Our lives are often a result of the influential experiences we encounter, and in my case each significant event played a role in creating the trajectory of my life’s ambitions. If I could go back to my 17-year-old self, I would tell him these three pieces of advice:
A goal realized is a goal defined.
Regardless of your aspirations, until you put them on paper they will always be a figment of your imagination. As scared as you might be to set a defined goal because it then becomes easy to identify the failure in hitting that target, you have to be willing to take that first step of privately or publicly stating, “This is where I hope to be one day in the future.” It’s only through clearly outlining where you hope to be that you’ll find yourself pushing harder than ever before to get there.
Surround yourself with those who make you better.
Young adulthood is a challenging time. You’re constantly surrounded by many different kinds of people. Making friends and finding where you fit in is both exciting and daunting. Surrounding yourself with those who support your growth, rather than those who will criticize it. Consistently spend your time around those who teach you, inspire you, and challenge you to become the best possible version of yourself.
Being you is more important than being cool.
There are so many different points in life when you’ll be faced with attractive and appealing opportunities that may not be totally in line with your values. This is especially true in your teens and twenties as you’re just beginning to really discover yourself. Deep inside each of us lies a core of values and beliefs. These should always be the things to guide you in your decisions. Listen to them and have faith they will not steer you wrong.
While there are many mantras to live by, I think these three are an essential place to start. These truths serve as guidance throughout the many decisions and crossroads that you will inevitably face ahead. To read more lessons and advice like this check out the New York Times Bestseller , “The Promise of a Pencil” below.
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Michelle @ Modern Acupuncture
Absolutely agree with all of these, especially, “Being you is more important than being cool.” I would also tell my 17-year old self that dreams change as you change as a person, and there’s no shame in that; what you wanted at 17 may not be right for you at 30.
Adam
100%
Sharon Kathleen Johnson
Cracking the aristocrap.
Adam
Doing my best 🙂
Ed Fadde I
Adam, i keyed in “writing it down” in your writings…thankyou. Maybe some artistic and writing skills will help me to display on paper an idea that just came in zazen this evening: a Disneyland scale theme park of a human body, Prone position..if you will. The visitor would, for instance, walk into a heart..walls thumping…red liquid circulating as in an aquarium. In the “brain room” one could lay hands on a pineal gland the size of a 67 Buick! I’m very excited. Thankyou again and keep up the great work. Namaste, Ed Fadde
Adam
Glad the post led to some new thoughts Ed.
jackie
Adam, I was given your book while on a train going into NYC (a patient of your dad’s gave it to me-total stranger! He ran after me in Grand Central to give me the book:) I have teens, one starting college the other a senior in high school. Your book is required summer reading-we are reading the same copy, each of us using different colored highlighters to mark what we want to remember/discuss. Your “3 Pieces of Advice I’d give my 17 year-old self,” (like your book) are amazing jumping off points for me as a parent to start discussions with my kids. They are at an age when they’ll listen to you before they’ll listen to me. Thank you so much for your contributions to the planet and to my little corner of the world with my kids.
Best regards,
Jackie
Adam
So glad to hear it!
Sheira Brayer
Hi Adam!
I absolutely love this post. I actually do a motivational speaking/empowerment program for teen girls (and their moms) called “Motiv8: 8 Ways To ROCK Your Own World” – – some of your pearls of wisdom are part of what I talk about. It’s so important to offer skills and tools early in life (not sure why we don’t do that in schools in a more focused way). I’m now writing a book about it, as well.
As an aside, I had reached out to you by (snail) mail a few weeks ago with a handwritten note about a music-based philanthropy project that I thought would resonate with you and your family. You and I are both descendants of Holocaust survivors (my Dad was 14 when he lost his whole family). Please let me know if you got it. I’m in NY as well and would be happy to connect with you at your convenience.
Thanks so much and I look forward to hearing from you!
Sheira
Adam
Keep up your wonderful work Sheira.
Ovidiu
1st: I am a big fan and promoter, of both the book, the organisation, but most of all the mission.
2nd: Adam, do you use any tools to keep track of your goals?
Thanks and keep making the world a better place!
Adam
Thanks so much Ovidiu. We use Salesforce as an organization to track progress towards goals, and on a personal level I have a system I’ve developed that helps me be as efficient as possible. It’s detailed in the blog post below:
http://adambraun.com/the-secret-system-i-use-to-manage-everything-in-my/
Ovidiu
Cool, thanks Adam!
Jeaneen Conley
Your words of advice are spot on! Just about to finish the Promise of a Pencil and then will pass it along…a must read for my family!
Thanks!
Adam
Happy reading Jeaneen!
Shobelyn
Thanks for these advices. My problem sometimes, okay most of the time, is that , I have not defined my values, which sucks because this makes me indecisive and confused. Having read this post today inspired me to really decide on standing on for something.Blessings.
Adam
That’s why great companies always define their core values early on and post them for all employees and visitors to see. Values are the foundation, establish those first and build on top of them.
AwesomelyOZ
Great advice, I definitely agree with the second one. I feel as though we’re used to clinging to people who are most similar to us, who we’re comfortable with and while there isn’t anything wrong with that; it inhibits growth and exploration. Found you through Marie TV, fabulous segment! Have a great one Adam -Iva
Adam
It’s tough to go outside of your comfort zone, especially with relationships, but the only way to expand your own interests, horizons and experiences is through being willing to surround yourself with those who might not be just like you but provide that opportunity to grow into your full potential.
Jeremy
I just started this book last night, only half way through it so far but I have to admit that it definitely added even more drive to my newly-found outlook on life. One of the best reads I can ever recall diving into!
Adam
I’m so glad to hear that Jeremy, I hope the rest of the book is just as helpful.
Megan
Love your mantras and sound advice for a purpose driven life…very inspiring!