28 Essential Lessons Learned in 2018

Every year brings with it a unique set of experiences and lessons that shape our lives. As we look back at 2018, it’s clear that many insights can guide our future decisions and help us cultivate a more fulfilling existence. Below, I share valuable reflections that emerged throughout the year, many of which have deep roots in prior life experiences.

Your worth transcends financial metrics

One of the most profound realizations is that your net worth does not define your self-worth. Regardless of whether you find yourself in a difficult financial situation or thriving economically, remember that money is merely a tool we use, not a reflection of our identity or value as human beings.

Recognizing this truth can lead to a healthier relationship with money. It encourages us to seek fulfillment and purpose beyond financial gain. Embracing this mindset can alleviate stress and foster a sense of inner peace.

Focus on the big picture

Worrying excessively about minor expenses, such as your daily coffee or lunch choices, can distract you from larger financial considerations, like housing costs or major lifestyle expenses. It’s crucial to prioritize spending that aligns with your overall well-being and financial strategy.

Consider these examples:

• Don’t fixate on saving a few dollars on small purchases while ignoring significant monthly bills.
• Instead of patching small leaks in your financial plan, assess the structural integrity of your overall financial health.
• Evaluate major expenses—like housing, transportation, and food—before sweating the small stuff.

Making choices beyond money

Decision-making should encompass more than just financial implications. It’s essential to consider your passions and values alongside potential earnings. Choosing a career or educational path solely based on its financial prospects can lead to dissatisfaction and burnout.

Instead, assess your interests and aspirations:

• Would you choose a job if it were not going to enhance your resume?
• Are you willing to relocate for reasons other than economic benefits?
• Will the relationships you maintain genuinely enrich your life?

Ultimately, the most sustainable choices are those that resonate with your personal values and passions, leading to both fulfillment and financial growth over time.

Trust your intuition

If you find yourself having to persuade yourself to pursue a choice, it may be a sign that your heart isn’t fully in it. Authentic choices should inspire confidence and excitement, not require justification. A useful litmus test is to consider how you respond when asked about your decisions. If you feel defensive or uneasy, it might be worth reevaluating your path.

Recognizing blind spots

Everyone has areas of ignorance, and recognizing your blind spots can foster growth. Despite our best efforts, we often overlook crucial elements in our personal or financial strategies. Embrace humility and remain open to feedback from others, ensuring you don’t fall into the trap of making assumptions about motivations or possible outcomes.

Value of foresight

Your instincts and foresight can guide you toward better decisions than you might initially realize. Often, the choices you make today—though they may seem inconsequential—could lead to significant benefits in the future. Trust your intuition and be aware that some of the best outcomes result from spontaneous decisions made in alignment with your values.

Seek your own path

Understand that not everyone will appreciate your choices, and that’s okay. Living authentically often invites scrutiny, especially from those closest to you. However, if your decisions align with your integrity, it’s unnecessary to seek approval from others. Remember, your journey is unique, and it’s essential to prioritize your well-being over external validation.

Pursuit of happiness

It’s common to believe that happiness can be postponed until certain milestones are achieved, such as earning a promotion or achieving financial freedom. However, happiness cannot be deferred. It’s vital to find joy in the present moment, rather than fixating solely on future goals. Strive to create a balance between planning for tomorrow and appreciating today.

The stories behind our purchases

When we buy items, we’re not merely acquiring goods; we’re also investing in the stories and identities those purchases represent. For instance:

• We don’t just buy clothes; we buy a narrative about how we wish to be perceived.
• We don’t merely purchase food; we invest in the lifestyle and values it reflects.
• We don’t only acquire vehicles; we buy into the image they project about our status.

Before making a purchase, ask yourself: “Am I drawn to this item, or to the identity it promises?” This self-reflection can help you align spending with genuine values rather than fleeting desires.

The importance of self-care

Self-care is not an indulgence; it’s a necessity for sustaining productivity and creativity. Activities like exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones are essential components of a healthy lifestyle. Just as a phone needs recharging, so do we. Prioritizing self-care can enhance your overall performance and well-being.

Caring for the present

Taking care of your current self naturally lays the groundwork for a thriving future. Consider these practices:

• Prioritize physical health through regular exercise, nutritious eating, and adequate sleep.
• Establish an emergency fund for financial security.
• Contribute to retirement accounts to secure your future.
• Gradually build a diverse investment portfolio.
• Engage in community service or charitable giving.
• Foster meaningful relationships with friends and family.

By investing in your present well-being, you ensure a brighter and more stable future.

Discover, don’t defer happiness

Rather than postponing happiness for future achievements, focus on discovering joy in your current circumstances. Reflect on what brings you contentment and pursue those activities wholeheartedly. Your choices today shape your experience of happiness tomorrow.

Focus on actions, not results

Instead of making goals tied to outcomes, concentrate on the actions that lead to those outcomes. For instance:

• Instead of saying, “I want to lose weight,” say, “I will eat healthier and exercise regularly.”
• Rather than stating, “I aim to earn a certain income,” commit to working on your skills and networking.

When you shift your focus to actions, you cultivate a mindset oriented toward progress, reducing anxiety about results.

Willingness to sacrifice

True desires are often revealed through our willingness to make sacrifices. Instead of merely stating what we want, it’s essential to contemplate the trade-offs we’re prepared to endure. The deeper question is: What are you willing to give up to achieve your goals?

For example, someone may express a desire to pay off debt but continue spending on non-essential luxuries. This disconnect highlights that their stated goals may not reflect their true priorities. The challenge lies in aligning your spending and efforts with what you genuinely want.

Rethink advice about youth

Many older generations advise younger people to enjoy their youth while it lasts, suggesting that adult responsibilities will stifle their freedom. However, this perspective overlooks the possibility of building a life that accommodates adventure and fulfillment, even in adulthood. Acknowledging this can empower younger generations to pursue their passions without feeling constrained by societal norms.

Preparation leads to success

As James Clear wisely states, “You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your habits.” Your success is directly proportional to your level of preparation. Cultivating positive habits in your daily life can significantly influence your long-term outcomes in both personal and professional realms.

Understand the difference between pleasure and happiness

Short-term pleasures, like indulging in sweets or luxury items, may provide immediate satisfaction, but they rarely contribute to lasting happiness. Instead, focus on activities that foster genuine joy, such as personal growth, fulfilling relationships, or meaningful work.

Find joy in progress

Real happiness stems from making progress in areas that matter to you. This could mean advancing in your career, pursuing a hobby, or developing a meaningful relationship. Recognizing that happiness is linked to progress encourages you to strive for personal and professional growth.

The relationship between waste and value

Waste is the antonym of value. Everything we do should aim to create value, whether it’s in our finances, time, or relationships. By eliminating waste, you can focus on what genuinely matters and enrich your life.

Health reflects in financial success

Your overall health, particularly mental well-being, has a direct impact on your financial health. A strong, healthy mind forms the foundation for success in all areas, including business and personal finance.

Delaying gratification

While many are familiar with the concept of delaying gratification as it pertains to spending, it’s equally relevant to earning. Building a successful business or investing in your future often requires patience and persistence. Embrace the journey and recognize that rewards may come later.

Live on the edge of your comfort zone

To foster growth, it’s vital to challenge yourself. Living solely within your comfort zone stifles progress, while venturing too far outside creates anxiety. Strive to find that balance by:

• Gradually cutting unnecessary expenses.
• Waking up earlier to focus on personal projects.
• Overcoming fears related to networking or asking for raises.
• Taking calculated risks, including career changes or travel.

Value over cost

Over time, my perspective on spending has evolved. I now assess purchases based on their value rather than merely their cost. Ask yourself: “Does this enhance my life?” If the answer is yes, it may be worth the investment.

The importance of reflection

Engaging in self-reflection can provide clarity on what truly matters to you. Consider these questions:

• What skills or possessions do you value most?
• What acts of kindness have you performed that you’re proud of?
• What life experiences hold significant meaning for you?
• Who are the most important people in your life, and when did you last express your appreciation?

These reflections can offer insights that surpass any financial analysis.

Mastering the art of learning

Learning how to learn and think critically are among the most vital skills you can develop. Continuous improvement in these areas enriches your life and enables you to make better decisions.

Redefining work and leisure

Not all work is inherently noble, nor is all leisure inherently superior. Understanding the distinction between meaningful pursuits and wasted time is crucial. Assess how you allocate your time and ensure it aligns with your values and aspirations.

Lessons will repeat

Life often teaches us the same lessons repeatedly until we fully grasp them. Embrace these opportunities for growth and be open to learning from your experiences.

Giving advice to yourself

We often share insights and advice that resonate with our own needs, reflecting our personal journeys. Recognizing this can help you articulate your thoughts more genuinely and connect with others.

A personal reflection on 2018

Reflecting on my own experiences throughout 2018, I set various goals at the beginning of the year:

• Limit travel to build community locally.
• Improve fitness and muscle mass.
• Launch a rental property course.
• Enhance connections with friends.
• Grow my podcast audience.
• Raise funds for charity: water.
• Deliver a keynote speech at the World Domination Summit.

While some goals were met more successfully than others, each experience contributed to my growth, reinforcing the lessons learned throughout the year.

Travel goals and personal achievements

While my aim was to travel less, I found myself visiting multiple countries and states. However, I managed to stay home for two consecutive months, a personal milestone. This brief period of rest prepared me for the busy travel schedule ahead in 2019.

Other successes included launching a rental property course, strengthening friendships, and significantly growing my podcast audience. Engaging with this vibrant community has been immensely rewarding.

Looking ahead

As I move into 2019, I carry forward the lessons learned and the goals I’ve set for myself. I look forward to continuing my journey of growth, exploration, and connection with others.

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