Monday Morning Motivational Message - Six Pieces of Advice For Young People (Part 1)

What was the best piece of advice you ever received when you were young?

With the over six hundred podcast episodes I have been  a guest, one of the questions I am often asked is, "What's the one piece of advice you would give...?"

I'm not sure there is a single piece of advice that would encompass every scenario and every person at every time.

Like so many things in life, it's not getting the right advice as much as it is getting the right advice at the right time. Much of life is about proper timing.

Of the many things I've learned over my life and more recently as part of my cancer journey, here are the first three of the six pieces of advice I'd give to people just starting out in life:

1. Develop good character - Most of your character is developed in the first 20 years of your life and character is caught, not taught. Observe how people handle controversial and difficult situations and learn from their actions.

2. Stay curious - Be a lifelong learner. Constantly ask 'how' and 'what' questions. Take an interest in the life and work of others. Read to learn what makes others tick. Never be satisfied with your knowledge base. Make it a point to die learning.

3. Be humble - Usually, the loudest person in the room is the least important. Being humble is a realization that life doesn't revolve around you and should be about your service to others. Be willing to meet people where they are and let your actions and character speak for you. 

Please leave me a comment about your thoughts regarding the best piece of advice you were given when you were young and come back next week for the remaining three pieces of advice.