Lessons For My 20 Year Old Self

3-minute read

Barely an adult, but full of big dreams, restless energy, and zero life experience.

I wanted success...but I had absolutely no idea what that really meant or entailed.

So I chased every shiny object and opportunity that came my way.

If I could go back and tell my 20-year-old self just a few key lessons, it would have radically changed my path.

Saved me years of struggle and costly missteps...

And would have allowed me to level up not just in business, but across all areas of my life.

Today I’m sharing 8 cheat codes - the lessons and frameworks I wish someone taught me in my 20s

This is the stuff they don’t teach you in school or business books.

Real-world, street-smart principles and mindsets for getting results across health, wealth, relationships, and more.

So consider this your cheat sheet.

The hard-earned wisdom and battle-tested insights to help you thrive right now.

1. Passion is a great mentor

I was running myself ragged in my early 20s, hustling nonstop in South Africa chasing girls, pleasure and bad habits.

I rarely stopped to take a breath.

So happy I started to skydive… Yes it took most my money but it got me in tune with life!

Just do what you feel a passion for and the rest will happen.

2. Listen to Audio books and run

I never had time to run much, and almost never listened to audio books, or potcasts.

As I got more money and time I needed ways to keep the money. So I listen! And run

3. Learn storytelling

So funny I say this but not writing a story right now. However, I will tell you more stories as time goes on.

Data is great, but facts alone don't compel people.

Once I started selling art I realised that each person is unique and we all have a story to tell.

Kids will listen to you for hours if you turn a lesson into a story.

Try it….I have been a teacher for 6 years now. It works.

Stories speak to our hearts. Master them.

4. Focus on things that compound

I spent most of my twenties living paycheck to paycheck, having no clue about investing.

Once I learned about compound interest and invested in assets, suddenly making money while I slept became a reality.

And this is equally true when it comes to building a successful brand.

Small consistent actions create astounding results over time.

5. Never stop building your network

I've always been around people, but never asked how I can add value to them more.

But every major door that has opened can be traced back to forging new relationships and strengthening my community.

The day I consider my network "complete" is the day I stop growing, so I make sure that making connections remains a priority.

6. Express gratitude

Making gratitude part of my daily practice completely shifted my mindset.

Ending each day on my knees and saying thank you to God for blessing me has been the real success in my life!

Try it-- the compounding benefits over time are immense.

7. Be humble

Money inflated my ego.

I falsely believed I knew everything and arrogance prevented me from seeking wisdom from those further along.

Until a huge business failure brought me back down to earth.

I rebuilt with humility, curiosity, and realizing you can always learn, no matter how advanced your skills.

Kill your ego before it kills your growth.

8. Build integrity, money will come!

Don't mess this up!

Hard lesson learned.

Now my ethical code underpins all decisions, even when it costs short-term profit...

Because in the long term, people want to deal with those who align words with actions and demonstrate honorable character.

Thank you for taking the time to read this,

Until next week, keep investing,

-Stefan