Hello! This is the 4th installment of my birthday series. Here’s the previous post:

https://steemit.com/philosophy/@nickelnerds/36-lessons-in-36-years-part-3

It’s Saturday night. Hope everyone is enjoying the weekend. Here are a few more lessons:

Listen

Listen to what other people have to say and give them your full attention. Consider opposing views and be objective. Be willing to change your mind about anything when presented with new information.

Save Money

Getting into the swing of saving is empowering at any income. The best time to start is with your first job, before the bad habits have a chance to set in :). Sometimes we need to experience a couple of setbacks to fully appreciate this lesson, at least I did. But hey, it looks like this time it stuck :)

Don’t Complain

Complaining is a waste of energy at best; destructive at worst. Find a solution instead.

Embrace Alone Time

I’m an introvert, and I need time alone to recharge and feel like myself each day. I used to think I had to go out and participate in social activities to the same degree that my extroverted friends did. I've since learned to acknowledge my own disposition and opt out as needed.

Use Your Strengths

What are you good at? Do more of that :). Taking advantage of your natural talent(s) is the quickest way to rewarding experiences. Don’t ignore your weaknesses if they interfere with day-to-day life as a liability; build mechanisms to minimize them.

Get Your Grit

Grit is your ability to persevere when the going gets tough. It is earned through experience. You know how when you discover a new activity/hobby and you’re “all in” for the first month or so? Then the “newness” start to wear off, the easy wins are over and you lose interest. Grit pushes you through that lull and takes you into the long game.

Thank you for reading. Part 5 tomorrow!