Lessons For Your 16 Year Old Self

Remember how stubborn you might have been at 16? Did you think you were growing too!? Not just me right? You could drop some knowledge on money, friends, relationships, career paths, or staying true to yourself. If I could kick it with my 16 year old self for a quick ten minutes, I'd want to fill myself with all the tips and tricks possible to find success in this thing we call life. But with only 10 mins, you really would have to narrow down what knowledge you feel will be most useful for someone that age.Time is precious, but I've got three key messages I'd want my younger self to vibe with and stick to over the years. Let's get into these three lessons that'll have you nodding your head and saying, "Mmmmm!!, now that’s facts." 

 Friends will change

Please understand your friend groups are gonna shift like seasons changing. Friends come and go, and that's just how it goes. Yes, you will have some close friends that stick with you well into adulthood, but note, it is rare, and you will likely be able to count those close friends that stuck with you on one hand. Embrace the changes. People go off to school, have children, and start careers that can change how often you see or hear from them. It is natural, so don’t always take it personal.

Cherish the real ones who stick by your side, and keep building authentic connections that stand the test of time. You are going to mature, you are going to face good and bad influences that may shape your behavior, or start dating a new person. All of these things shape the company you keep. Trust it will keep changing over time. Prep your mind and value who sticks around.

Build your personal brand

Make sure you set up that personal brand! Doing this early on is like carving out your own lane in the world. What makes you stand out from the crowd? What values and qualities define you?  You are never too young to start this search within yourself. Think about that thing you can do better than anybody who tries. Own your uniqueness, show it proudly, and let the world know the real you, with no cap in it! Once you do that, take the time to become a master in your niche. Share content on social media and develop a business with different products to make yourself a player in the market. The entrepreneurial skills and tax benefits you will have access to will pay off down the line.

Character over Clout in relationships

 What good would I be if I didn’t touch on love and relationships in that 10 mins? When it comes to these it's all about the heart, not the hype. Character and not clout! Look for someone with integrity, loyalty, and other values that you RESPECT and ADMIRE. At this age, it’s so natural to get caught up in everything that meets the eye. I’m talking the looks, the clothes, the most lit social media content, and everything else that really doesn’t hold lasting value over the years. All that flash and popularity can fade just like the latest Tik-Tok trend. Who is most popular and good looking will change every day, but true character is a solid foundation. Develop the skill of recognizing great character, and you will save yourself a lot of wasted time dealing with “suckas” as we like to say.

Reflecting on these lessons reveals some of the wisdom and insight I have been blessed enough to gain through life's experiences. Friend groups shift, personal branding truly matters, and valuing character in pursuing a partner pays off very well in the long run. In those ten minutes, sharing those three key points I feel would really help prepare someone age 16 for the world of adulthood and aging life comes with. Time's ticking, but the impact of these truths will guide you through the twists and turns in life you WILL encounter and keep you from being a sucka. So, stay true to yourself, embrace the changes, and remember  #DontBASucka 🚫🍭 as you navigate this thing we call life. What are some tips you would give your 16 year old self?