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| Scott Meyer’s Basic Instructions |
Elizabeth poses two questions:
- What would you tell your younger self?
It was initially tempting to inventory specific sources of pain and failure and undo those. However, the more I thought about it, the more I believe these were learning experiences that helped me later in life. For example, signing a contract with Bally’s was a costly mistake (especially trying to get out of it in 1990), but I’m more acutely aware of ways salespeople may take creative liberties with reality. I have walked away if the person was overtly lying or seemed shady.
I do like Elizabeth’s condensed: Expect more. Merely changing a question from “Can I…?” to “How can I…?” can often lead to new possibilities. (And, sometimes, sarcastic fodder from a cranky coworker who’d offer “fly back through time, change history.” 🙂
I would add hesitate less. Many of the regrets I have are from over thinking in social/dating situations and handling them poorly. I should have also sold my airplane sooner to the first interested buyer (before 9/11). Seize the carp!
Finally, travel more. I wish I had traveled more when I was younger, if only to get out of my comfort zone at a time when I would be more open to circumstance. And could travel light. And I could sleep without four pillows.
- Would your younger self listen?
Certainly. Employing the (unsolicited) wisdom would not happen as soon as present-day me would have liked, but I’d understand.
So, gentle readers, what would your answers be?