Some lessons are best learned the hard way, but not all of them. In the last few months, I've grown up more than I have in the last 21 years. Even if I heard some things a million times, I still didn't listen. So, please, learn from me so you don't have to figure it all out the hard way. Here are 50 things it took me 21 years to learn.

1. Call your parents more often than you think you need to.

2. End every phone call with “I love you.”

3. But not with telemarketers.

4. A little please and thank you goes a long way.

5. First impressions mean a lot, but they aren’t everything.

6. Budget. Your. Money.

7. You can’t ignore your low balance and make it go away.

8. It’s not treating yourself if you do it every day.

9. Get off your phone and go to bed.

10. Get enough sleep, but don’t sleep the day away.

11. Press snooze up to three times. Set your alarm early enough so you still won't be late.

12. If it’s less than a mile away, walk.

13. Fresh air does wonders. Go outside.

14. Laughter is the best medicine.

15. Take care of yourself.

16. Sometimes, you need to spend an entire day watching Netflix. That’s okay.

17. There are plenty of ways to eat healthier that don’t involve salads.

18. But find a salad you like.

19. Keep your standards high and your expectations low.

20. Working out is easier once you’re doing it.

21. Buy good walking shoes. The cutest sandals can’t hide bad blisters.

22. Red lipstick gives you instant confidence, even if it's only temporary.

23. Don’t damage your hair straightening it every day.

24. Never go to bed with makeup on. Take the two minutes to wash your face.

25. Brushing your teeth isn’t optional.

26. Buy a plunger before you think you need one.

27. Wear sunscreen.

28. Take pictures to hold onto memories, but don’t let it take over.

29. You don’t owe anyone anything, even if they buy you dinner.

30. “Your value doesn’t decrease based on someone’s inability to see your worth."

31. It's okay to say no.

32. Take a break from your phone to send a letter.

33. Love and fear the world. Don’t let it harden you, but don’t let it eat you alive.

34. Take chances and risks that will excite you even if they terrify you.

35. Keep your standards high and your expectations low.

36. Crying doesn’t help solve problems, but neither does holding it all in.

37. Find a signature drink. Order it with confidence.

38. Cheap beer tastes better when you think of the money you saved.

39. Cook dinner instead of going out. Host a party. Staying in can be as fun as going out.

40. Value your opinion and others will follow suit.

41. Stay in touch with your friends.

42. Keep a close network. Tell them your dreams, fears, and complaint. Not social media.

43. You don’t have to bear a burden by yourself. Find those who’ll help you carry it without taking over.

44. Boys are stupid. Men can be good.

45. Don’t care what others think.

46. Dress up for you. What are the odds someone will remember what you wore even a week later?

47. Find a passion that’s not your profession.

48. Embrace what God gave you.

49. Do what makes you happy. Have fun with everything you do.