Comments on: I wish that I knew what I know now, when I was younger

By: Andre Blackman

Andre Blackman — Mon, 10 Dec 2007 01:29:12 +0000

You know, I think it’s really refreshing that our generation is taking a critical look at accomplishments and what it means to be a success. Just ask your parents, were they thinking of these in depth thoughts when they were 23-26? From my own experience, many would say no. Kudos Travis for writing about your thoughts. This has been very valuable to me – someone who is just beginning to take steps at the “doing something” part, rather than just reading a bunch of blogs and being in awe at how others are doing things.

By: Satish

Satish — Mon, 26 Nov 2007 21:07:00 +0000

What’s funny to witness too is the number of people that say there simply isn’t time right now as a ygg to build experience for yourself. Second to that the claim that there are no opportunities either.

You need to take a good look at where your time goes now and reallocate according to what you really want to achieve in life. I manage my agency, am involved heavily in university, do volunteer work, attend events, (sometimes work full time internships), and still have time to watch TV and play my 360.

And if you think there are no opportunities out there, then A) you’re wrong, and B) even if you’re right you don’t need to look any further than within yourself.

Great post Travis.

By: hellyeahdude.com

hellyeahdude.com — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 16:42:15 +0000

A. such a good song
&
B. It is so very true.

I truly think I have experienced this single handedly at such a young age already.

By: Andrew Peek

Andrew Peek — Fri, 16 Nov 2007 15:04:19 +0000

Travis… this is one of your best posts. I would add one thought to the mix – when you’re choosing your area of experience/expertise, remember that the world is increasingly becoming more integrated i.e. to be a compelling blogger suggests you are a compelling writer, communications specialist, thought leader, evangelist etc. And that doesn’t even account for what you’re blogging about (i.e. your subject matter expertise).

In that regard, I would encourage folks to look at experience from the perspective that it will afford you opportunities by way of the blended skills you acquire. You may not be THE expert in one particular function or niche, but you will be able to understand and collaborate with them. This is a good first step. Life is long. Build your personal infrastructure now through experience and THEN give yourself the challenge of applying it once, twice, as many times as you can fit in your 0.1% of the world.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 18:29:28 +0000

“An idiot repeats his mistakes. A smart man learns from his mistakes. But a genius learns from the mistakes of others.”
- unknown

“Wise men learn by other men’s mistakes, fools by their own.” — -Henry George Bohn

“Learn from the mistakes of others. You can’t live long enough to make them all yourself.”
-Eleanor Roosevelt

By: Bryan McCarty

Bryan McCarty — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 03:17:13 +0000

Good post… I appreiate these thoughts, thank you.

::bryan

By: mercutiom

mercutiom — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 19:51:30 +0000

I had the same revelation a few years ago, myself. It really came as a shock when I realized my Dad had actually been right about something way back in the day. I can only say that these days, I take more care in my decision making process, and I definitely take the time to relax and enjoy life more.

By: Eric Ogunbase

Eric Ogunbase — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:40:11 +0000

Travis,

I wish I had more to say, but I hope my next statement will sum it up and make sense. Thank you.

By: Advice Network

Advice Network — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 18:15:22 +0000

If I could just send myself a message to one year ago, I would be a lot better off, but at least I have the experience of the last year moving forward.

By: Aaron

Aaron — Wed, 14 Nov 2007 15:46:16 +0000

I agree with John. I don’t want to devalue anyone’s education or experience but unless you’ve owned a business, and not just mowing your neighbor’s yards, you just can’t gain certain experience that gives you a unique perspective and experience.