarter, not harder. Working harder just drives you into the ground eventually.
#20
The truth, no matter how ugly or hard, is always the easiest way in the long run.
#19
Love yourself. It's only when you give yourself unconditional love that you will ever find yourself worthy of your own time and best efforts.
#18
Be kind -- always.
#17
Not every relationship is meant for a lifetime, and that's OK.
#16
It's not your job to teach anybody else a lesson. It's your job to live the lesson.
#15
The best way to parent is by example. Kids pick up on what you do more than what you tell them to do.
#14
Change takes focus, discipline and repetition.
#13
Focus on the present.
#12
Always have a vision for the future to guide your actions in the present.
#11
Let go of the past. You create unneeded drama in the present every time you focus on past hurts.
#10
You can't change people. Either accept them or move on.
#9
Always be open to another point of view. When you stop listening is when you stop learning.
#8
Question everything. It's the only way to make sure you've got it right.
#7
Your beliefs dictate your life. Choose them wisely. (And you do get to choose your beliefs. But #14 is needed if you want to change them.)
#6
There will be big waves in your life. Choose to ride them instead of fighting against them. It's more fun that way.
#5
Your mind is powerful. Invest in learning how to use it.
#4
Nobody really knows what happens when you die.
#3
Treating others the way you'd like to be treated makes life better for everybody.
#2
Being in your prime is a state of mind.
#1
As long as you don't give up on life, it won't give up on you.
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
It's Another Trump-Biden Showdown — And We Need Your Help
The Future Of Democracy Is At Stake
Our 2024 Coverage Needs You
Your Loyalty Means The World To Us
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
The 2024 election is heating up, and women's rights, health care, voting rights, and the very future of democracy are all at stake. Donald Trump will face Joe Biden in the most consequential vote of our time. And HuffPost will be there, covering every twist and turn. America's future hangs in the balance. Would you consider contributing to support our journalism and keep it free for all during this critical season?
HuffPost believes news should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay for it. We rely on readers like you to help fund our work. Any contribution you can make — even as little as $2 — goes directly toward supporting the impactful journalism that we will continue to produce this year. Thank you for being part of our story.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
It's official: Donald Trump will face Joe Biden this fall in the presidential election. As we face the most consequential presidential election of our time, HuffPost is committed to bringing you up-to-date, accurate news about the 2024 race. While other outlets have retreated behind paywalls, you can trust our news will stay free.
But we can't do it without your help. Reader funding is one of the key ways we support our newsroom. Would you consider making a donation to help fund our news during this critical time? Your contributions are vital to supporting a free press.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
As Americans head to the polls in 2024, the very future of our country is at stake. At HuffPost, we believe that a free press is critical to creating well-informed voters. That's why our journalism is free for everyone, even though other newsrooms retreat behind expensive paywalls.
Our journalists will continue to cover the twists and turns during this historic presidential election. With your help, we'll bring you hard-hitting investigations, well-researched analysis and timely takes you can't find elsewhere. Reporting in this current political climate is a responsibility we do not take lightly, and we thank you for your support.
Contribute as little as $2 to keep our news free for all.
Can't afford to donate? Support HuffPost by creating a free account and log in while you read.
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. Would you consider becoming a regular HuffPost contributor?
Dear HuffPost Reader
Thank you for your past contribution to HuffPost. We are sincerely grateful for readers like you who help us ensure that we can keep our journalism free for everyone.
The stakes are high this year, and our 2024 coverage could use continued support. If circumstances have changed since you last contributed, we hope you'll consider contributing to HuffPost once more.
Support HuffPostAlready contributed? Log in to hide these messages.