“One day I will have my own office and my picture will hang right over there!”
This was a conversation I was having with one of my colleagues after returning from a corporate event.
At this event, I had just met the CEO of Sainsbury’s, Justin King.
I was young and had just been promoted for the first time in my life.
And after meeting him, I wanted to be a CEO too!
But roll on 9 years later, and I couldn’t think of anything worse.
So I thought I would take time to reflect on how my outlook has changed over the years, now I’m 30.
It’s amazing the difference almost ten years can make in terms of your expectations vs the actual reality.
Here is everything I would tell my 21-year-old self.
Those long hours and frustrating days working at Sainsbury’s will teach you more than you thought.
And joining the police will be the best thing you’ve ever done for your confidence.
It’s okay not to know what you want to do with the rest of your life, as long as you’re experiencing new things.
You will have the urge to buy an expensive and unreliable Vauxhall Astra Sports Car – don’t buy one from Kettering.
Nothing great comes easy, otherwise, everyone would have everything they wanted.
And stop giving up so easily, consistency and showing up daily is the only way to guarantee results.
Stop worrying about what people think of you…
….chances are they are more worried about what’s going on in their own lives.
The more friends you have the more lonely you will feel. Don’t have more friends than you do fingers to count on.
And those people you do count on, be there when they need you most.
Delivering pick and mix isn’t a sustainable business.
And neither is selling bicycle inner tubes or designer candles for that matter.
Don’t listen to people saying “follow your passion”. Instead get good at something and the money will come.
Keep the faith, Spurs won’t disappoint you your entire life.
And you’re not the only person that holds a fork in your right hand.
Formal education will earn you a living. Self-education will earn you a fortune.
Enjoy the next decade of your life – I promise you it will be all right.
What would you say to your 21-year-old self?