IGNITE July 2022

What I would tell my younger self

The other day, my husband and I were driving in the car, and we were talking about life, and I was thinking how crazy it was that I was already 24 and how fast life is going by. Well imagine my surprise when my husband reminded me that I am 26. Needless to say, life is going much faster than I thought. I got to thinking about everything in my life, and it made me think — what would I tell my younger self?

Here’s what I came up with:

1. Be More Open: Just because things were always done a certain way, doesn’t mean it has to stay that way. Just because someone has a different opinion than you doesn’t mean they are wrong — hear them out … you may learn something new! If someone has feedback for you, listen to it. It doesn’t mean you failed.

2. Speak Up for Yourself: Stop letting people talk over you. You have a voice and are allowed to use it! People want to hear what you have to say.

3. Say Yes & No More: You never know what each opportunity will bring. Say yes more, but also know when to say no!

4. Stop Reading into Everything: Stop putting your own emotions on someone else’s words.

5. Delegate: You. Cannot. Do. Everything! When people offer help, take them up on their offer! Don’t be afraid to ask for help — it doesn’t make you less of a person! (I am still learning how to do this one!)

6. Try New Things: Try something at least once. Don’t say no right away. Don’t be afraid to try something new and put yourself out there — you might find out it wasn’t as scary as you thought.

7. Develop a Routine: Just do it! It makes the days less chaotic. 8. Trust Your Gut: It is usually right! 9. Be Kinder to Yourself: Everything doesn’t have to be perfect! You are human! Mistakes are normal!

10. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask a Question: You won’t know it all!

11. Write it down: No, you won’t remember it later!

12. Read more: Fall in love with reading again — you will be surprised how much you missed it!

13. Change is going to happen, learn how to accept it: This is easier said than done.

14. Not everything has to be planned: Yes, planning is helpful, but sometimes going with the flow is the better option!

15. Take the trip: You have PTO for a reason — use it! Don’t feel guilty for taking time for you!

16. You Can’t Control Everything: There will be things out of your control, and that is okay! Focus on what you can control, and it will all work out!

17. Make Time for Your People: Time goes too fast! Make sure you spend time with your people — they can’t be replaced!

18. Don’t Be Too Humble: It is good to stay humble, but don’t be so humble that you don’t celebrate your successes in life!

19. Know When Your Plate is Too Full: Everyone over-commits at least once in life — that’s okay; just don’t leave people hanging! Have respect for others and tell them when you are unable to fulfill obligations!

20. Learn How to Work on a Team: Yes, it is easier to work alone, but learning to be a team player is a great quality to have!

21. No One Else Has It Figured Out Either: Yes, even the people who seem to have everything together are fumbling their way through life!

22. Save the Money: Your future self will thank you!

23. Own Your Mistakes: Everyone makes them — don’t be the person who blames someone else. Own up to them and learn from them.

24. Don’t let the bad outweigh the good: A bad hour doesn’t have to mean a bad day, and a bad day doesn’t have to mean a bad week!

25. Be true to you: The world will be a better place because of it!

26. Don’t take life so seriously: Smile more, laugh more, enjoy it — you only get one!

Carmen Brenz is coordinator for IGNITE and event & program coordinator for the Rockford Chamber of Commerce.