Retire as early as you can, some people say. Others say never retire at all. Who do you believe? Often both sides will have good points.
Live for the moment versus have a 50 year plan, is another conflicting message.
Write out the pros and cons and see which idea works best for you while limiting the downside. Then follow that route while frequently testing that it is still the best route.
Usually you know what is right. You just don’t want it to be so.
Often we ask advice from whoever is around. But if you go to someone specifically, it is often because you know they’ll tell you what you want to hear; even if you know it’s what you need to hear.
The world has changed. It does that. Sometimes it tilts to good and sometimes it tilts to bad. However, advice for a 14 year old should probably look quite similar regardless of society, technology or wealth.
One idea for a 14 year old would be to take actions to get better at something, Aim to be in the top 5% within 12 months. The action required could be more revision to improve school test scores. It could also involve learning a sport, hobby or instrument. It is amazing what 20 minutes a day can do over 3 months.
Getting better at something increases confidence, helps people understand how learning, goals and discipline work. In addition, you learn about the compound effect of building skill upon skill, how habits help and also the key elements of time, effort and patience.
Learning to seek and find is another key piece of advice. Don’t wait for the coach to select you or a job to fall in your lap. Ask your parents, teachers or a search engine how you can improve. Decide what you want to try now and look into it. This may involve joining a club, watching YouTube highlights or how to clips. It could even mean getting a book from the library. Speak to several people to give you different perspectives.
This is advice for a 14 year old. It’s also good advice for a 41 year old.
