Below is a list of the 10 pieces of advice I would give my 21 year old self now. Writing this piece, I am almost drooling at the thought of the idea of me actually getting and listening to this advice so there must be something to it - for me at least.

1. Do Something

   There is time for watching a little TV, partying a little and even sleeping in but the massive amount of time wasted on these activities in hindsight, was a crime. Doing it again, I would have worked a second part time job that interested me for all little extra cash, some new experiences and a new skill or two. Maybe I would have taken an class on something creative (music, photography, etc.). If I was feeling even more practical I could have taken a class on my chosen profession to increase my marketability and average pay.

2. Save a Little

   One of the first lectures I would give 21 year old me would be on the subject of money. When I look back at all the extra money I had and the spare time I had, I would have presented something like this: Save about $7,000 a year and put it somewhere like a 401K where I could not get it without much difficulty. Even though I was not paid extremely well I see no reason that I could not have saved that amount by following step 1 above and not being excessively loose with my cash. I picked $7,000 because that would have gotten me to $100K by age 30. So many options would have opened up if I had that amount at age 30.

3. Respect Credit

   I now see credit much like I see, say, a nail gun - A useful tool for very specific situations but incorrect use of it could cripple you. Now looking back, I would never have gotten my first credit card when I did or at least I would have developed a better policy on use of it i.e. never use it unless its an emergency of biblical proportions. If I had followed steps 1. and 2. above, having up to $100k in the 401K would have enabled me to get loans against that amount and pay myself back the interest - much sweeter deal. Credit preys on some optimistic nature that you will be able to “pay it off with the bonus” or whatever goes through your mind but in most cases is a contract to pay way too much to appease the need to have something right now.

4. Buy, Don’t Rent

   Having gotten together a few dollars from the steps above, I could have gotten in on something to own as opposed to rent. It would not have been anything fancy but it would be mine and the monthly rent money would have come to me and I would have had equity. I would not have stretched myself too much on the payment as long as I had something.

5. Take a Risk
   

   Now that I followed the steps above, I am in good shape financially. This is important because I think poor financial state can and will overwhelm the freedoms of the individual and limits the options a person has. It can become slavery if its bad enough. Anyway, on to risk taking. Got an idea for a business? Think you could do something better than the guy who just became famous off of some venture? Well get on it! The truth is that the guys who are not neck deep in the rat race, 9-5 existence took a chance somewhere and probably failed once or twice before hitting it big.

6. Take a Little Bit Better Care of Your Health
   

   Just a little, nothing major. Keep the energy up, look better and make it less work as you get older. It is nice to be able to eat and party with complete freedom as a 21 year old but a little discipline will extend those freedoms for much longer. Besides, you will need the extra energy with all the success you are having.

7. Keep Better Company

   Everyone has their own biases, opinions and prejudices - we are all different but certain people who are excessively negative, pessimistic and in some cases covertly antagonistic are to be avoided or just not listened to. People like this can have a surprising effect on your willingness and ability to execute a good idea or keep good personal policies in on yourself. Learn the “how it can be” and don’t listen to the “how it can’t be” - everything was “how it cant be” until it was done.

8. Do The Right Thing

   I find I am happier when I do the right thing. Without getting too philosophical it just seems that keeping my own integrity intact is the healthy thing universally.

9. Get Really Good at Something

   The honest fact is, regardless of my college education, I could have done anything at 21. I should have followed what I wanted to do and gotten really competent at it and I would have never worked another day in my life … as they say!

10. Maintain My Relationships

    No not the romantic kind necessarily but the many, many friends I have had through the years who are now “scattered to the four winds”. The best of life is usually found in the company of good friends.