If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?

We asked some of the wisest people we know what they would tell their younger selves. Check out their responses below.

William Petz

If I could reach back and speak to my younger self, I’d offer five words: Trust your instincts, take the risk. I grew up at the intersection of two very different philosophies. My mother gave me the freedom to find my own happiness, while my father urged the security of a steady trade or a badge. Read More>>

Whitney Goulish

I would tell my younger self to take advantage of every opportunity that comes her way. Get involved in new things, network even if it’s scary and intimidating. Take every opportunity and interaction as a chance to grow. I would also remind myself to be open to new possibilities and not to be too focused on the path I had set for myself. Read More>>

Krystal McRae

My younger self would need to hear not to be so anxious about the her life path, and work, and that her tenacity, grit, and gifts are what will take her places. Read More>>

Carly Prescott

If I could say one kind thing to my younger self, it would be: don’t care so much about what other people think. Ignore what society expects and do what makes you happy. I used to live a filtered version of myself, trying to fit into a box that society approved of. That mindset even affected my creative pursuits. Read More>>

Barbara D. Culp

If I could say one kind word to my younger self, it would be ‘believe.’ I would encourage my younger self to trust in my abilities and potential, reminding me that it’s okay to make mistakes and that setbacks are just part of the journey. Read More>>

Toby Usnik

I would tell you that time is the most precious thing you have besides life itself, so don’t drift—hurry to be intentional. Ask yourself, again and again, what your purpose is in life, and walk toward it with whatever tools and opportunities you have at that moment. Read More>>

Kenneth Harris

I would tell my younger self that you don’t have to have everything figured out right away. The pressure, the doubt, and the setbacks you’re facing are shaping you, not breaking you. Trust that staying consistent, even when no one is watching, will pay off. Read More>>

Beatrice Head

You’re not behind-you’re growing. Be gentler with yourself; you’re doing better than you realize. The reason I say this is because sometimes the kindest thing is permission to take your time and trust who you’re becoming. I would tell myself you don’t have to have everything figured out to be worthy,successful,or loved. Read More>>

Stephanie Mazzeo

Hey, younger Steph – slow down and trust yourself more. You’ve got an incredible instinct for this craft, and every ‘no,’ late night, or tough gig is building something lasting. Stop doubting your worth or comparing your path to others; you’re exactly where you need to be, and the best is still ahead. Be kinder to yourself – you’re doing better than you think. Read More>>

Dylan Alarcon

If I could say one thing to awkward, scatter-brained teenage Dyl, I would say: ‘You’re going to achieve everything you’re dreaming of, do not be afraid’. It’s amazing how many little fears I’ve slowly overcome, and how many doors God has opened once I’ve taken steps towards my dreams. Read More>>

Jose Salazar

Trust the journey and more importantly trust yourself. You have no idea how magical this ride is going to be and you alone have the ability to live out your fairy tale life. Remember that you are moving at your own pace and everything will fall into place when it needs to. Put yourself in the situations you only ever dreamed of. Read More>>

Steve Laureti

Out of the box! Don’t be afraid to try new things. They can open the door to bigger and better opportunities. Read More>>

Armin Korsos

That person you look up to, the ‘super connector’, the person with the connections, the businesses, the influence, the portfolio; that can be you. You can become that ‘super connector’ person by connecting others together, and meeting and maintaining as many relationships as possible without expecting anything in return, and your life will transform. Read More>>