I feel like you have to be at least 30-years-old to write a post like this. If that’s a rule, I’m going to break it. I’m only 21 but have changed SO much from my 15-year-old self.

So why am I writing this? I went to sleep last night, woke up this morning, and remembered a dream. I was dreaming that I was talking to my 15-year-old self. Probably the weirdest thing I’ve ever dreamed about. We were just hanging out and talking. But it was weird because it seemed like I was mentoring my 15-year-old self. Teaching him lessons and telling him things he should do different.

Upon recalling this dream, I immediately realized I had to write about it. I don’t usually get crazy urges to write but this morning I did. I can’t remember everything said in the dream, I wish I could. So about half of these are from my dream and the other half are coffee infused.

1. Find a Bible.

Man if I would have just listened… I was surrounded by so many God loving people. Christianity was something I was too stubborn to care about. I was so close-minded; church was a waste of time to me because I had never gone. I never experienced it or even gave it a chance.

To my 15-year-old self:

“Open your mind a little. There is more to life than what you are currently seeing. Life isn’t just baseball, girls and partying. Your life has a bigger purpose. Find that purpose and devote your life to fulfilling it. You have a loving Father you can always lean on. When you feel there is no one for you, remember that Jesus is there.

P.S. And please do me a favor, go find a Bible and read it. Just give it a shot, it may surprise you.”

2. Be yourself (and be proud).

Doing anything for a laugh (many times at the cost of hurting others) and conforming to others was a common theme throughout my teenage years. That wasn’t my true identity… I think all teenagers go through a lost stage of trying to “find themselves." I have one simple solution to that…

“Quit trying to “find yourself.” You are looking for nothing. Instead, BE yourself. You are an amazing person with so many unique qualities and talents. Why waste them on trying to be like someone else?”

3. Life goes on.

I would tell my 15-year-old-self:

“When you lose that baseball game, when your girlfriend breaks up with you, when you get busted at a party… There is one common ending to each of these events (and every other event for that matter): life goes on. You may feel like you’re at the lowest point in your life. You can’t imagine living another day. You can’t imagine things ever getting better. But guess what, emotions are temporary. Your situation will ALWAYS get better. Stay positive, keep working hard and continue looking ahead.”

I would say that I would have loved to hear this when I was 15. But, I’m almost positive my parents told me this at least a handful of times. I was pretty good at not listening though, so I can’t be positive.

4. Pay attention in class.

Wow, the amount of teachers that I could have attest to this one. I was a certified class clown. Grades? Learning? Nah, I just wanted to get a laugh. I cared less about the teachers and other students. Just maybe there was a student in those classes that actually WANTED to learn. Yeah, I was too dumb to figure that out.

Aside from that, I wish I would have paid attention in class for the simple fact of learning more. I would tell my 15-year-old self, “Yo, I know you could not care less about school, but this information will actually be helpful to what you want to achieve in life.” I can’t tell you how many times I’ll be in conversation today and say “Man, I remember hearing about that in high school but have no clue about it.” It happens way more often than I am willing to admit.

Oh yeah, while we’re on the topic of paying attention in class. This would have also prevented me from sweeping the 800 ft. driveway God knows how many times. Lesson learned: sit down and shut up.

5. We are all human.

This is a big one. When I was in high school I thought my parents, teachers, and other higher authorities were some type of gods. It’s difficult to explain, but I assumed they knew everything and never made mistakes. Like the only way you can become a teacher is if you are PERFECT. The only way you can become a cop is if you are PERFECT. The more you grow up, you realize that they are just human beings… just like me, you, and everyone else.

I now realize that these people make mistakes, but most of all they have caring feelings. It never dawned on me that when I would cut up in class that the teacher probably went home at times and said “There’s this boy in my class that has so much potential but he just won’t put in the effort or be quiet.” I never realized the majority of teachers truly care about the success of their students. I was just too self-centered to consider their perspective of life.

6. Ask for help.

If I had a dollar for every time my mom told me this, I would be Bill Gates. I would NEVER ask for help. I looked at it like “I am bothering the other person.” “I can figure it out myself (I mean there is Google).” “I should already know this.”

Something I’ve learned quick: asking for help is vital to success. Especially in the entrepreneur’s world. People have different perspectives, experience, and knowledge. You are missing out on SO much by not asking others for help. Almost everyone is more than willing to help if you ask. Let’s be honest, who doesn’t like talking about their experience, knowledge, etc. and helping others? Few people that I’ve met.

7. Mom is actually right.

Remember all that great advice your mom gives you when you’re in high school. I liked to watch it flow in one ear and fly out the other, many times thinking, “Mom, you don’t understand, you’re not a teenager.” Well when she says, “I used to be your age,” she isn’t kidding. It’s actually true. Yeah, it may have been a different time period (or whatever other justifications you may have), but the advice still does and always will have value.

Moral to the story: Mom is usually right, she’s your number one fan, and everything she does for you is with YOUR best interest in mind. Don’t take that for granted.

Side note: while you are busy growing up, your parents and grandparents are growing old. Don’t let this time slip away. No one lives forever.

8. Read more.

I counted today how many books I read (ALL THE WAY THROUGH) in my first 19 years of life. I recall reading four. And one of those is Captain Underpants so I’m not sure if that even counts. I hated every aspect of reading. Why? Because I didn’t appreciate other’s opinions, didn’t care to learn, and didn’t see how it would benefit me in the future. There were some attention problems in that equation also, but I’m going to avoid excuses (if I’m not interested, you don’t have my attention).

If you would have told my 15-year-old self that in 2015 (when I’m 20) that I would read 54 books he would have laughed. If you would have told him, I have already read 27 books by July in 2016 he would have also laughed. He would be in disbelief and ask who the heck that person is and what happened. Maybe it’s a maturity thing but I think it is figuring out WHY learning is so important. That why is different for every person. But in some shape or form, learning is beneficial to every person.

9. Slow down.

As a high schooler, and just like many other high schoolers, I was so ready to grow up. I couldn’t wait to graduate, go to college, turn 21, get a job, blah blah blah. I was in a huge rush just to begin ADULTING. Are you kidding me? I did all that rushing and this is what I got? Such a huge mistake. I could tell my younger self to slow down, enjoy the moments you are in, and cherish times with friends. Quit going through the motions, fully put yourself in the present.

Life already goes quick as it is. It goes by even quicker when you begin to wish it away. Enjoy each year of your life, enjoy each day of your life, and make the best of every situation.

10. Gainz… Get some.

Yep, I continue my streak. I can’t go one article without mentioning gainz. But seriously, I wish I would have focused and took working out more serious. I would have loved to see what 190 lb., strong, senior year, DJ could have done in baseball, instead of what 165 lb., string bean, senior year, DJ did. I remember disliking working out. Most times I would just go through the motions. For some reason that changed once I got to college.

One day I woke up and said to myself "Man, I want to be jacked.” Honestly, have no idea where that idea even came from. But hey, it has led to many more positive things than “wanting to be jacked.” It has led to being healthier, having more energy, being able to do fun activities (like hiking, kayaking, etc.), and being more confident. Pretty sure I’m forgetting some other benefits of gainz, but whatever, sorry guys.

Outside of the fact that it could have helped me in sports, I think it is never too early to begin living a healthy lifestyle. Cut out the sugar, quit going to Bojangles, and cut out the alcohol (you’re 15 for crying out loud!!)… the 65-year-old DJ will thank you.

Wrapping It Up

It’s been a wild ride. I don’t have any regrets and wouldn’t change a thing. We all do things and go through seasons we aren’t proud of. But without those times how would people like myself write an article like this one. If you’re currently in high school, I encourage you to take a deep look at this. Maybe even reread it. I promise it will help you.

Just remember that all things happen for a reason, God’s timing is perfect, and you’re an amazing and unique individual with so much to offer the world!

What would you like to tell your 15-year-old self (or any age self)? Leave them in the comments.