I think my generation is pretty focused on huge achievements and hitting goals. That is a pretty awesome thing to be focused on but I sometimes wonder if we tend to sacrifice longer-term, sustainable achievements on the altar of shiny, glossy, immediate rewards that kind of look like achievements.

There has been an ongoing debate (sorta) about people publicizing the age at which they achieved what and organisations creating thirty-under-thirty type of lists. I think that is a strange thing to debate. If people achieve a feat at an age where most people are yet to achieve such, I think they should be celebrated. Now, I understand that this might put other people at that same age or older under some sort of pressure … but that is unnecessary, if you ask me.

Anyway, this is a guide to your dreams and not everyone else’s …. so here goes.

1. Arguably the best advice I have ever received is “Do something everyday to get you closer to your goals”. Breaking a huge goal into tiny, bite-sized bits that you work on everyday can actually help you achieve that goal faster.
2. I kinda thought this one up myself but its so fundamental and I think everyone should run with it – Do not obsess over mistakes. You are probably going to make a lot of mistakes. A whole bunch of them. Its okay to make mistakes but its not okay to wallow in those mistakes. I say make the mistake, learn what you did wrong and move on to the next mistake. Just try to never make the same mistake twice. And even if you do, that is okay too. Just keep moving.
3. Speak positive. Religious or not, there is something about positive thoughts and affirmations. Speak your dreams and goals into existence. And make sure the people around you are doing the same too.

If you do not achieve what you hoped you would, when you hoped you would, do not beat yourself up. There is really no yardstick for achievements and success. You are your yardstick.

And if you achieve amazing stuff really young or early, celebrate yourself. Its not your problem that “people” might feel pressured by your successes. Flaunt your thing and flaunt it hard.

I really love this quote by Abe Lincoln. I hope you love it too –

“I walk slowly,

but never I walk backwards”

~ Abraham Lincoln