Okay, technically my birthday is on Tuesday.

But this isn’t a Tuesday newsletter, it’s a Sunday newsletter, so you’re getting some advice a couple days early this year.

Every year on my birthday I send out a list of things I think are important to consider related to life, family, health, money, business, and everything else under the sun.

The advice is not perfect, but it’s served me well.

Enjoy!

44 thoughts on my 44th birthday:

1. It’s a marathon not a sprint.
2. There’s always room for ice cream.
3. Old habits are hard to break, but they ARE breakable.
4. You are only limited in life by your own low expectations.
5. There is always a choice. Always.
6. The earlier you start saving money, the earlier you have enough to feel secure.
7. Everything takes twice as long as you think it should.
8. Old dogs CAN learn new tricks.
9. If you aren’t happy it’s your fault.
10. If you don’t like something don’t blame everything and everyone around you. Change what you’re doing or shut your mouth.
11. It’s okay to make people angry and/or uncomfortable.
12. Being your true self is the best gift you can give yourself.
13. Things won’t always be great. If you know that up front the bad times aren’t so bad.
14. Stoicism is cool.
15. No regrets.
16. 40 IS the new 20 if you eat right and exercise every once in awhile.
17. Tacos cure all.
18. If young people blow out knees doing it, proceed with caution.
19. There is no such thing as right.
20. Everyone’s back of house is a mess.
21. Discount doesn’t always equal value.
22. You have more time than money or money than time on any given project. Act accordingly.
23. Money is abundant.
24. You catch more flies with honey than vinegar.
25. It sounds like a lot of fun to sue someone, but only two people win in that scenario -> the attorneys on the case.
26. The people in charge are just as human as you are.
27. Changing your mind is not a sign of weakness.
28. Don’t purchase a service you don’t understand at least at a basic level.
29. Pay attention to how people respond to your success.
30. Dogs are a man’s best friend.
31. Don’t be cheap when it comes to internet speed and beef tartare.
32. If you mess up, own it and fix it.
33. Read every day.
34. Be curious.
35. Say the things that need to be said.
36. Be yourself at all times.
37. If you blend in you’ll never be seen.
38. Stretch every day.
39. Just because you don’t experience it doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
40. You can get good at anything you devote consistent time and attention to.
41. Live in the now as often as possible. Be present.
42. The only way for people to be open with you is if you’re open with them. Go first.
43. Health is 80% what you eat and 20% how much you exercise.
44. It’s never too late to start something. Until it is. Start today.

Have a great week!

Cheers,

Christopher Small
CMS Law Firm LLC

PS – don’t keep this estate planning stuff to yourself – you know it’s important and we LOVE referrals!