24 Things I've Learned At 24
Since my birthday is this weekend, I thought it a good time to reflect on the past year. The past 366 days, I’ve experienced great triumphs, tough times and many moments of joy in between. Moreover, I learned a lot of things this year about style, work and a life well lived. Since I’m turning 24, here are 24 tips and lessons I've picked up along the way:
#6
#8
#19
Buy the best you can afford. You may kick yourself over the initial layout, but after several months of wearing a favorite jacket, vest, shoes or whatever garment it is, you’ll feel like a king.
Your mid-20s is too young to have a signature anything. I thought the Old Fashioned was my signature drink. Then I started making Manhattans and ordering Negronis. Before settling on something, explore what other options are out there.
Learning about wine never hurts. Each time you buy a new bottle, make notes after tasting it.
The best cure to a hangover is lots of Gatorade and a cup of miso.
There are certain trials in life that only Proust can get you through.
There are few better ways to spend money than on solo travel. You'll meet new friends and have new experiences you wouldn’t have with a group of two or more.
It’s not just about what you know, but who you know.
Few rituals are as calming yet as conducive to productivity as an afternoon cappuccino.
Sleep is for the strong. Guard it with all your might.
Spend more time with art. Art inspires and awakens the senses and forces one to inhabit the present in a way no other mode of culture does.
No matter how hard you try to find an excellent Italian restaurant, you’ll always make a better pasta at home.
Leave your comfort zone and embrace the unknown. Some of my favorite adventures this year - including horseback riding, ice skating and the aforementioned solo travel - wouldn't have happened had I stuck with what was comforting to me.
Creating is better than consuming. Do something every day that adds to the world or makes it a better place.
Few combinations are better than a mish-mash of vintage and designer clothing.
Walk everywhere you can; it keeps you more in touch with the world around you. Plus, you have only one pair of legs. If you don’t use them, you’ll lose them.
Running three times a week is a great form of meditation and stress relief.
When it comes to clothes, repairing is often better than replacing. I get my boots resoled and my jeans darned and patched because they're uniquely mine, something familiar given a new life.
Few pleasures rival the underrated joy of taking care of plants and watching them grow. If you keep your plants alive, you're ready for other responsibilities life has to offer.
Don’t underestimate the power of a sharp turtleneck to make a good impression.
Read every day. Nothing is sexier than an autodidact.
Befriend the animals in your neighborhood. The average cat has more soul and empathy than you think.
Never underestimate the importance of alone time. If you find that you like yourself, others - in turn - will like you, too.
Don’t wear sunglasses in your profile pictures. It looks like you have something to hide.
Style and success are not inherited through genetics, but are developed through grit, fortitude and persistence.