Would I Have Listened?

Giving Counsel to an Earlier Me

Brick ONeil, Original Publisher Yahoo Contributor Network

GOING BACK IN TIME

If it were possible and I could go back in time to give my younger self advice, would I have listened? As we all know, we can be stubborn little sprites in our late teens and twenties. Despite being hardheaded, I’d like to think I’d listen to an older, more experienced me. Having said that, here are some points of interest I’d share with my younger self.

MAKE A PLAN

You never know what the future holds, but it would be wise to make plans to ensure your health, wealth and welfare. Starting with your college major. Pick something viable, one of the sciences, something business related–but stay away from the soft humanities majors. Unless you have one brilliant plan to stay in academia, continuing your education through Masters and Doctoral degrees and know what institution of higher learning you’ll work, pick a career that will, more or less, ensure you’ll stay employed well into retirement.

Speaking of careers, double check it won’t be one that can be laid off or sent overseas. Buy your own health insurance: you’ll need it. If you can, get a degree in one of the above fields and apply to work for the government. That is really, the only employer that is tried and true. Private employers may pay more but in the long run, you’ll thank me. Longevity beats loaded.

HEALTHY, WEALTHY, WISE

Another bit of advice I’d give is protect your assets. There will come a time when your health may jeopardize your assets. Ensure you won’t have to sell your home, 401K, savings and so on if something happens to your health. There are disabilities out there that come out of nowhere and sometimes the government’s health plan doesn’t have your best monetary interests at heart. See a savings specialist or retirement specialist, do some research.

Keep healthy! Start exercising, do some aerobic and, vitally important, some strength training. Eat healthier, young man. And don’t roll your eyes at me. Stop eating processed foods, anything premade–in other words, don’t’ be a lazy cook.There will come a time when you enjoy cooking, so lay the foundation now.

WRAPPING IT UP

The last bit of advice that I’d tell my younger self is be smart about life, take the harder paths, because they will pay off in the long run. Oh and have fun, go out, meet people.