Over the past 3 years, I have:
Quit my high paying 9-5.
Overcome the fear of uncertainty.
I hit my first 80k month in my business.
And all of these things have taught me a tremendous amount about what matters in life, and what doesn’t.
(Plot twist: a lot of the things I used to care about, I don’t anymore. And things I used to not care very much about are now my top priorities.)
These are my new 7 rules for life:
Rule #1 Align with Your Values
I used to live my life unsure of what I valued. So I would live my life through other people's values.
This was a big mistake. It led me down a path that wasn't mine. It felt like I was betraying myself.
Knowing your values is like having a compass that shows you the way.
Just like a compass helps you find your way through unknown terrain, your values guide you as you navigate life's ups and downs.
By staying true to your values, you can chart a course that aligns with your true north.
Moving towards a life that is authentic, fulfilling, and true to who you are.
Rule #2 Embrace Uncertainty and Take Risks
It's easy to stay in our comfort zones, but that's not where growth and transformation happen.
I've noticed in my journey that opportunities present to you when you take a leap of faith.
In 2020, when I quit my 9-5 and went all in on my business, it was the scariest decision I have ever made.
But looking back now, it was what propelled me to new heights.
Now I am not here to say go and take risks that are going to put you in harm's way.
But when you have that feeling in your heart - the one where you know it is the right move for you, you have to jump all in on it.
Rule #3 Focus on Relationships and Connections
At the end of the day, it's the relationships and connections we have with others that truly matter.
I've noticed since quitting my job and working from home I realised how much I missed having it in my life.
Life is all about connections.
Have a close group of friends in both your personal and professional life, and you'll find that everything falls into place.
Rule #4 Look After Your Health
When I started my business I felt so stressed all the time that I neglected my health.
I stopped going to the gym, started making poor food choices, and wasn't exercising as much - and I paid the price.
My energy levels started to drop, my business wasn't performing as well, and I just felt terrible.
Your health is your most valuable asset.
Your body is a vehicle that you will drive for the rest of your life.
Just like a car needs regular maintenance and care to run smoothly, your body requires proper nourishment, exercise, and rest to function at its best.
When the 'check engine' light is on, don't ignore it.
Prioritise your well-being and address any concerns as soon as they arise.
Rule #5 Never Stop Learning
The biggest mistake you can make is to stop learning when you leave school.
Thankfully, I have always had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge.
I have always loved learning. They say knowledge is power and it is.
It opens up your mind to possibilities that you never knew existed.
In 20 hours of focused learning, you can become extremely proficient at a skill.
That skill has the potential to change the trajectory of your life.
But here is what I realised too.
Aristotle famously wrote, "The more you know, the more you realise you don't know."
Learning is a lifelong process, and there is always something new to discover and explore.
Keep your mind open to new knowledge and learn new skills.
Ultimately, developing new skills is an investment in yourself and your future.
Rule #6 Be Intentional with your Time and Energy
At 22 I experienced an existential crisis. I realised that I was going to die one day.
The thought of getting 80 years old and look back at my life with a mountain of regret is something I never want to experience.
Time is finite.
Your clock is running closer to zero every day.
Use it wisely.
Set clear priorities and boundaries in your life. Focus on the things that truly matter to you.
Be intentional with your time and energy, and you'll find that you can accomplish more than you ever thought possible.
Rule #7 Don't Take Life Seriously
If I am being honest, this is something I struggled the most with.
It can be easy to get bogged down by the stress of everyday life.
Life is full of ups and downs, and I've noticed that it is important to maintain a sense of humour and perspective about it all.
Zoom out.
You are a single person.
In a single city.
In a single state.
In a single country.
In a single continent.
In a single planet.
In a single galaxy amongst trillions of galaxies.
When you shift your perspective and recognise that you are not the sole focus of the universe, you gain a broader understanding of the world and its purpose.
You realise that many of the things you worry about are trivial and insignificant.
You develop a deeper appreciation for the people and world around you.
My favourite quote of all time is from Dr. Wayne Dyer.
"When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change"
I hope you can take something from these rules because I sure wish I had known these when I was 22.
See you next week.
~Stefan
