Key Life Advice from People in Their 40s to Those in Their 20s#

Physical Health & Self-Care#

• Take care of your teeth - they’re the only set you’ll ever have
• Take care of your knees and back
• Stretch every day or at least more than never - stay limber because once flexibility is gone, it’s almost impossible to get back
• Don’t wait to get in shape - start working out now in whatever way you enjoy
• Use sunscreen and drink plenty of water

Mental Health & Self-Perception#

• Stop caring what other people think - this was one of the most emphasized points
• You’re not special, no one cares what you do, and the sooner you accept it, the sooner you can be at peace with yourself
• Don’t take yourself too seriously - you’ll probably look back ten years later mildly mortified at how deep you thought you were
• It’s okay and healthy to sit in silence - put down your phone and just be

Time & Life Perspective#

• Time goes by very fast - never waste a day
• Chase your dreams! You don’t want to be 80 years old regretting not travelling or pursuing your passion
• You don’t have as much time as you think you do - do something every day, even if it’s just for yourself

Social Comparisons & Life Timelines#

• Don’t fall into the trap of thinking everyone else your age has something you don’t
• Once you’re out of school, there are no timelines anymore - you’re not supposed to do anything by any particular point in your life
• Don’t worry about high school - once you’re done, no one cares except for getting your diploma

Relationships & Social Life#

• Choose friends wisely - don’t keep friends who bring you down, only call when they need something, or discourage your growth
• Just ask - whether it’s the person who gets your heart beating or the pay raise you deserve, things won’t come to you by themselves

Financial Wisdom#

• Save money and invest - investments roughly double every decade
• Doing something you like for a living is more rewarding than doing something that pays exceptionally well

Personal Growth#

• Fail more - failure is not a catastrophe but part of the process of getting better
• Deprogram yourself from societal lies and examine your beliefs thoroughly
• Learn to live in the present - the past is just memory and the future is imagination

Source: Reddit comments

BATNA stands for “Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement.” It’s a concept from negotiation theory that represents the most advantageous alternative course of action a party can take if negotiations fail and an agreement cannot be reached. Understanding your BATNA is crucial as it gives you a baseline against which to measure any proposed agreement. Here’s a step-by-step guide to figuring out your BATNA:

1. Identify Your Options: Start by listing all possible alternatives you can pursue if the current negotiation doesn’t lead to a deal. Think broadly and creatively about all available options.

1. Self-Acceptance: “I accept myself unconditionally and recognise my worth.”

2. Resilience: “I am resilient, strong, and capable of facing life’s challenges.”

3. Growth Mindset: “I am always growing and learning from my experiences.”

4. Self-Confidence: “I believe in my abilities and trust my judgment.”

5. Optimism: “I choose to see the good in every situation.”

6. Gratitude: “I am grateful for the blessings in my life.”

7. Positivity: “I radiate positivity and attract positive experiences.”

8. Health and Well-being: “I am committed to taking care of my body and mind.”

1. Redirect Conversations: Steer discussions towards constructive or positive topics.
2. Practice Empathy: Seek to understand others without passing judgment.
3. Promote Open Communication: Encourage transparent and direct discussions.
4. Establish Personal Boundaries: Know when to disengage from gossip to maintain integrity.
5. Lead by Example: Demonstrate a commitment to positive communication.
6. Stay Mindful: Be aware of language choices and their potential impact.
7. Encourage Solution-Oriented Talks: Focus on finding solutions rather than dwelling on problems.
8. Value Privacy: Respect others’ personal information and avoid discussing it without consent.
9. Cultivate a Positive Culture: Foster an environment that discourages gossip.
10. Reflect on Impact: Consider how engaging in gossip affects relationships and overall team dynamics.
11. Mindful Listening: Actively listen without contributing to gossip conversations.
12. Choose Words Wisely: Be cautious about the language used in discussions.
13. Positive Reinforcement: Acknowledge and promote positive aspects rather than negative gossip.
14. Focus on Personal Growth: Shift attention to self-improvement rather than criticizing others.
15. Limit Social Media Involvement: Avoid participating in or perpetuating gossip online.
16. Create Distractions: Introduce new topics or activities to divert conversations from gossip.
17. Encourage Direct Communication: Advocate for resolving issues through direct dialogue.
18. Express Disapproval Diplomatically: Politely distance yourself when gossip arises.
19. Lead Group Discussions: Guide conversations to ensure they stay constructive and respectful.
20. Reflect Regularly: Evaluate personal behaviour to maintain a commitment to gossip-free interactions.

1. Self-awareness: Recognise negative thoughts and emotions.
2. Positive mindset: Cultivate optimism and focus on solutions.
3. Gratitude practice: Acknowledge and appreciate positive aspects of life.
4. Mindfulness: Stay present, reducing dwelling on negativity.
5. Healthy boundaries: Establish and maintain boundaries in relationships.
6. Conflict resolution: Address issues calmly and seek resolutions.
7. Surround yourself with positivity: Choose uplifting environments.
8. Limit negativity exposure: Minimize exposure to negative media or people.
9. Set goals: Focus on personal and professional aspirations.
10. Celebrate successes: Acknowledge achievements, big or small.
11. Learn from failures: Extract lessons and grow from setbacks.
12. Positive affirmations: Repeat affirming statements daily.
13. Physical activity: Regular exercise boosts mood and reduces stress.
14. Healthy lifestyle: Prioritise sleep, nutrition, and self-care.
15. Connect socially: Build supportive relationships with positive individuals.
16. Professional development: Enhance skills and knowledge.
17. Effective time management: Reduce stress by prioritizing tasks.
18. Delegate tasks: Share responsibilities to avoid overwhelm.
19. Problem-solving mindset: Approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset.
20. Learn to say no: Set limits to prevent overcommitment.
21. Regular breaks: Take short breaks to refresh and refocus.
22. Hobbies: Engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
23. Volunteer work: Helping others can provide a sense of purpose.
24. Limit perfectionism: Accept imperfections and learn from mistakes.
25. Positive communication: Use constructive language in interactions.
26. Regular reflection: Assess and adjust attitudes and behaviours.
27. Forgiveness: Let go of grudges and resentment.
28. Continuous learning: Stay curious and open-minded.
29. Personal values: Align actions with core values for fulfillment.
30. Seek professional help if needed: Consult a counselor or therapist for support.
31. Visualize success: Envision positive outcomes to boost motivation.
32. Humour: Find laughter in everyday situations to lighten the mood.
33. Declutter: Organise physical and digital spaces for clarity.
34. Educate yourself: Understand the impact of negativity on well-being.
35. Empathy: Put yourself in others’ shoes to foster understanding.
36. Limit complaints: Minimize venting and focus on solutions instead.
37. Positive role models: Surround yourself with inspirational figures.
38. Express gratitude: Share appreciation with others regularly.
39. Embrace change: View challenges as opportunities for growth.
40. Journaling: Write down thoughts and feelings for self-reflection.
41. Create a vision board: Visualize your goals and aspirations.
42. Practice forgiveness: Release resentment for inner peace.
43. Healthy boundaries: Communicate expectations clearly in relationships.
44. Learn to detach: Avoid getting overly absorbed in negative situations.
45. Mindful breathing: Practice deep, intentional breaths for relaxation.
46. Limit social media: Control exposure to potentially negative content.
47. Positive role models: Seek inspiration from those who overcome adversity.
48. Celebrate others’ success: Cultivate a positive community.
49. Spiritual practices: Engage in activities that nurture your soul.
50. Gratitude journal: Document daily moments of gratitude.
51. Set realistic expectations: Avoid setting yourself up for unnecessary stress.
52. Educate others: Encourage a positive atmosphere through shared knowledge.
53. Learn to say sorry: Apologize when necessary and move forward.
54. Establish a routine: Predictability can provide stability and reduce stress.
55. Mindful eating: Savor and appreciate your meals for a positive connection.
56. Positive self-talk: Replace self-critical thoughts with affirmations.
57. Learn to prioritise: Identify and focus on what truly matters.
58. Cultivate hobbies: Pursue activities that bring joy outside of work.
59. Express creativity: Engage in artistic or creative pursuits for self-expression.
60. Practice active listening: Foster positive communication through attentive listening.
61. Set realistic goals: Break larger goals into manageable, achievable steps.
62. Explore new perspectives: Consider alternative viewpoints for personal growth.
63. Celebrate progress: Acknowledge and reward incremental achievements.
64. Create a support system: Surround yourself with understanding and encouraging individuals.
65. Positive role modelling: Be a positive influence for those around you.
66. Embrace solitude: Find moments of quiet reflection for inner peace.
67. Digital detox: Take breaks from screens to reduce information overload.
68. Establish a morning routine: Start the day with positive habits for momentum.
69. Cultivate resilience: Learn to bounce back from challenges stronger.
70. Set clear personal boundaries: Communicate limits to others for respect.
71. Learn to delegate: Trust others with tasks to share the workload.
72. Reflect on achievements: Regularly review and celebrate your successes.
73. Connect with nature: Spend time outdoors for mental rejuvenation.
74. Practice random acts of kindness: Spread positivity through small gestures.
75. Invest in learning: Continuously acquire new knowledge for personal development.
76. Practice mindfulness at work: Integrate brief mindfulness exercises into your workday.
77. Engage in positive self-reflection: Regularly assess personal growth and improvements.
78. Establish a “no-complaint” rule: Encourage a positive culture by minimizing complaints.
79. Build a growth mindset: Embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and evolve.
80. Create a positive mantra: Develop a phrase that empowers and motivates you.
81. Establish a morning affirmation routine: Start your day with positive statements.
82. Celebrate small victories: Acknowledge and appreciate minor accomplishments.
83. Foster a positive work environment: Contribute to a workplace culture that values positivity.
84. Unplug before bedtime: Limit screen time to improve sleep quality.
85. Prioritise mental health: Regularly check in on your emotional well-being.
86. Practice time-blocking: Allocate specific time slots for different tasks to enhance focus.
87. Identify toxic relationships: Minimize contact with individuals who consistently bring negativity.
88. Establish a learning goal: Continuously seek opportunities to expand your knowledge.
89. Learn to let go: Release attachments to outcomes beyond your control.
90. Practice positive visualization: Envision achieving your goals vividly.
91. Create a personal mission statement: Define your values and purpose for guidance.
92. Explore a new hobby regularly: Keep life exciting with diverse interests.
93. Attend networking events: Connect with like-minded individuals for inspiration.
94. Set digital boundaries: Control technology use for a healthier work-life balance.
95. Maintain a clean workspace: Organise your environment to reduce stress.
96. Invest in personal development: Attend workshops or courses for self-improvement.
97. Volunteer for a cause: Contribute to a positive impact in your community.
98. Practice deep breathing exercises: Incorporate moments of calmness into your day.
99. Limit comparison: Focus on your journey without excessive comparison to others.
100. Celebrate your uniqueness: Embrace your individuality and strengths.
101. Establish a “no-gossip” policy: Refrain from participating in negative conversations about others.
102. Create a vision statement: Define your long-term aspirations for guidance.
103. Learn to negotiate effectively: Turn conflicts into opportunities for mutual gain.
104. Regularly assess your priorities: Ensure your actions align with your core values.
105. Build a positive routine: Develop habits that contribute to your well-being.
106. Practice active gratitude: Verbally express appreciation to others regularly.
107. Invest in quality relationships: Nurture connections that uplift and support you.
108. Regularly update goals: Adjust your aspirations as circumstances evolve.
109. Establish a digital curfew: Limit electronic device use in the evening for better sleep.
110. Create a positive playlist: Compile music that boosts your mood.
111. Invest in self-care activities: Prioritise activities that replenish your energy.
112. Explore new cultures: Broaden your perspective through exposure to diverse experiences.
113. Cultivate a growth mindset in others: Encourage those around you to embrace challenges.
114. Develop a personal brand: Present yourself in a way that reflects your positive qualities.
115. Seek feedback: Embrace constructive criticism as a tool for improvement.
116. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness during challenging times.
117. Create a positive rituals list: Outline activities that bring joy and peace.
118. Participate in team-building activities: Foster positive relationships in professional settings.
119. Set intentional goals for each day: Outline specific achievements to strive for.
120. Explore relaxation techniques: Incorporate methods like meditation or deep breathing.
121. Read motivational literature: Draw inspiration from books, articles, or quotes.
122. Join a community group: Connect with others who share similar interests.
123. Practice forgiveness for yourself: Let go of personal mistakes and move forward.
124. Establish a gratitude jar: Record daily moments of gratitude for reflection.
125. Embrace challenges as opportunities: Shift your perspective on difficulties.
126. Invest in quality sleep: Prioritise a consistent and restful sleep routine.
127. Create a personal mission board: Visualize your goals and aspirations.
128. Mindful communication: Choose words consciously to promote positive dialogue.
129. Develop a morning routine: Start your day with intentional and positive activities.
130. Attend personal development events: Engage in workshops or seminars for growth.
131. Practice emotional intelligence: Understand and manage your emotions effectively.
132. Establish a financial plan: Reduce stress by organising and managing your finances.
133. Learn to delegate at home: Share responsibilities for a balanced family life.
134. Explore alternative therapies: Consider practices like yoga or meditation for holistic well-being.
135. Create a personal growth challenge: Set monthly challenges to enhance various aspects of your life.
136. Celebrate others’ uniqueness: Appreciate diversity and individual strengths.
137. Organise a positive book club: Discuss inspiring literature with like-minded individuals.
138. Learn a new skill: Stimulate your mind with continuous learning.
139. Practice the 5-to-1 rule: Aim for five positive interactions for every negative one.
140. Join a hobby group: Connect with people who share your interests.
141. Establish a regular sleep routine: Prioritise consistency in your sleep patterns.
142. Cultivate a morning ritual: Engage in activities that set a positive tone for the day.
143. Create a positivity journal: Document uplifting moments and achievements.
144. Embrace discomfort: See challenges as opportunities for personal growth.
145. Learn to negotiate gracefully: Resolve conflicts with tact and diplomacy.
146. Practice time reflection: Regularly assess how you spend your time.
147. Foster a growth mindset in others: Encourage colleagues or friends to embrace learning.
148. Seek mentorship: Learn from experienced individuals in your field.
149. Limit multitasking: Focus on one task at a time for better efficiency.
150. Establish a weekly review: Reflect on your achievements and areas for improvement regularly.
151. Create a positive words list: Compile uplifting words for daily affirmations.
152. Set boundaries with technology: Define specific times for phone and email usage.
153. Explore holistic wellness practices: Incorporate activities that address mental, physical, and emotional health.
154. Practice positive body language: Project confidence and openness in your interactions.
155. Invest in personal finance education: Enhance your financial literacy for better money management.
156. Participate in community service: Contribute to your community for a sense of purpose.
157. Set intentions for the day: Outline specific positive intentions each morning.
158. Establish a personal advisory board: Seek guidance from trusted mentors and friends.
159. Practice self-reflection: Regularly assess your thoughts, feelings, and actions.
160. Engage in laughter therapy: Surround yourself with humour and joy.
161. Set realistic expectations for others: Avoid placing undue pressure on those around you.
162. Create a self-love routine: Dedicate time to activities that nurture self-compassion.
163. Practice non-judgment: Refrain from harshly judging yourself and others.
164. Cultivate a positive online presence: Share uplifting content on social media.
165. Explore volunteer opportunities: Offer your time and skills to causes you care about.
166. Regularly update your goals: Ensure your aspirations align with your evolving priorities.
167. Celebrate diversity: Appreciate and learn from different perspectives and backgrounds.
168. Establish a ritual for reflection: Dedicate time each day for introspection.
169. Encourage others: Offer support and motivation to those around you.
170. Practice empathy in communication: Understand and validate others’ perspectives.
171. Learn from setbacks: Extract lessons and apply them to future endeavors.
172. Foster positive competition: Encourage friendly competition for mutual growth.
173. Create a positive workspace: Personalize your environment to inspire productivity and well-being.
174. Practice self-discipline: Cultivate habits that contribute to long-term goals.
175. Establish a learning network: Connect with individuals who share your professional interests.
176. Engage in brain-training activities: Stimulate cognitive function with puzzles or games.
177. Build a resilience toolkit: Collect strategies to navigate challenges effectively.
178. Incorporate aromatherapy: Use scents like lavender for relaxation and positivity.
179. Practice positive time framing: Focus on the present and future rather than dwelling on the past.
180. Join a mastermind group: Collaborate with like-minded individuals for mutual growth.
181. Participate in a mentorship program: Offer guidance to others while learning from seasoned mentors.
182. Create a personal growth journal: Document your journey toward self-improvement.
183. Explore mindfulness apps: Use technology for guided meditation and stress reduction.
184. Organise a gratitude circle: Share thankful moments with friends or family.
185. Practice the “one in, one out” rule: Declutter regularly to maintain a positive living space.
186. Create a vision statement for your relationships: Define the kind of connections you aspire to have.
187. Explore nature therapy: Spend time outdoors for mental and emotional rejuvenation.
188. Invest in personal branding: Cultivate a positive and authentic image.
189. Establish a financial wellness plan: Align your spending habits with long-term financial goals.
190. Practice forgiveness meditation: Release negativity through guided forgiveness exercises.
191. Create a wellness vision board: Visualize a balanced and healthy lifestyle.
192. Engage in positive visualization exercises: Picture achieving your goals vividly.
193. Explore virtual experiences: Connect with uplifting online communities and events.
194. Establish a personal growth challenge: Set monthly goals for self-improvement.
195. Organise a positive feedback loop: Encourage a culture of constructive feedback in your circles.
196. Practice the Pomodoro Technique: Enhance productivity with focused work intervals.
197. Establish a “tech-free” zone: Dedicate specific areas free from electronic devices.
198. Practice decision-making clarity: Make choices aligned with your values and goals.
199. Create a self-love playlist: Compile music that boosts self-esteem and positivity.
200. Build a legacy plan: Define the positive impact you want to leave on the world.

A vision board is a collage of images and words representing a person’s wishes or goals, intended to serve as inspiration or motivation. It includes pictures and words that will help inspire you to manifest your dreams and get where you want to go. It’s a way to document and organise what you want to achieve in your life while inspiring you to take action. Use vision boards for short-term and long-term goals in life.

OxfordDictionaries. (n.d.). Vision board. http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/vision_board

Inner child therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help people heal from their childhood traumas and reconnect with their authentic selves. The concept of the inner child is based on the idea that we all have a part of ourselves that retains the emotions, memories, and experiences of our early life. This part can influence our thoughts, feelings, and behaviours in adulthood, especially if we have unresolved issues or unmet needs from our past.

Nobel prize–winner and game theory pioneer Reinhard Selten observed that people work diligently to be rational ex post. That is, we commonly look back at how a situation played out to try and understand how a better outcome might have been achieved. This contrasts with a game theory approach in which the goal is to develop a strategy that will lead to that better outcome a priori.

Learning and knowledge are essential for your professional growth and career advancement. But how can you demonstrate your skills and expertise to potential employers? Here are some tips to help you showcase your lifelong learning on your resume:

• Get certified by a reputable professional organisation. This will show that you have met the standards and requirements of your industry or field. Certifications can also help you stand out from other candidates who may have similar qualifications.
• Write publications, books, ebooks, articles, and white papers. Being published adds credibility to your resume and shows that you have valuable insights and knowledge to share. You can also use your publications as samples of your work or portfolio.
• Make presentations to universities, schools, or nonprofit organizations. This will help you demonstrate your communication and presentation skills, as well as your ability to educate and influence others. You can also record your presentations and edit them to highlight the key points and post them on your website, blog, or YouTube channel.
• Do community service or volunteer work in a relevant area to your professional field. This will show that you are passionate about your work and that you care about making a positive impact on society. You can also list your community service or volunteer work as part of your work experience or achievements on your resume.
• List all your education and technical courses taken. You should list your vocational education and technical courses as part of your education or training section on your resume.
• Earn certification exams for computer, software, and IT skills from Microsoft and other recognised authorities. If you work in the IT sector or any field that requires computer or software skills, you can boost your resume by earning certifications that prove your proficiency and competence. Many employers look for candidates who have specific certifications for certain software or systems.
• Learn a foreign language with the help of Rosetta Stone and DVDs with alternate languages and English captions on the bottom of your screen and flaunt it on your resume. Learning a foreign language can open up many opportunities for you in the global market. You can also impress employers by showing that you are culturally aware and adaptable.