22 Things I’ve Learned in 22 Years
1. Your Ability To Bounce Back = Confidence
I’ve been through a lot in my ‘young’ life. And to overcome that, it definitely required a lot of resilience.
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from life’s sudden (but inevitable) knocks.
When you build it, it breeds a different kind of confidence — one that makes you feel like you can take over the world… until life humbles you again (lol).
It’s a cycle — a beautiful part of life.
But here’s the truth: adversity only comes with actual experience.
Face your fears directly without escaping, and you’ll handle that same challenge better next time.
2. Your Mindset Determines Your Life Trajectory
Growth mindset: “I want to start this. I’m willing to face the challenges that come with it, because I know the benefits it will bring.”
Fixed mindset: “Yeah, I tried it once and just couldn’t do it. I’m not good at it and probably never will be.
”How you see life — and its challenges — will 100% impact your entire life trajectory.
3. Open-Mindedness Is Key To Everything
I absolutely love people who are curious — not just about things, but about people too.
If you’re not curious enough to explore, you’ll never know yourself, nor discover anything meaningful.
Stay curious about the world, and you’ll end up learning your whole life. That not only builds knowledge, but also an amazing personality. ;)
4. Prioritize The Journey Over The Destination
We tend to focus on the end goal and forget to immerse ourselves in the process.
But life becomes so much more enjoyable when you fall in love with the climb — not just the summit.
Ironically, detaching from the outcome often leads to even better outcomes.
5. Use Your Values as a Compass
No matter where you are in life, stick to your values — that’s what authenticity really is.
However, there’s a fine line between being authentic and being closed-minded. You can’t claim to be true to yourself while resisting growth.
Our values shape our choices, and our choices shape our lives.
One of my most important values? Judge by intention, not action — always look beneath the surface of a person.
6. Learn The Rules, Then Break Them
To truly learn something, start by mastering its principles.
That gives you a solid foundation. But if you want to stand outin that field, you’ll eventually need to break the rules — creatively.
Example: in photography, learn all the camera settings, lighting, and composition fundamentals. Then experiment.
Once you’re confident, break those rules and create your own. That’s real creativity.
7. Aim For The Stars, Land On The Moon
Aim so ridiculously high that it feels almost impossible.
Because even if you “fail,” you’ll land way further than most people ever would.
For example, dream of becoming one of the world’s best wildlife photographers — featured in Nat Geo, leading global expeditions. That dream alone pushes you to take bolder actions.
Even if you fall short, you might still build a life that once felt like a fantasy.
That’s the magic of dreaming big — it’s a win-win.
8. Self-Belief Is Powerful (Manifesting Works)
Your inner world creates your outer world.
I’m the biggest believer in self-belief — it outshines talent by far.
People often cringe at the idea of manifesting because it sounds “woo-woo.”
But hear me out. C’mon… what’s life without a little magic?
a) Your brain doesn’t know the difference between imagination and reality. If you visualize yourself with 73 arms, your brain believes it’s real (wild, right?).
b) Now bring that into real life. If you constantly visualize your goals, your brain will guide your actions to align with them. Visualize yourself as a fit person, and you’ll naturally start making better decisions — even if you’re not fit yet.
(I've tried my best to explain, do your own research if you’re still unsure)
9. Belief In A Higher Power Gives Meaning
All religions have one thing in common: belief in something greater than yourself — God, the universe, energy, or something else.
That’s why I stay open to all spiritual teachings and apply what resonates.
Believing in something higher gives you perspective, purpose, and peace — especially in tough times.
10. Rest Is Necessary, Not Optional
It’s okay to watch Netflix, eat unhealthy food, or miss the gym one day. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
In fact, these breaks are needed to balance out our lives.
Imagine working constantly without rest — like a robot. We’d lose our minds.
Burnout is real. And when it comes, it comes like a wrecking ball.
To avoid that, take small breaks often — just do it consciously, and don’t lose sight of your goals.
11. Discipline Is The Highest Form Of Self-Love
Eating burgers every day because you “love yourself” isn’t self-love — it might be the opposite.
True self-love is doing what makes you better — even when it’s hard.
That might be a workout, choosing healthier food, journaling, meditating, or even saying no.
Discipline creates order, energy, and clarity.
And the ripple effect? Once you master discipline in one area (like fitness), it begins to spill into everything else — sleep, food, focus.
One strong habit can change your life.
12. Confidence Goes A Long Way
Confidence is powerful. People can feel it.
With confidence, you get more opportunities, face challenges better, and connect more deeply.
Sometimes, it’s as simple as good posture. Other times, it’s about bouncing back from tough moments with resilience. Invest in your confidence.
Look better, eat better, read more, connect more.
13. Charisma Is One Of The Most Important Traits
Charisma is the ability to attract, influence, and inspire.
It’s more important than being smart, in my opinion.
You don’t need to be extroverted to be charismatic. You just need to be likeable.
The most charismatic people? They make others feel seen, safe, and special.
14. Listen Like It’s A Superpower
Being a great listener will take you far.
Let people feel heard — genuinely. People love talking about themselves.
If you let them do it while being fully present, amazing things will happen.
Opportunities come to those who listen.
15. Learn Human Behavior — It’ll Make You Better At Everything
Psychology fascinates me. The more you understand people — how they think, feel, act — the better you’ll get at almost anything.
Negotiating? People say yes when they feel heard.
Selling? People buy what’s popular — not always what’s best.
Networking? You don’t need to be the most interesting person in the room — just the most interested.
Understanding people is like unlocking life’s cheat code.
16. Be Kind
Always try to help someone — especially when it’s hard.
Drop the ego, forget the labels.
Just connect. Human to human. Kindness is energy.
What you give will always come back to you — often in unexpected ways.
17. Money Doesn’t Buy Happiness, But It Definitely Rents It
So yes, money matters. Sure, if you want to meditate in the Himalayas for 64 hours a day, money may not be your priority.
But for a peaceful, modern life? Money gives you options, freedom, and access to a better quality of life.
Your mindset around money will shape how much of it you attract and need.
Invest in financial literacy. Smart with money = freedom.
18. Peace > Happiness
Happiness often comes from the outside. Peace comes from within.
Social media validation, expensive stuff, and temporary highs are not sustainable.
Chasing happiness can become an endless race.
Instead, choose peace.
And hey — enjoy the luxuries if you want — just don’t depend on them.
19. Experiences = True Wealth
Experiences — good or bad — always add value to your life.
They shape your perspective, build your confidence, and make you well-rounded.
Invest in experiences, and you’ll become rich in wisdom, stories, and overall depth as a human.
20. Vulnerability = Connection
You don’t need to have it all together. In fact, the strongest bonds are built through realness — not perfection.
Opening up, sharing your struggles or insecurities — even just a little — creates trust.
It might be 5% of the time, but it holds 90% of the connection’s strength.
People connect with real. Not perfection.
21. Balance Is Everything
As I grow older, I’ve realized balance is everything.
In these 6 areas:
- Mental Health - Physical Health - Wealth - Purpose - Career - Relationships
I want to be wealthy — but not at the cost of lifelong depression.
I want to live with purpose — but not by sacrificing my family for it.
Balancing these areas is probably the hardest thing to do.
But also the most rewarding. It keeps you grounded for life.
22. Your People Matter
Oh man, I love my people.
From family and childhood friends to mentors and creative circles — I keep them close.
Relationships take effort, but they’re so worth it.
Your people are your support system.
Be there for them. Let them be there for you.
Your circle shapes your life.
Love you all.
Ending
Since it's my birthday, I have a right to ask you for something ;)
Why don't you let me know what you think about today's blog? Feedback means so much more to me than you know!
You can message me on Instagram/reply to this.
If you're new here, you can subscribe to the blog here.
Until next time,
Dhir
