31 things I’ve learned

I’m turning 31 today. I figure in the last three decades I must have learned something useful on top of the multitude of interesting but somewhat impractical academia. So here goes, I am going to get all Baz Luhrmann on my experiences and see what I can come up with.

1. Take responsibility for your actions
2. Always carry cash
3. Don’t take flowers to a first date
4. Worrying achieves nothing
5. It is better to be told to “stop” than “go”
6. Get out of your comfort zone
7. If in doubt, dress up
8. Always jump into the pool
9. “It seemed like a good idea” is all the reason you need
10. Reply to messages
11. Introduce yourself at the first given opportunity – first impressions last
12. Look people in the eye
13. If you do not need the seat on a busy train then stand up
14. Walk roadside
15. Learn to say “I don’t know” when you don’t know
16. Always have an escape plan
17. Find your anchors
18. At the dinner table: hat off and phone away
19. Keep clean
20. The fact someone said something does not make it true – do your own research
21. Someone who disagrees with you is not necessarily stupid
22. Try to be the person you needed when you were younger
23. Always learn their name
24. People are stupid
25. Be polite to both the doorman and the CEO
26. You can’t always be proven right and keep the peace, learn to work out which is required
27. Not knowing is not always wrong but it is rarely funny
28. Don’t cancel important plans by text
29. If a busker makes you stop then you owe them money
30. Always pack a spare shirt and underwear
31. Enjoy it

#lifestyle