I wish someone had told me: Some life lessons

“I wish someone had told me” is a series of posts that feed into our inquisitive nature at CN&CO. Each week we hear from someone in our network about something interesting or surprising that’s recently happened or occurred to them – or lessons they learnt. These blogs are a way to pay it forward and form part of CN&CO’s belief that the world can be a better place – and we all have a responsibility to make it so.

This post is by Kurt Solomon.

Life, as we know, is full of lessons. Some learned the easy way and others through trial and error. Looking back, there are many moments where I wish someone had just pulled me aside and given me the inside scoop. If only I had known then what I know now! So, in the spirit of paying it forward, here are a few nuggets of wisdom I wish I had learned earlier.

First, no one really has it all figured out. Well, I don’t think so at least. As a kid, I thought adults had a master plan and that one day, like magic, I’d suddenly understand how the world works and have it all figured out. Spoiler alert, that never or at least seldom happens. Even the most accomplished people are “winging” it to some degree. The trick, I think, is to be adaptable, open to learning, and confident in your ability to figure things out as you go.

Second, be open to meeting new people and experiences. Network and travel as much as you can. There’s no “perfect time” to explore new things, places and relationships. Travel doesn’t necessarily mean travel the world, if you can – great, but travel in your  own province, or country. Experiences will always outweigh things, and the memories you make along the way will shape your perspective in ways you can’t imagine.

I also wish someone had told me that failure is redirection. Whether it’s a goal you didn’t achieve, a job you didn’t get, a relationship that didn’t work out, or a door that just wouldn’t want to open, failure often pushes you towards something better. Instead of dwelling on the “no”, start getting excited about the “what’s next?”

Oh, and about money – this for me has evolved over time. Spend wisely, but don’t forget to enjoy it. Saving is important, but hoarding every cent and never allowing yourself any enjoyment is no way to live. That live concert, spontaneous weekend trip, or fancy dinner with friends? Those moments are worth it. Balance remember!

Lastly, I wish someone had told me to take more pictures. My life partner, Tanya, reminds me of this, not just of special occasions, but of ordinary days, too. Life moves fast, and those little snapshots become priceless over time. Capture the messy, imperfect, wonderful moments that make up your life.

If I could go back and tell my younger self these things, I would. But instead, I’ll tell you, so that maybe, just maybe, you’ll navigate life’s twists and turns with a little more confidence, adventure, and joy.

What’s something you wish someone had told you? Reach out to us, and we will share it on our CN&CO blog.