I’m no
advocate of focusing on the past; in fact I strongly believe that one should
keep the past in the past, live in the now with your eyes gleaning on the
future. However, I do believe that reviewing your past can be essential to
helping you progress in life.
Identifying
and learning from past mistakes can be a better teacher than anything you will ever
hear or be advised.
I
saw a video 'Note to Self' by Tyler Perry where he was advising his younger
self. I decided to do something similar, and write a letter to my younger self
(I have written this letter in a ‘tough love’ style – as this has been the most
effective way of getting me to think about making progressive changes):
Dear
Me,
Do
you remember this conversation?
A
Person: So what Uni would you like to go?
Me
(in a half-joking manner): Oxford would
be nice
A
Person (now addressing a group of us): Umm…You
are all destined for greatness, it’s in each and everyone of you. However
statistics show that based on your geographic location, your up-bringing and ethnic
background, it will take a miracle for any of you to achieve much in life or
fulfill your dreams.... Don’t try to stretch yourself, because the odds are
against you and you will only raise your hopes which will eventually get dashed”!
Yet
again you allowed what others thought of you to shape your future.
Why
did you never question this statement? Why did you allow it to take root deep
within you and subconsciously grow, spreading its tentacles and affect the way
you perceive your potential and what you are capable of?
Believe
me when I say that its often well-meaning people who will say the worst things
to you, and can be very discouraging when it comes to accomplishing your dreams
or goals.
You
do not know it now, but by accepting this statement to be a fact; you have set
yourself up to living mediocre in certain areas of your life and accept it as
the norm.
Your
thought life is SO important. Do away with comments like that, because it
really isn’t going to do any good for your confidence in the long run.
Don’t
go through life thinking that statement is true because although stretching can
hurt or feel uncomfortable; stretching yourself is good, as it will enable you
to discover those hidden treasures and potential locked away.
How
many successful athletes fail to train before a race? None! So in the same
light, the training you may be going through now may seem difficult or even
painful, but you cannot let that phase you! Don’t let it stop you! Don’t allow
these precious years go to waste!
You’re
allowing hurt from past experiences to hold you back. Don’t get to the stage
where you will regret not making a move into the unexpected, because risk
taking is part of life!
You
may feel that life has dealt you some wicked blows at such a young age, but you
need to know that this is not all life has to offer, and all of these
experiences only make you stronger; helping shape your future and who you
become.
Start
to develop a positive vision for your future, because believe it or not, a lot
ties into this and as you think so you will become.
You
are currently investing too much of your time and energy into pleasing people
and hoping they don't think bad of you, when in reality; no matter what you, do
good or bad, people will still talk.
So
why waste your time on what doesn't matter?
Do
yourself a favour, and just LIVE & ENJOY your life; focusing on what’s
important.
Refuse
to use the race card as an excuse for anything you have not pushed yourself to
try to accomplish. You will soon see that a black man can become president of the
free world, so nothing is out of your reach – diligently apply yourself and
don’t give up on the first hurdle.
You
have a wealth of role models and aspirational people making things happen, so
you have no excuse.
Finally,
stop worrying so much. Things always initially seem a lot worse than they
actually are. That situation that you think is the end of the world…really
isn't. Things will always work out in the end, they always have and they always
will!
With
everything said, don’t be too hard on yourself because everything you are going
through now is shaping who you will be in the future. So chin up and walk with
your head held high and remember that you are what you think, so intentionally
think positive thoughts and do things with ‘PURPOSE’ in mind!
All
my love.
Your
Older Self.
P.S:
Don’t cut up those pictures of yourself that you think you look bad in, because
you will look back and wish you had never destroyed those precious memories.
Just because you have low self-esteem now, doesn’t mean you always will.
I
hope this inspires both young and old alike to focus living a more purposeful
life as we step into the New Year.
Watch the accompanying vlog below:
