This week I turned 43.

This week I turned 43.

And as I’ve reflected on the last few decades, my own experiences, the hundreds of conversations I’ve had with leaders, —I pulled together 43 things I’ve come to believe.

Some are borrowed. Some were hard-won. None are perfect. But they’ve helped me live and lead better. Maybe one or two will resonate with you too.

43 Things I’ve Learned in 43 Years on Earth

Recognising beauty is the fastest way to presence. Surrounding yourself with it is the fastest way to contentment.

If you regret something, say sorry. That’s where change begins.

Progress begins with one simple step. Momentum is the reward.

Mistaking wants for needs creates panic.

If you’re worrying, make a plan—even for the unlikely scenarios.

The problem is never the problem. Upgrade your environment.

Flow comes from your 4 areas of genius—gifts you’ve always had.

Your purpose isn’t something you find. It’s something you remember.

The opposite of addiction is connection.

Habits helped you survive. Upgrade them with kindness, not shame.

Everything we know is wrong. We’re just trying to be less wrong.

We are part of nature. To destroy it is to destroy ourselves.

Words are magic. Pay attention to the ones you use.

The bigger your emotional vocabulary, the more skilful your life becomes.

Listening is the most powerful thing you’ll never master.

Listening includes silence, your body, the planet—not just words.

Guilt is an invitation to look closer, not push harder.

Write what’s true. Truth reduces the fear of judgment.

We’re wired to fear judgement. Don’t expect that to disappear.

One of the best ways to learn is to teach.

The world will always ask things of you. That’s its job.

Serving everyone else’s agenda means abandoning your own.

Giving advice rarely helps. Giving space often does.

The most beautiful person in the room is the most at peace.

Assume you don’t understand until you can say it back.

You’re not sabotaging. You’re protecting yourself. Find a safer route.

Your body is wiser than your mind. Trust its signals.

Motivation, guilt and threats don’t work long-term with kids—or adults.

All skills are first learned badly.

You are who you are meant to be. Celebrate your awareness.

Attendance isn’t presence. Create a path from one to the other.

Even when you don’t take them, seeing your choices gives you power.

Freedom matters. More than comfort. More than certainty.

Most internal pain is environmental. Focus there, not just the symptoms.

Curiosity transforms every relationship.

Sleep is an involuntary act. Create the right conditions.

Everything in the body begins in the brain.

If you’re stuck, ask what you’re afraid would happen if you succeeded.

Rest is productive.

Self-respect grows when you act in alignment with your values, not your fears.

Boundaries are a kindness—to you and to others.

The fastest way to get clear is to get honest.

Love is noticing. Yourself. Others. This moment.

I’ll probably disagree with half of these by the time I turn 44.

But for now—they feel true.

What’s one thing you’ve learned that changed everything for you?