I’m a 20 something.

Well, I am for about 60 days and then I’ll be a 30 something.  (That makes me feel old just typing)

The thing about 20 something’s is that many of us desire to be influencers.  Many of us desire to be leaders.  Many of us desire to change the world.

All of that is great.

But I believe that many of us neglect to do certain things because of pride, insecurity, and a sense of entitlement.

So…

Here are a few things that I believe are crucial to learn if we want to do anything of importance.

Change your world first

It’s true.

If you want to change anything you need to start with yourself.

Be an example.

It’s really hard to listen to anyone who hasn’t been there before or who isn’t willing to change themselves.  In fact, these people sound hypocritical.

On the other hand…

It’s really easy to listen to someone who has made changes.  To someone who’s trying.

It makes them credible.

Be teachable

You don’t know it all.

Learn to appreciate those who came before you and listen to what they have to say.  They have accumulated wisdom and life experience that could make all the difference in the world to you.

Listen…

You’re not going to re-invent the wheel, but you can improve the wheel.  

And you can improve the wheel by finding someone who’s been there before.  Someone who’s willing to pour into you.

And then learn as much as you can from them.

So…

Drop the pride and drop the ego and start being teachable.

Be willing to mess up

Don’t let fear stop you from stepping out in faith.  Don’t let fear be your dictator.

Fear will tell you that you suck.

Fear will tell you that are not good enough.

Fear will tell you that you can’t.

If you are going to change the world, you will mess up.  And you will fail.  Don’t believe what fear has to say.

Instead…

Learn from your mistakes and failures.

And adapt.

There’s nothing stopping you but you.

There really isn’t.

So go.

Go and be a difference maker.

Go and change the world.

We need you to.

Are you a 20 something?  What lessons have you learned?  If you’re not a 20 something what advice would you give?