A Letter To My Younger Self…

If I could write a letter to my 17 year old self, it’ll be something like this…

Dear Myke,

If you really want something bad enough for your life, but don’t know how to get it, do your best to find someone who’s already doing it. “I don’t know how” is not an excuse. Look in the mirror. Notice you have two ears and one mouth. When you finally find this person, shut the hell up, listen and follow their advice.

Doing what the majority is doing is a one way ticket to mediocrity. Never allow someone’s opinion to crush your dreams. It’s ok to be weird. Who cares? “It’s not gonna work” just means they don’t know how to do it. They’ve never done it before! Ignore people that claim to know what is best for you without living what they are teaching. This is a recipe for disaster. Would you take a financial tip from a bum? If you did, you’ll be spinning your wheels and end up exactly where you started. Hella lost and confused!

Make time and take responsibility to educate yourself. Learning shouldn’t stop after school. Turn off the TV. Do it, especially when you don’t feel like it. Read anything you can get your hands on how to achieve your goals. Your life should be a product of your decisions not your emotions. You can conquer fear with knowledge.

Don’t forget to start implementing the things you’ve learned too, especially from the “been-there-done-that” individuals. Remember that an ounce of action is worth a ton of theory. If not, it’s all mental masturbation. Don’t jerk off your brain!

Just so you know, there is plenty of room at the top. Most people aren’t willing to drive the extra mile to get what they want. They are not committed enough to take the necessary actions day by day to achieve the goals they have set for themselves. Pick your priorities and stop stepping over dimes to pick up pennies.

And NEVER FORGET…

Always make time to nurture the relationships that you have. It’s the only thing that matters at the end of the day, well beyond any material possession you’ll ever accumulate. Putting others needs above yours, showing your compassion and support for them is something that you simply can’t put a price tag on.

Also, be mindful who you share a piece of your heart with. You only have so much to give out. Your body isn’t a rodeo and your heart isn’t a commodity that you pass around like a cake. It’s not an all-you-can-eat buffet but the substance of who you are. When someone asks you for your heart, they’re really asking a chunk of your life. Find someone who’s rowing their boat the same direction as your and never ask them to do anything you wouldn’t do.

Remember all of this Myke, and you will never be hungry, lonely, and without purpose!

Sincerely,
Myke

PS. I like how you spelled your name, it’s pretty cool!