29 things I learned in 2012

1. How to jump-start a car.
2. “Ask not what the world needs. Ask what makes you come alive, and go do it. Because the world needs more people who have come alive.”
3. Visit friends abroad. It will bring a smile to both of your faces.
4. Time to think is important.
5. Lie-ins are an equal source of guilt and pleasure.
6. Absence makes the heart grow fonder. I love you, London.
7. You’re never too young to advise and teach. Give back whenever possible.
8. Don’t live alone unless you have amazing people very close by.
9. Finance is essential. Learn every type you can.
10. There is definitely a correlation between how well I know extended family members and how cute their kids are.
11. If you want to be happy, just be happy.
12. Finding the right person to work with improves your progress (and theirs) exponentially.
13. Networking is a prelude to friendship.
14. Stay in touch.
15. People who make you laugh uncontrollably are worth their weight in gold.
16. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Really, really know them.
17. Google is actually the basis for my international friendships (chat, hangouts, YouTube). Thank you, Google.
18. Rejection is really not that bad.
19. Personal PR is like marmite. Some people like to hear what you’re doing, and Mark Suster does not
20. Doing things daily is unexpectedly effective.
21. “Fear not small steps. Fear only stillness.”
22. I am lucky to know as many interesting people as I do.
23. If you can take a non-veggie there, you know you’ve found a good vegetarian restaurant.
24. Make time for music.
25. Nobody’s perfect. Decide what redeeming qualities are important to you and accept flaws.
26. Stay in touch.
27. Just being in certain locations is inspirational. Seek out the ones that are meaningful to you.
28. Tech is big. It’s just not everything.
29. Nothing beats a home-cooked meal.

Originally published at ushmanef.tumblr.com.