On my thirty-second birthday, I thought of some things that my future self might tell me on this day. These are the things I’d like my life to reflect during the next 32 years and beyond.

Jeremiah:

1. You’re not that important.
2. Pray. Be passionate and persistent…especially when you don’t feel like it.
3. Celebrate often. It’s too tempting to press on to the next thing, the next day, the next marker. Take time to celebrate with those you love; this is where memories are made.
4. Eat your greens. Seriously, they’re delicious.
5. Brush your teeth. This is especially important after eating your greens.
6. Take the long view. Reacting in the moment to the moment is seldom the best move.
7. Give more than you take…especially when it comes to those who you work and live with.
8. Be quiet.
9. Your critics are not your enemies.
10. People are stronger than you think. Sometimes they need someone to help expand awareness of their capacity.
11. Ask great questions.
12. Fear is a bad reason to make big decisions.
13. Just because you have a thought, that doesn’t mean you should express it.
14. Failure doesn’t have to be fatal.
15. The most frustrating reactions people will have to your thoughts and ideas are often founded in their fear of change…or your lack of ability to communicate. Learn to navigate these.
16. Create space to be alone. You need it.
17. Give two people permission to tell you what they really think and what you really need to hear. This should include your wife and someone who has nothing riding on your reaction.
18. Seek out different perspectives. Find people more tactical and relational than you. Engage those with more experience and those with none.
19. Do not sacrifice your family for the sake of your job. It should be the other way around.
20. Words are powerful. Don’t be a jerk with them.
21. What your kids see in you they will repeat.
22. Don’t be so hard on yourself (see number 1).
23. Your wife chooses you every day. Don’t ever make her regret that choice.
24. It’s the little things that are often the most valuable. Be faithful in them.
25. The relationship you’ll have with your kids tomorrow depends on what you invest in them today.
26. You are positioned to be more generous with your time, energy, and money than you think you are.
27. Tell those you love that you love them. Often.
28. Tell your real-life heroes why they’re your heroes while you have opportunity to do so. Be specific.
29. Choose optimism. You’ll live happier. Also: make friends with realists—you’re going to need them.
30. Go on adventures. Work trips don’t count.
31. There’s always more to learn.
32. You haven’t had your best ideas or experiences yet.