10 Things I Would Tell Myself 10 Years Ago

by Brad Spangler

1. Start budgeting and invest in your future, even if it’s just a little bit each month. If you don’t know where to start, pick up a book and find out.

2. Make personal growth a lifestyle. Ask yourself, “Who do you want to be in 10 years?” Then make a plan each year to help you grow into that person.

3. You don’t need permission to be a leader. Start leading yourself right now and promotion will come before you know it.

4. Focusing more energy on fewer things will exponentially accelerate faster than spreading yourself too thin. Consistently eliminate the things that no longer serve your vision or goals.

5. Establish healthy rhythms of work and rest right now because it won’t get easier later on.

6. Don’t just take other people’s word for it. If it’s important to you, do the due diligence and find out for yourself.

7. You’ll tend to rely on yourself more than on God. Spend a little more time in prayer, inquiring of the Lord before you make commitments.

8. Don’t wait for a mentor to fall into your lap. Begin looking around at the people in your network and start asking them questions.

9. Don’t neglect friendships. The right relationships will be a lifeline for you on the mission field. Invest in people walking the same path as you, and say goodbye to those choosing a different path.

10. Relax; everything is going to be ok. You’ll have a lot to be thankful for.