3 Pieces of Advice I’d Give My 19-Year-Old Self

Looking back, there are a few lessons I've learned along the way that I wish I could share with my 19-year-old self. If you're young and navigating your early career or personal journey, these are the three things I'd urge you to keep in mind:

1. Be SHAMELESS

One of the biggest mistakes people make is being too shy to market themselves. When I was younger, I often hesitated to share what I was working on or passionate about, worried about what others might think. But here's the truth: if you don't talk about your skills, your work, and your passions, how will anyone know?

• Don't be afraid to share what you do with everyone around you—your relatives, neighbors, and even friends of friends. You never know who might turn into your next client, partner, or employer.

• Self-promotion isn’t about boasting; it’s about making others aware of the value you bring to the table.

2. Go Heavy on NETWORKING

In your 20s, your network can be your most powerful asset. The fastest way to grow and learn is by connecting with people who are already where you want to be.

• Ask the right questions to the right people. Surround yourself with individuals who inspire you, and don't be afraid to seek advice or guidance.

• Attend industry events where you can meet leaders and idols in your field. These are opportunities to learn directly from the best and make connections that could shape your future.

Networking isn’t just about collecting business cards or social media followers—it’s about building meaningful relationships that can open doors you didn’t even know existed.

3. Believe in your DREAMS

When you're young, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the size of your dreams. You might think they’re too big or that you’re not ready to chase them. But here’s the thing: no one has it all figured out.

• Don't be afraid to take that first step, even if it feels daunting. Every successful person started somewhere, often with nothing but a dream and the courage to pursue it.

• Your dreams are valid, no matter how big they seem. The path might be uncertain, but by taking action, you’ll watch things unfold in ways you never imagined.

Believing in your dreams is about trusting yourself and your vision. It’s about knowing that you have what it takes to make them a reality, even if the journey requires patience and persistence.

Final Thoughts

If I could go back and talk to my 19-year-old self, I’d tell him to be shameless in self-promotion, to prioritize networking, and to never, ever doubt the power of his dreams. These three principles have the potential to transform your life, opening up opportunities and paths you never knew existed. So, wherever you are on your journey, keep these in mind, and go after your goals with everything you've got!