What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

What Would You Tell Your Younger Self?

What Would You Tell Your Younger Self? A while ago, my good friend Laura Waage asked me what I’d tell me younger self. In fact, she painted this picture for me: So Keith, it’s 1985. Marty McFly shows up at your door to take you back in time. Knowing what you now know, what piece of advice would you give to your newbie self? I’m bringing this up now because a very special event is heading our way later this year that ties into this notion of advising our future selves: Back To The Future Day (21 October 2015) When Laura first asked me this question, it got me thinking. It’s a hard one to answer. In 1985 I had just moved to Melbourne – I remember sporting a jacket very similar to the one Michael J. Fox had in the original. I looked every bit as much of a coast guard due as Michael did. The shoes, the clothes… I was basically Marty McFly minus the DeLorean. In a nutshell, my piece of advice to myself would be very simple: “Trust yourself. You’re bloody awesome. You will be OK.” The more I thought about this at the time, the more I remembered feeling angry. When I was 18 in the mid ‘80s, I had goals and dreams but I just didn’t follow through with them. I was scared. So much so that I didn’t jump when opportunities presented themselves. And we all know how quickly good opportunities disappear. Instead, I played it safe… Did the sensible thing. Sucked up people’s nasty comments. Anyone who knows me will recognise those...