40 Lessons I’ve Learned Over the Past 40 Years

I turned 40 today.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken the time to reflect over my 40 years so far and here are a few of the principles that I’ve learned along the way.

Some are ideas that I’ve read, some are concepts that I’ve heard, some are my observations about life and some are just random musings.

I don’t claim to get them right all of the time, but when I do, life seems to works better for me.

If you can’t do what you love, love what you do!
Control the controllables – attitude, behaviour and consistency. No-one else should be able to take away how you think, how you act and how often you do it!
If I’m not growing, I’m probably shrinking
Prior prayerful preparation prevents poor performance
Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it
I’ve made mistakes and I’ve had successes, the experiences that I play over and over in my head are the ones that I’m more likely to repeat
It’s almost impossible to be positive 100% of the time, but at least aim for 95%
If you’re not the greatest influence on your kids, you’re not doing your job as a parent
Life isn’t always fair. Get used to it and keep trying your best
I’m at my best as a dad when I’m at my best as a husband
Recruit for attitude, train for skill
The only thing more dangerous than someone who knows nothing about a subject is someone who knows a little bit
You don’t do the right thing because you feel like it, but because it’s the right thing
I can do things you cannot do, you can do things I cannot do. Together we can do great things (Mother Teresa)
Look out the window to give praise when things go right and in the mirror to take responsibility when things go wrong, not the other way around
You will work for approximately 100,000 hours during your career. Don’t waste it on the trivial or the unfulfilling
Sometimes the glory isn’t in the result, but in the journey
No amount of success can compensate for failure in the home, no-one ever said from their death-bed that they wished they had spent more time in the office
Supporting Manchester United and the Boston Celtics is gratifying, supporting the Richmond Tigers is character building!
Career success is less about a fancy resume and application letter and more about a track record of great work and establishing an effective network
A well-set goal is half-way to being achieved
In leadership, character is more important than charisma
The difference between who you are now and who you are in two years time is largely determined by the books you read and the people you hang out with
If you’re not delivering your message with passion and enthusiasm, don’t expect people to listen or respond
If you’re at the top alone, you’re not a leader, you’re a hiker (John C. Maxwell)
There’s a difference between 10 years of experience and 1 year of experience repeated 10 times
I don’t have all of the answers. And that’s OK
Live life with enthusiasm, if only because it beats the alternative
My biggest hurdle to success is my own mindset
God’s given me two ears and one mouth. I need to use them in that ratio more often
Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die
You can’t learn too much, but you can learn too little. If in doubt, err on the side of the former
Life’s too short not to celebrate your successes along the way, preferably with a slice of caramel mud cake that’s been microwaved for 10 seconds. Divine!
The question isn’t, “Can I make difference?” but, “Am I making a difference?”
The more I operate in my areas of strength, the more effective I am
The Bible is still the best personal development book that’s ever been written
The most important part of my day is the time spent with God every morning before the rest of the house gets moving
In all your ways acknowledge Him (God) and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:6)
On the cross, Jesus got what I deserve so that I can get what He deserves
The best is yet to come!