If I could go back in time, I'd pay more attention to all the advice I've received. I'm not talking about advice from friends or celebrities, I mean real advice coming from my mom, teachers and other elders in my life. Growing up, there are things I would hear over and over again but never take seriously. Yet now, as I get older, I realize the value in all the advice I've been given. Here are some of the most valuable pieces of advice I've received that I wish I could personally tell my younger self.

1. Stop comparing yourself to other people

The day you stop comparing yourself to other people is the day you start living your best life.

2. You are more than a number

Whether it's an SAT score or your weight no one walks around begging to get that information so don't let it get the best of you.

3. Stop freaking out over the little things

No one pays attention to that stain on your shirt or the fact that you're having a bad hair day. Everyone is always looking at the big picture anyway.

4. Don't feel bad dropping people from your life

Toxic people only drag you down. When you find people that will accept you for who you are and are willing to spend time with you, hold on to them.

5. Breaks are what keep you on track

Pulling an all-nighter or studying for hours on end burn you out faster than you think. Breaks are important and essential if handled responsibly.

6. Your health is more important than your grades

Never put a grade, assignment, quiz or exam over your personal health. Not only do you perform poorly but you're also hot mess until you can pull yourself back together again.

7. It's okay to ask questions (both in school and in life)

In class, if you have to be *that* annoying kid, be that annoying kid. It's great if everyone else understands the material but it doesn't help if you don't. No one knows what they are doing in life, but asking questions is guaranteed to get you somewhere.

8. It's okay to ask for help

Whether you need someone to talk to or are just having trouble with a class, asking for help will only make your life easier.

9. It's not the end of the world if you don't know what you're doing

It doesn't matter if you're in college, starting your career, or graduating high school no one expects you to have every detail of your life planned out, even if it sounds like they do.

10. Don't let people make decisions for you

Start using your voice. If you don't tell people what you want, they'll tell you what you want.

11. It doesn't matter what other people think of you

You should never let other people's opinions stop you from being who you are and doing what you want to do.

12. Make a plan and revise it regularly

If you plan out something you at least know what you have to achieve it. Life happens but something unexpected doesn't have to get the best of you.

13. Who you are today does not define you forever

While in some aspects this isn't exactly true if you are a failing student or a hopeless graduate that doesn't mean you're always going to be a failing student or an unemployed graduate.