Later this year, I will turn 60 (yes, 60), and today I'm going to share what I wish I'd known in my 20s.
Most of these lessons are golden nuggets I've picked up from those much smarter than me. The rest I've learned from firsthand experiences and predominantly from mistakes.
These lessons have served me well, but don't take my word for it. Try them for yourself.
Let's jump into it.
Don't Take Yourself Too Seriously.
Ironically, this is something my 20-year-old self did well.
I would've reminded him not to lose it with age.
We are all on this path in life, chasing dreams, pursuing goals, climbing career ladders, and proving something to the world.
Every once in a while, don't forget to laugh, especially at yourself.
Happiness Comes From Progress, Not Achievement.
"As soon as I graduate..."
"As soon as I get the job...""
As soon as I get the promotion..."
"As soon as I get the next shiny toy..."
Then I will finally be happy.
The Arrival Fallacy. We have all fallen for it. If you haven't experienced it yet, you will.
We convince ourselves that when we check off a specific achievement, we can bask in happiness.
In reality, the joy, celebration, and happiness may last weeks, days, or even only hours before slipping out of your hands.
Achievements are temporary.
Achievements are merely checkpoints, not endpoints.
The pursuit, the effort, and overcoming challenges are what are most valued.
Training for race day.
Learning a new skill.
Being a beginner.
Quality time with loved ones.
Solving the seemingly unsolvable.
That's what makes the journey worthwhile.
Pick a mountain in life that you deem worthwhile and enjoy the climb.
Exercise, Real Food, and Sleep are the Most Potent Natural Drugs for Health and Longevity. Prioritize them daily.
The cliché pillars of health.
Not novel, not groundbreaking, and shouldn't be surprising. But the basics are the basics for a reason; they work.
There are a million and one products and services on the market, but 80-90% of the battle is:
- Eat real food - a well-balanced diet packed with fruits, vegetables, protein, and whole grains, and limiting sugar and low-nutrient ultra-processed foods.
- Consistent exercise program (strength + aerobic training)
- Prioritize sleep - both amount and quality of sleep
- Don’t smoke and reduce/remove alcohol use
- Meaningful relationships
Before you step over $100 bills to pick up pennies, check the foundational pillars before looking for the next health hack.
"It’s nice to be important, but it’s much more important to be nice."
Ego is a selfish pursuit.
Kindness is a selfless gift.
Most life regrets are from inaction.
When we take action, two paths are illuminated:
- Hit the mark. Win the trophy. Did what we wanted.
- Miss the mark. Came up short. Move on and learn from it.
Action offers certainty regardless of the result. We did the thing, regardless of the outcome.
Inaction is a bottomless pit of uncertainty.
We ruminate on the 'what ifs'.I wish I had started that business. I wish I had followed my gut.I wish I had taken that risk.I wish I had tried.
The most common deathbed regret starts with "I wish that I had..."
Here is a mental model to avoid this problem:
Envision yourself a decade, 30 years, or 50 years from today - what things are you not doing today that are burning a clear path of regret in the future?
To save regret for your future self - do the thing.
Stay Hydrated. Replace What You Lose.
Hydration isn’t just about drinking more water — it’s about replacing what you lose.
When you sweat (from workouts, sauna sessions, or just daily life activities), you’re not just losing water — you’re losing electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
That's why I drink LMNT as my electrolyte replacement.
LMNT uses a science-backed electrolyte ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Electrolytes are used by every cell in your body. Even minimal dehydration can limit cognitive and physical performance.
LMNT tastes great and helps me replenish my electrolytes after a hard workout or a sauna session. I mix one LMNT packet (usually Grapefruit Salt, my favorite flavor) into a 32-oz water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
If you are active, sweat often, and want to try LMNT for yourself, click here to receive a FREE sample pack of all 8 flavors with any purchase, plus a No-Questions-Asked Refund Policy.
Only the best,
Jeremy London, MD
P.S. Don't forget to follow my podcast for free on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
