33 things I've learned to make this life and the next easier
F&TF with a birthday twist
Around 10am on the 6th of December 1991, a cold and snowy Friday morning in Stoke-on-Trent, yours truly graced the world with sapphire eyes and 80s frontman sideburns – “my little Midge Ure”, me mother used to call me.
If you look up Midge now, arguably, we look more similar than ever and where we’ve both lost the sideburns, I’ve picked up a thing or two – painfully and gainfully – to make my life, your life and any further lives we might lead easier.
If you’re game for it, then, here are 33 points I’ve reflected on to help make life a good thing.
Anger is rarely worth the energy – save it for what truly matters, and even then, ask yourself if there’s a better way to respond.
Stress happens, and sometimes for good reason, but it will eat you up if you let it. Take a breath and ask yourself what meaningful acts you can do today to make tomorrow easier and then do them.
Let other people surprise you – they’re often more capable or kind or funny than your expectations or current mood might allow.
Don’t judge people based on imagined scenarios in which you think you’d do better – you weren’t there, and it’s unfair to both of you.
Accountability breeds self-respect – own your choices, even the ones that didn’t go well, and take pride in standing by what you believe in.
You don’t need to fight every battle – some things just aren’t worth the time or emotional drain.
Be polite, but don’t people-please – there’s power in a calm and confident “no.”
Indeed, you can’t make everyone happy so stop trying and instead focus on living a life you’re proud of.
If you have evidence of making good decisions, trust your instincts – that gut feeling isn’t random; it’s a lifetime of experience condensed into a moment.
Apologise when it’s your fault – a genuine apology can repair more than you expect.
Forgive people, even when they don’t deserve it – you’re doing it for your peace, not theirs.
Failing doesn’t make you a failure – it’s a step in the process, and every successful person I’ve met knows it.
If I were to live this life again, I’d fail more often and make more apologies.
If you fail, laugh about it in private and in public – turning embarrassment into humour disarms awkwardness and keeps you grounded.
Learn the art of the pivot – life doesn’t always go as planned but being able to adapt can take you further than maybe you knew you were capable of; there’s a huge difference between a sidestep and a mis-step.
Seasons of life are real – what matters to you now might not matter a year from now, and that’s OK.
Simplicity often holds the answers; whether in training programmes or relationships, complexity doesn’t necessarily equate to quality.
Consistency is underrated – sticking with something beats being perfect at it.
Small habits add up more than one big push – whether it’s fitness, learning, or saving money, the little things done daily matter more than grand gestures.
Move daily and push yourself multiple times a week – not just your body, but your mind, your comfort zone, and your perspective.
Hydration solves more problems than you’d expect – drink water, and don’t forget the minerals too!
Change the space your head is in to change your headspace, i.e. walk it off – a bit of fresh air can clear your mind, shift your mood, and untangle tough decisions.
Passion beats popularity – loving what you do will keep you going when no one’s watching.
Teasing isn’t always malicious – sometimes it’s a way people show they notice or even admire you.
When I was 10, I was a bit of a chubbler who was really into karate, and multiple times a day would hear “Jackie Mann” in the school corridors. At first, I felt this was teasing; later, when I was quite good at a sport no one else did, I enjoyed it.
Learn names and use them often – it’s a simple way to make people feel seen and valued. Moreover, saying “hello” and “thank you” in a person’s language goes further than you might imagine.
A win is a win, no matter how small – life’s easier when you find reasons to smile through the day.
Books are the ultimate life hacks – they condense years of someone’s wisdom and mistakes into something you can carry in your bag.
Keep a “just in case” kit – a refillable bottle, a plastic bag, actual money and a charger have helped me through a number of situations.
Invest in quality over quantity – whether it’s friendships, frying pans, or fitness equipment, the best things last. Or, as my dad would say, “buy cheap, buy twice”.
Try weird food at least once – the worst that happens is a funny story, and the best is a new favourite dish.
A decent playlist improves everything – chores, workouts, long journeys, you name it, there’s a tune to make it better.
Nod at strangers, and for bonus points, smile – it’s free, and you might just make someone’s day. Bald people do it all the time to me now, and I love it. Otherwise, nobody’s paying that much attention to you – people are too busy worrying about themselves, so go do your thing.
Your best is good enough – stop measuring yourself against someone else’s life; your journey is uniquely yours.
Age isn’t a matter of time passing, rather how much you choose to slow down.
And that’s it from me! If you enjoyed this, you should subscribe, and if you’ve subscribed, why not share me with a mate.
Much love and I’ll see yas in the next one
Jack x