Here are 30 lessons that I’ve learned over my 30 years. Let me know which one stands out to you the most? Leave a comment!

1. There is always something to be thankful for

Even in lockdown I was able to celebrate my 30th birthday, and it was one of the most enjoyable and memorable I’ve had. During difficult times there are many good things to be thankful for even if it’s simply the breath in our lungs.

2. God’s plans are always better than our plans

I’m a planner and I love to plan out my days, weeks and years. Often, God has had other ideas and I’ve learned that His plans are always better than mine. Every. Single. Time.

3. Teamwork makes the dream work

We’re not made for doing life alone. If you want to fulfil your potential, follow God’s calling on your life, and generally want to make a difference, you cannot do it alone. You need others and others need you.

4. It’s ok not to be ok

Life can be tough, if you’re not ok then that’s ok. We do much harm to ourselves when we deny our reality. We must learn to be self-aware. The good news is that you don’t need to stay not ok.

5. It’s the small routines that make the big difference in the long term

In the depths of depression I found that making my bed literally changed my life. Read more about it here.

6. Don’t take yourself too seriously

Seriously. Don’t. Life is made for living and enjoying.

7. For public speaking I remind myself: There are always 3 talks – the one you prepare, the one you give, and the one you wish you gave

Public speaking is one of the hardest skills I’ve tried to learn, I’ve spent many hours trying to get better at it. I’m not a naturally good communicator, growing up I was extremely shy and I am definitely an introvert. One of the ways to reduce the internal pressure is understanding that no matter how much preparation you give the actual talk will go slightly different to how you plan in your head, and afterwards there is no point beating yourself up for something you did or didn’t say that was different from your plan.

8. You are not a mind reader

You do not know what others are thinking. We often make far too many assumptions over someone’s actions, attitudes and motives. Asking good questions is much better than assuming, because you know what they say if you ass u m e too much.

9. Other people are not mind readers

Others do not know what you are thinking. You need to verbalise and communicate with people. If you’re hurt or confused by someone then speak.

10. Time is the most valuable resource you have

I have yet to find a resource as valuable as time. You can get more money, food, or whatever else, but we all have limited time. Don’t waste the time you have, live intentionally, and invest it in others.

11. If you want to know your real priorities look at how you spend your time and money

We might say what our priorities are but until we invest our time and money into it then.

12. Debt is the worst

Do whatever you need to do to get out of debt. It’s a trap that will hold you back in life.

13. You can’t do everything, it’s sometimes okay to say no

At times I’ve put pressure on myself to say yes to everything someone asks me. Don’t be a yes person, otherwise you won’t find time for rest and for what God is truly calling you to say yes to.

14. If it’s the right thing to do then do it even when it’s uncomfortable

If you keep doing this consistently then you will live a significant life.

15. Don’t compromise on what you want

Even if it takes a little longer than you wish, don’t compromise. You won’t regret it.

16. Always choose progress over perfection

No human will be perfect, I know that I’m not. When I’m wanting to improve in something I don’t focus on getting it 100% right, I aim to get better than I was before.

17. The most important question we can ask when we are making decisions: What is God saying?

God knows best. Every time. He’s got a bit more experience and more wisdom than I do.

18. When God speaks He always speaks life – listen to Him

God spoke the world into existence, He wants to speak into our lives today. I know that when God has spoken into my life through His Word or in other ways then it has always been life-giving (even if it’s not always what I wanted to hear).

19. Don’t flirt with temptation, flee from temptation

If you hang around with temptation long enough you will give in. None of us are that strong. Put strong, solid boundaries in place.

20. You don’t always get to choose your circumstances but you do always get to choose your attitude.

Life happens to us, there are many things that are outside our control but nothing and no one apart from you gets to determine your attitude.

21. A lie: You are the only one who feels like you do. You’re the only one who struggles like you do.

If you are struggling with sin, temptation, or whatever it is then you will be tempted to believe that you are the only one who struggles like you do. If you’re going through something then reach out.

22. God’s presence in our lives is greater than our problems! 

More often than not, I need more of God’s presence than I do an immediate fix to my issues.

23. Apathy is not a fruit of the Spirit

There’s no room for apathy in love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control. 

24. Each challenge, each stress and worry in your life is an invitation to place your confidence in God

In hard moments or when you need to make a decision, it could feel like God’s not there when actually He’s extending an invitation to trust Him.

25. Great relationships take maintenance

In my marriage, family, church, and friendships, if I want them to thrive then I need to give them attention, communicate well, and keep investing over the long haul.

26. When we’ve got our relationship with God right then that strength flows into all our other relationships

The vertical relationship I have with God determines how my horizontal relationships with others go.

27. Everyone does what they want. We need God’s help to shape our desires to the right things

We really do what we want. For example there’s been times where I’ve not spent as much time in the Bible as I wanted.

28. People think about you way less than you think they do

People are usually more concerned about themselves and think way less about you than you think they do.

29. Limits are a gift from God

Embracing my limits are one of the keys to experiencing peace in my life.Limits remind us that we can’t do everything, know everything and be everywhere. We are not God.

30. The best is ahead

In the hardest and bleakest of days I cling onto God’s promise that one day things will be better.

“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Look! God’s dwelling-place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death” or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’ He who was seated on the throne said, ‘I am making everything new!’ Then he said, ‘Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.’” Revelation 21:1-5

Thank you so much for reading, which one resonates with you? I’d love to hear from you, please leave a comment or find me on @daneverett90

Much love,

Dan 🙂

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