31 things I've learned

I'm turning 31 today. I figure in the last three decades I must have learned something useful on top of the multitude of interesting but somewhat impractical academia. So here goes, I am going to get all Baz Luhrmann on my experiences and see what I can come up with.

1. Take responsibility for your actions

2. Always carry cash

3. Don’t take flowers to a first date

4. Worrying achieves nothing

5. It is better to be told to "stop" than "go"

6. Get out of your comfort zone

7. If in doubt, dress up

8. Always jump into the pool

9. “It seemed like a good idea” is all the reason you need

10. Reply to messages

11. Introduce yourself at the first given opportunity – first impressions last

12. Look people in the eye

13. If you do not need the seat on a busy train then stand up

14. Walk roadside

15. Learn to say “I don’t know” when you don’t know

16. Always have an escape plan

17. Find your anchors

18. At the dinner table: hat off and phone away

19. Keep clean

20. The fact someone said something does not make it true – do your own research

21. Someone who disagrees with you is not necessarily stupid

22. Try to be the person you needed when you were younger

23. Always learn their name

24. People are stupid

25. Be polite to both the doorman and the CEO

26. You can’t always be proven right and keep the peace, learn to work out which is required

27. Not knowing is not always wrong but it is rarely funny

28. Don't cancel important plans by text

29. If a busker makes you stop then you owe them money

30. Always pack a spare shirt and underwear

31. Enjoy it

#lifestyle