The Advice I’d Give My 24-Year-Old Self: Lessons from the Last Decade
If I could sit down with my 24-year-old self and share everything I’ve learned over the past 10–15 years, it would be a conversation filled with hard-won lessons, eye-opening realizations, and a lot of “If I only knew this back then!” moments.
Here are some of the most valuable lessons that have shaped my personal life and career in the mortgage world.
1. Your Circle Defines Your Success
The people you surround yourself with have a bigger impact on your success than you realize. At 24, I thought success was all about setting goals and grinding my way toward them. While those things matter, I’ve learned that having the right people in your corner can make or break your journey.
Being around ambitious, positive, and forward-thinking individuals helped me stay motivated and think bigger. I’ve also realized that you sometimes have to let go of relationships that no longer align with your vision. It’s a tough decision, but growth often requires making space for new connections that elevate you.
Advice for your younger self: Evaluate your circle regularly. Are the people in your life inspiring you, challenging you, and supporting your dreams? If not, it’s time to make some changes.
2. The Power of Hustling in Your 20s
Your 20s are a unique time when you have energy, fewer responsibilities, and the ability to take risks. Looking back, I’m incredibly grateful for the extra work I put in during those years. Whether it was staying late at the office, taking on additional projects, or building a side hustle, the effort condensed what could have been a decades-long path into just a few years.
For me, stepping into the mortgage industry and exploring opportunities outside of my 9–5 opened doors I never imagined. It wasn’t always easy—there were late nights, early mornings, and plenty of sacrifices—but the payoff was worth it.
Advice for your younger self: Don’t underestimate the value of hard work. Use your 20s to experiment, explore, and build. The foundation you lay now will support your future success.
3. Find Mentors and Learn to Let Go
At 24, I thought I had to figure everything out on my own. Over the years, I’ve realized how invaluable it is to have mentors—people who have been where you are and can guide you through the challenges ahead. A good mentor can save you time, provide perspective, and help you avoid costly mistakes.
On the flip side, I’ve also learned the importance of letting go. Not every relationship or habit is meant to last forever. Sometimes, you have to release what no longer serves you to make room for growth.
Advice for your younger self: Seek out mentors who inspire you and are a few steps ahead in the journey. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice—it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. And remember, letting go is often a necessary step toward leveling up.
4. Avoid Lifestyle Inflation: Invest Instead
If I could give one piece of financial advice to my younger self, it would be this: Skip the flashy purchases and focus on investments that build wealth.
At 24, I was tempted by the idea of buying a high-end car or splurging on things that didn’t really add value to my life. Thankfully, I learned that those purchases often come with regret. Instead, prioritizing investments—whether in real estate, stocks, or even personal development—has been far more rewarding.
Advice for your younger self: Your future self will thank you for every dollar you save and invest. Focus on building assets, not liabilities.
Final Thoughts: Building a Life of Growth and Success
If there’s one overarching theme to all of these lessons, it’s this: Growth is a journey, and it’s shaped by the choices you make and the people you surround yourself with. Success isn’t just about reaching milestones; it’s about becoming the person who can achieve them.
To my 24-year-old self—and anyone in their 20s reading this—know that the hard work, sacrifices, and decisions you make now will lay the foundation for a life filled with opportunities, fulfillment, and financial freedom.
So, what would you tell your younger self?