Posts Tagged ‘advice’

Advice for my fourteen-year-old self, #1

Wednesday, November 14th, 2012

I’ve often thought how great it would be if I could go back in time and have a chat with myself at the beginning of high school. Even five minutes would be supremely helpful.

There are so many things a guy should know at that age that I just didn’t. So… in case I ever run across a time machine, I’m getting my list of points together now.

Tip #1: You don’t have to be awesome at everything, nor can you be. Someone out there is really great at that thing you are interested in. Find them, and take advantage of their knowledge.

Maybe you think you can become fashionable if you try hard enough. You’re wrong. You’re no good at that. Find someone who is, and get help. Get help now.

nerdo

If you can’t see the proof in the mirror, buddy, then I don’t know what to tell you.

You probably think you have a bunch of natural talent at sports but have just never applied yourself. This is unequivocally false. Find someone who knows how to make a free throw and just ask them how to practice. Don’t waste your time doing this on your own. Make an exception for ping pong. You are good at that.

The internet hasn’t really gotten rolling yet, but when it does, a bunch of people are going to start writing things. If these concern do-it-yourself projects, restaurant reviews, nutrition, or foreign language, start reading. If they start by talking to their past selves… run away.