38 Things I’ve Learned in 38 Years

A reflective birthday post.

Today is my 38th birthday, so naturally I’m in a very reflective mood and thought it would be fun to share 38 of the most important things I’ve learned over the years that have shaped how I approach my business, life, personal style, and my own sense of self.

1. Abundance starts in the mind.

Shifting from a scarcity mindset to abundance opens doors you didn’t know were there. (More on that here.)

2. Progress is better than perfection.

It’s not about getting everything right — it’s about moving forward, little by little, day by day.

3. Habits shape your life.

What you do consistently matters more than what you do occasionally. Small daily actions create big results over time.

4. You don’t have to do it all.

Let go of the pressure to be everything to everyone. Focus on what matters most and don’t be afraid to delegate or say no.

5. Entrepreneurship is a journey.

There’s no final destination — just an ongoing evolution. Embrace the process, learn along the way, and keep moving forward.

6. Creativity can’t be rushed — but be ready when opportunity strikes.

While inspiration often takes time, when it hits, don’t hesitate. Creativity is a balance of patience and action.

7. Be willing to pivot.

Allow yourself the freedom to grow and change direction. You’re not locked into one path — you can always choose a new one.

8. Focus on the long game.

Real growth doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and trust the process — in business, relationships, or personal development.

9. Your worth isn’t tied to your productivity.

Productivity is great, but rest is productive too. Embrace downtime and, most importantly, get your sleep!

10. Invest in yourself.

Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking a break, or splurging on something that makes you feel amazing, remember — you’re worth it.

11. Personal style is a form of self-expression.

Wear what feels true to YOU. Style isn’t about fitting in — it’s about standing out as who you truly are.

12. Simple is stylish.

Less really is more, in your closet and in your life.

13. Confidence is the best accessory.

How you feel about yourself shows up in how you carry yourself. Own it.

14. Success is a series of small, consistent actions.

It’s not about the occasional big win — it’s the daily steps that add up. Focus on your process, and the outcomes will follow.

15. Time is your most valuable asset.

How you spend your time is how you spend your life and it reflects what’s important to you. Choose wisely, because it’s the one thing you can never get back.

16. Build a strong morning routine.

You don’t need to be a morning person to start the day off right, but starting the day with intention makes all the difference.

17. Don’t wait for the perfect moment.

There’s no such thing as the “perfect time,” and if you wait too long you may run out of time to do it. Start now, with what you have.

18. Failure is feedback.

There’s no such thing as true failure. Every setback is a lesson, a chance to learn and improve. You either win or you learn.

19. Community is everything.

Life is better when you surround yourself with good people. Nurture your relationships — they’re what really matter.

20. Boundaries protect your energy.

It’s not selfish to set limits. Boundaries allow you to prioritize what truly matters and protect your energy.

21. Your health is your wealth.

Taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity. When your body and mind are healthy, everything else follows.

22. Comparison is a waste of time.

Your journey is your own, and no one else’s path matters. Focus on being the best version of YOU, not someone else. “Measuring yourself against someone else’s results and standards is a sure path to becoming average or good, but never uniquely great, one-of-a-kind, and world-class. You can’t beat someone else at beating them, just like someone else cannot beat you at being you.” — 10x is Better Than 2x,

23. It's okay to ask for help.

None of us can do this alone. Lean on your support system — it’s a strength, not a weakness.

24. Celebrate your wins.

Don’t wait for the “big” milestones. Celebrate the small victories — they’re just as important.

25. Minimalism breeds clarity.

When you simplify your space, your closet and your life, you create room for what really matters — clarity, calm, and focus.

26. Trust your gut.

Your intuition is a powerful guide. When something feels right (or wrong), listen and trust yourself.

27. Be kind to yourself.

Speak to yourself with the same kindness you would offer a dear friend. Self-compassion is the foundation for growth.

28. Purpose fuels passion.

When you know your “why,” everything else clicks into place. Find what drives you and let it guide you.

29. It’s okay to grow at your own pace.

You don’t need to rush or follow anyone else’s timeline. Trust your journey — growth happens on its own time.

30. Reflection brings perspective.

Looking back on where you’ve been gives you the insight to move forward with intention. Don’t underestimate the power of pausing to gain a fresh outlook.

31. Invest in experiences, not just things.

The memories you create are more valuable than material possessions. Make memories that will last a lifetime.

32. Style is an ongoing discovery of self.

Your style evolves as you do. Embrace the journey and let your wardrobe reflect who you are as well as who you are becoming.

33. Every season of life has value.

Each chapter — whether easy or hard — offers lessons and beauty in its own way.

34. Confidence comes from self-acceptance.

Accepting who you are, flaws and all, is the key to true confidence. The more you accept yourself, the more confident you become. Confidence starts with embracing who you are, as you are. (More on that here.)

35. Never stop learning.

There’s always something new to discover. Stay curious, keep learning, and you’ll keep growing.

36. Trust the process.

Even when things don’t make sense, trust that it’s all leading to something greater.

37. Be present.

Life is happening now. The best gift you can give yourself (and others) is to be fully present in each moment.

38. You are enough.

You don’t have to earn your value. You are already enough, exactly as you are, right now.

Which one of these resonates with you the most right now?