Advice from the future...

[Loki]

If you had the ability to travel back in time and meet yourself (version 1.0 ), what advice, if any, would you offer to your past self?


from me to me:

1. Drop the negative attitude.
2. Get over yourself.
3. Ask her out.

 

[preilemus]

dont give a damn about trying to be popular.

...I guess i could still use that advice.

 

[flow]

Advice from me to me: Don't talk so much shit. Grow faster. Keep your ego in check, you're really not that cool. Be more agreeable (when the situation calls for it). Don't make life harder on yourself than it needs to be.

 

[Cryss Winters]

Don't do it!

 

[Felan]

What the powerball numbers were on some specific date.

I could probably say some of the other stuff that has been mentioned but I doubt I would have paid much mind to any of it.

 

[Minuend]

- Read more science, psychology and everything else you might find interesting. Don't forget your curiosity.
- Don't stop seeing the psychologist, tell him about your perfectionism too.

Am I the only one who thinks school makes interesting topics boring? It can be the most fascinating subject, but sitting in class listening to the teacher is terribly boring and frustrating. It's much more exciting to read it for oneself. I don't like to read when I have to memorize it either.

 

[snowqueen]

hmmm

1. you are really beautiful so stop worrying
2. you are lovable - it's just that not everyone in the world will love you
3. life can be unfair - don't take it personally

 

[Fukyo]

1.Work harder.
2.Learn to ignore certain people.
3.Tame your curiosity!

 

[Ermine]

Ah, where to begin?

- stop caring about being popular
- go talk to him/her if you find them interesting. You've got nothing to lose.
- a lot of things are really mundane, yet necessary. Get over it.
- try studying math and science on your own. You might find it more interesting.
- practice playing guitar and piano regularly
- there are more fish in the sea if something/someone doesn't work out.
- stop expecting things to be logical and well run, even if they should be.

I could keep going, but those are the main ones.

 

[Waterstiller]

In addition to Ermine's..

1. Being yourself is not a sin.
2. You're worth whatever nice things people give you.
3. You eventually get to get away.
4. There is absolutely nothing that you "should" do. You are free.
5. Do it now. Nobody that matters leaves you.
6. Don't be afraid when your foundation crumbles. Don't waste years looking for it.
7. Security is found in the universal.
8. Life is about the connections you have with others. It's worthless if you're not yourself.
9. The longer you go on, the more intricate the beauty. So hold on.
10. Don't worry if you don't 'get it'. You never will. Other people just think they do.
11. Don't feel guilt for what you have no control over. Don't feel guilt for the person you were.
12. Sometimes there's nothing between the lines.
13. Live.

 

[Inappropriate Behavior]

-Don't drop out on life.
-Don't quit on your dreams just because you reach a stage that seems too hard or mundane.
-You will fail as often as you succeed, don't be afraid to fail.

 

[AceNess]

Don't be such a pushover a
Sigh I still kinda am

 

[Latro]

1. Socialize more (after the period of completely shutting up to get people to leave you alone). In particular, approach your crushes, however brief they might be. (I REALLY wish I had done this with one girl senior year, though I doubt it would've amounted to anything. I wound up telling her that I liked her rather directly after we'd both graduated via email just to get it off my chest and it wound up really awkward. I learned soon after why this doesn't work most of the time, even if you just want to stay friends.)
2. Be independent more (in particular so as to get a bit more specific idea about what to do for a career than "chemical research" prior to reaching university. If I had done this I'd probably be doing some research right now and would also probably be at a better university; see #4).
3. Don't procrastinate, in particular don't procrastinate Jane Eyre logs (at one point in IB English II I had a 16%. Quarter-by-quarter I got B F D+ B, which averaged out to the only C I got in all of my time in HS. Jane Eyre logs were the main culprit.)
4. Your life doesn't suck in comparison to most other people in the world so get over yourself. (I've since convinced myself of this, but if I had thought this in late 2007 I might be at a much better university. Suffice it to say that I only applied to what would otherwise have been called my "backup school".)
5. Do group therapy for more time. You didn't take everything you needed away from it, even if you did fix your raw social phobia. (I'm still pondering doing this, or at least talking to a psychologist to see if it might be a good idea. The fact that I don't have the ability to do it without having to ask my parents is a big part of why I haven't done it.)

That's all I can think of right now. I suspect #2 and #3 are almost universal, and #4 is obviously very common as depression is very common. #1 is probably pretty common among people like INTPs, and #5 is probably a little odd overall.

 

[cuterebra]

So many regrets you all seem to have!

I suggest an additional exercise: pretend you are a future you, 25 years in the future. What advice do you think you would give yourself? When future you looks back on 2009, what will still be important?

 

[Xel]

1. Your version of Christianity is a complete lie
2. Stop being lazy
3. Read more so I don't have to read more now
4. Ask her out

 

[Kassie]

Hmm, well let's see:

-stop caring about popular kids, they're a waste of time and energy

-don't procrastinate in middle school, it makes the parents angry

-try to find out what you want to do with your life so mom doesn't bother you in the future (or tell her something to get her off your case, whichever works)

@Minuend: I agree with you completely. I used to be a science fanatic, but after listening to the teachers kill it and beat it with a stick, I feel as indifferent to it as I do towards writing class (my most hated subject, usually with the worst teachers as well). I think the worst part was having to use the scientific method in exact order, which I thought was idiotic because it can usually work in any order, but the teachers are then forced to do something besides read from a textbook, and apparently that is too gruelling a task for them. My current chemistry teacher agrees on this point, so it's not as bad anymore.

I used to love going to school as a kid, but now I dread it. I have some classes which I truly enjoy (they don't necessarily follow the handbook all the time, and sometimes bend the rules or exploit loopholes to suit their purposes), but many of them I despise.

 

[snowqueen]

Wow this is brilliant advice - thanks Loki for starting this thread!

I've been inspired to post a few more:

* Do what you love and then you'll love what you do
* You only have one body - look after it
* The worst thing that can happen in a relationship is not being able to repair it - so be open to apologies and forgiveness
* Most relationships don't work out because of incompatibility, not because you or the other person are somehow flawed.
* You don't need other people's approval - that actually has nothing to do with liking or loving someone.
* Never give up - there is always possibility

 

[Tunesimah]

Get yourself challenged and out of your comfort zones as soon and often as possible.

You are much more intelligent than you realize, and should not be in dumbed down classes.

Stick with a musical instrument and practice, practice, practice. Music is far more fascinating than you could ever dream it would be.

Go and talk with those lonely looking girls you find cute.

 

[JoeJoe]

- Find a way to learn discipline as early as possible
- Start with pedagogy in year 11
- Friendships are worth holding up
- Video games really aren't worth the time

 

[Adymus]

1. Eventually you will have what you are waiting for, so quit worrying, just be patient.
2. You are being insecure about things nobody really gives a shit about anyway, and if they do, fuck em', they were not worth knowing anyway.
3. It turns out, we are human after all.
4. Just ask her out already... Or don't... It probably doesn't really matter. Don't worry about it if you still can't, you'll eventually ball up.
5. Just because you don't understand how something works, does not mean that it cannot be true.
6. You are just as intelligent as he is, never forget that.
7. Let go, just take a chance for once, I promise you will not regret it.

 

[dents]

- People still don't care.
- You'll figure it out eventually.

I often wonder what I would tell myself if I went back in time, but every major point required living through something major and 'previous me' would not 'get it' not having lived through the circumstances yet. The first point has always been true and it's a source of inspiration, to young me and current me alike.

 

[nemo]

I should take that point on board more ('people don't care') since I seem to be afraid of disappointing people so much. >__>

To little me:
- Please, please, PLEASE appreciate the time you have with your family, they are not immortals and will not be by your side forever. So don't be a brat.
- Quickly realise that being someone else does not make you 'cool'. Be yourself. And STOP being so damn insecure!

I don't think my younger self would've believed me if I could go back though, being the brat I was. Oh I really want to kill the me of then.

 

[Seducer of the Homeless]

Advice from me to me: Don't talk so much shit. Grow faster. Keep your ego in check, you're really not that cool. Be more agreeable (when the situation calls for it). Don't make life harder on yourself than it needs to be.

aah, that phase...still going through it

to myself now...

don't worry about others, when making art don't worry about 'if it's good or not', that's a critics job, just do whatever you believe is the best for you. listen to no-one trying to disuade you, especially ignore your own dissuasions. oh, and another thing, "There are periods of Destruction and Discovery"

 

[Waterstiller]

I like yours, seducer.

 

[JoeJoe]

when making art don't worry about 'if it's good or not', that's a critics job, just do whatever you believe is the best for you

That reminds me, I recently wrote a poem entitled soliloquy which kind of fits into this thread, (cos I'm talking to myself). I will share it, if you ask nicely...

 

[snowqueen]

There are no perfect matches out there - go for the nearest to your ideal and then do the hard work to make the relationship work.

 

[Agent Intellect]

1. Apply yourself in school - you'll eventually grow to appreciate your mind instead of condemn it.

2. Stay away from alcohol.

 

[Reverse Transcriptase]

- Please, please, PLEASE appreciate the time you have with your family, they are not immortals and will not be by your side forever. So don't be a brat.

I have a grandmother that died when... oh hell, I don't even know. six years ago? I was really sad because I hadn't taken the chance to talk to her as much as I could have.

I have a lot of regrets that come from not doing things. So my advice for my past self is to take action! Do your best not to let things turn into regrets!

 

[Zero]

Be a more aggressive driver and trust your intuition when things get fishy...

And yet if it hadn't happened I would've never learned anything.

I would also say, some people can swim up stream, some people are a thread woven into a pattern and some people are a bead on a wire. You're a bead.

 

[Cavallier]

Okay, you've always been good at taking the opportunities when they came you way and that's great but you've got to start creating some opportunities. Stop stagnating!

Oh, and travel more.

 

[Fleur]

Do not hold so high and many hopes. They are like card towers during an earthquake which keeps on miraging even after they have fallen apart; stop living in your dream worlds and get back to the reality once in a while.

Take more care about your eyes and do not run in your school's hallways after 4 pm, the floors are wet.

 

[nemo]

I have a grandmother that died when... oh hell, I don't even know. six years ago? I was really sad because I hadn't taken the chance to talk to her as much as I could have.

That's the exact same situation I was in. My grandma passed away recently and my main grief was that I was an idiot that had behaved badly. After realising this and hating myself I made a resolution to do everything in a way so I won't have regrets. It's pretty hard though since I don't know what I'll regret.

 

[beastie]

Don't worry if you don't 'get it'. You never will. Other people just think they do.
Love it!

you should jump out of a plane while youre young enough and stupid enough to do it

 

[Beat Mango]

I'd say to my past self, just go hard and back yourself- you're stronger and better than you think.
There'd be heaps more but that's the main one.

 

[Ran]

I love this thread.

-You're not really embarrassing yourself since nobody cares enough to notice that you're embarrassing yourself. So go ahead and do whatever you want!
-Even if they notice they'll forget about it in a week. And you'll have a great story to tell later.
-You're shunned by the group only because you allow yourself to be.
-EAT MORE because you won't get to do it without consequences when you grow up!
-Smile! You're really pretty when you smile!

 

[spoirier]

I'd say to my past self:
- Drop out of school;
- Resist all your mother's requests to continue school as she worries about your future (this may be the hardest point of all);
- To learn science, just rely on your own research and go to the university library (at that time there was no internet, so the univ. library was the best place);
- Don't try to mention your ideas around you, as nobody is interested anyway; rather wait for the internet to come and be the right place for it, reaching anyone interested in the world in the easiest way;
- Earn your living by giving private lessons;
- Hunt for girls and try to not be shy with them, otherwise you may miss your chances and regret it forever (indeed this is my main doom);
- Don't waste your time going to churches or other christian gatherings, except for the previous reason; understand that the Bible is not from God, and that faith diverts from the truth and won't help you for anything; but try pretending otherwise to any Christian girl you'd be interested with.

 

[EditorOne]

"Stick with the accordion lessons! You can play with Springsteen!"

 

[citrusbreath95]

Don't join intpforum... just kidding
1. Stop lurking around people, watching their every move and actually talk to them!!!
2. Stop worrying about making a fool of myself and do whatever it was that I was afraid of doing, for fear of being wrong about it
3. In first grade, when they laughed at me for coloring the pilgrim's faces red and green (did they go back in time to see the actual color.. NO!) come up with some really good smart remark to the teacher to insult her intelligence hee. hee. hee.
4. Go back and erase number 3.
5. Spend more time with science
6. Get over my lazyness and self pity and actually invent/do something useful... so much time wasted!
7. stop second-guessing myself and go with my intuition
I shall think of more as I grow older and realize mistakes made in the past

 

[warryer]

1. Always be honest with yourself
2. Don't turn the key!
3. Pull the trigger
4. Throw away your video games- do something useful

 

[Anchorite]

1. Read more of everything.
2. Don't be so conceited as to think that other people are watching you or care about what you do.
3. The weird ones are those that people remember.
4. If advice seems good, take it.
5. Act like an idiot every once in a while.
6. Take up piano.
7. Share your dorky interests.
8. When you stare at people, they see you.
9. Do childish things, eventually you wont people to play like that anymore.
10. Most video games suck, so you should probably just do something else with your 2 friends.

 

[MrBlah]

Not much specifically, without some of my 'bad' times I wouldn't be who I am. If anything I would tell myself to try more risks. Oh and of course what stocks to invest in haha.

 

[ckm]

Persevere.

Be brave.

It's okay.

 

[Cavallier]

Say yes to drink one. Say no to drink sixteen.

 

[shoeless]

people are just people. you don't need to be afraid of them.
walk upright. wear pretty dresses. at least pretend you're confident for a while.
suspend inhibition.
don't get in too deep. it only makes getting out that much worse.
he isn't worth your skin.

 

[Pythia]

Stop worrying so fucking much, and allow yourself to get your hands dirty once in a while.

 

[Ezro]

1. She's cute, and actually likes you...FUCKING TALK TO HER YOU IDIOT!!!!

 

[Starfruit M.E.]

What the powerball numbers were on some specific date.

I could probably say some of the other stuff that has been mentioned but I doubt I would have paid much mind to any of it.

lol I wouldn't have listened. But in theory, I could have told myself a few things...

1. Don't stop drawing, and keep taking the art classes.
2. Honesty... always do what you say you will, and don't procrastinate.
3. God is worth it, and you can make it.

 

[Jah]

Hesitation begets lack of action begets regret.

Congruency seems important.
Listen to your mothers advice; she knows you better than you'd think.

Keep all addictions under control, even benign ones like the urge for meat and sugar, it'll do you good in the end.

Meditate.

 

[peu4000]

Buy google!!!!!!!

 

[Il Nessuno]

1) Work.

2) Talk to people, even if you feel it's unnecessary.

3) Math is important. Study it.

4) Ask her out.

5) Practice the piano more.

6) Write more.

7) Read more.

8) Ease up on the video games!

9) Be more impulsive.

10) Drop the cool act. You're not getting any friends this way.