A letter to myself – aged 16.

Hi Paul.

You’re reading this letter because in 30 years’ time, when you’re 46, you looked back having recognised that it was at this point in your life, you needed a little support.

This is because you’re just about to arrive at a number of crossroads, all at the same time, and it’s going to get crazy real fast.

But first, take a few deep breaths, chill for a moment, and don’t panic.

You’ll be pleased to know, that from the outside at least, people will think you’ve navigated to this point confidently, but the choices you’re about to make will shape your future far more than you can ever imagine.

I’m reaching back in time to help you with these decisions, and have summarised a few pointers below.

Now before you kick-off:

We both know you won’t listen to anyone.

We also know that you think asking for help is a form of weakness, so before you rip up this letter, understand this.

You are right to follow you own path – I’m not suggesting we change that
Most of the teachers were wrong
Your overly active mind, addictive personality, restless energy and inability to ever relax – will become your superpower!

And in the end, everything works out just fine.

But those bumpy roads….. oh those bumpy roads….

There is another route you know!

Let’s start with the good stuff.

In the next 16 years (at 32) you’ll have a life that is quite literally beyond your wildest dreams.

Nothing too flash, but much better than you think.

You’ll be married, have kids, friends, money, house, cars, bikes, health, fitness and will be far happier than you think – so relax a bit, you don’t need to try so hard – not yet anyway.

Also take comfort that in addition to all the ‘things’ you think are important, you’ll also have some of the things that actually ARE important.

You’ll feel safe, valued and be respected.

You’ll also have the ‘belonging’ you need, and many different circles of friends.

On balance you’ve done well, so ignore the negative comments and stay true to your path.

Don’t stress over the big things for now, instead keep your goals small and short-term – I promise the big things will come!

You want to be successful – we get it!

Remember that before you can be a success you first need to define your vision of ‘success’.

It’s essential that you define this yourself and don’t allow others to project their idea of success on you.

Later in life you’ll continuously redefine you vision of success to ensure you’re kept on track, but find time now to give this some thought – you might waste a lot of time and energy and achieve something you don’t value.

The arrow lands where you aim it!

A good form of measure right now could be to look at your key chain.
Right now you have just 3 keys – The front door key, the bike key and the garage key.
You’re going to need a much longer chain – how does Australian office door key sound?
Also add Lloyds Bank Door Key, Pub key and Nightclub key!

Friends and connections.

Teachers won’t tell you this, but at 16 your ability to connect and listen to people will serve you very well in life.

As your communication skills grow you’ll be offered a world of opportunities, whilst others around you, some who you love very much, will retreat to their caves unable to connect.

The social skills that distracted you so much at school will equip you far better in life than the exams you fail, and your ability to engage and spark a conversation, will keep you continuously employed and connected to those you value.

The best thing about these communication skills are that they’ll help you grow and nurture a circle of friends, acquaintances and trusted advisers that reaches into each corner of the world.

You’ll have to pinch yourself more than once.

You’re connections with other humans will range extend from homeless drug addicts living in cars to multi-millionaires with global business empires, with everything in the middle, and you’ll be comfortable talking to them all on a level footing.

You’ll learn to love this aspect of your life more than anything else.

Your life will become far richer and more varied than anything you could have dreamed.

Good luck – not that you need it.

Paul Thompson

Thompsonator Jnr:

“Best you buckle up son!“
Please find my life tips below………….

If you don’t lie, you don’t need to remember anything.
Confidence in a young man can be misunderstood – look up ‘arrogance’, there is a difference.
You literally won’t ever be able to get enough alcohol or drugs – you’ll always want another – learn quickly
Money is only important when you don’t have any, and you don’t need as much as you think
Don’t ‘people please’ but instead be honest, and polite – learn to say no
Professional advice is cheap – use experts when required
Live life like your mum is watching – it will save you lots of pain – and curb your bad behaviour
You can and will get addicted to almost anything – you can’t help it.
Look out for your friends – they’ll become your safety net.
Don’t look down on people in the gutter, you’ll be there one day.
Your toughest moments in life will give you more strength than the best moments – don’t be too angry, you’ll see them as a gift when you’re older.
Nothing is permanent – don’t get too attached to anything
New cars only make you feel good for 2 weeks
People will rate you on what you are, not what you’ve got
You don’t need a career – looking a few months ahead will serve you well
You will never be able to relax – so just get used to it – but learn to value sleep and meditation.
Excercise and go to bed tired.