What We Know Now—And Wish We Had Learned Sooner

Hindsight Is 20/20: The Life Lessons We Wish Came Sooner

This website originally started with the simple intention of bringing like-minded people together—those who share a certain vision of luxury living, or are already living it. ;) Very funny, and personally, I’m really, really happy with how things are developing! With an unexpected and delightful side effect being able to work closely with Steph, something I might appreciate even more than the original goal. The funny thing, at least to me, is that while I’m scrambling to gather content for my blog, Steph casually comes up with an idea for today’s newsletter… while having a shower.

I’ll get to her inspired thought in a second. But first—do you recognize this situation? I remember when my child once asked me,

"What would you have done differently if you knew what you now know?"

Interesting question, isn’t it?

So, here’s what Steph suggested: since both our birthdays are this month, we should write down 30 things we wish we had known when we were 30 (or 60, but let’s start with 30 because that’s already hard enough!). And no, I don’t want to list the obvious. When I asked Mika what he would tell his younger self, his answer was: "Buy crypto." Well, 30 years ago, I doubt anyone even knew that word, let alone thought to invest in it.

Here’s my list—what I know now that I wish I had known earlier:

1. Move to a place that makes you happy sooner. I’ve lived in Spain for almost a year now, and I should have done it ages ago. The Dutch winters? Brutal. Sunshine in winter? Life-changing.

2. The sun and nature do wonders for your well-being. Light, warmth, and fresh air make a bigger difference than we realize.

3. Follow your heart, not other people’s expectations. Your path is yours, not your parents' or society’s.

4. Study what you love, not what you “should.” I started a study at 40 that I should have done at 18.

5. Work in a field that excites you. Don’t just chase a paycheck or status; passion matters.

6. If a job doesn’t feel right, leave sooner. Life is too short to stay in an environment that makes you miserable.

7. Travel whenever you can. Experiences and perspectives gained from new places shape who you are.

8. Enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Fulfillment comes from the process, not just achieving goals.

9. Making mistakes is part of the process. Despite what society may tell you, mistakes are where the real learning happens.

10. Surround yourself with good people. Spend time with family and friends who uplift you, and let go of those who drain you.

11. Financial independence creates freedom. Investing in assets early makes life much more flexible later.

12. Appreciate what you have. It’s easy to focus on what’s missing, but gratitude changes everything.

13. Ideas are worthless without action. I had the idea for a navigation system before TomTom and Google Maps but never pursued it.

14. Learn languages early. I should have started Spanish 30 years ago—it would be so much easier now.

15. Status is an illusion. What really matters? Sun, good people, and peace of mind.

After consulting my brother and sister-in-law I’ve come to two nice additions, to which I can completely agree to tell my younger self:

16. Plan frequent ‘me time’ (a word I stole from Mildred). Or have dates only with your partner on a, say, monthly basis. Especially when the time arrives with kids on the way, you’re not only parents. Self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary.

17. Invest in friends that give energy and ‘skip’ the friends who drain you out (a bit like number 9, but then a different approach). If you walk away from a social situation feeling drained, have a think about what boundaries were crossed.

C: Well, sorry Steph, but I can’t think of anything else. Other than a saying that may be a bit of a cliche, but here comes my number:

18. Have no regrets. Better regret the things that you’ve done (or you do), than to regret the things that you didn’t do.

S: No worries, I'll just pick up the slack and continue from where you last left off...

19. Say yes more—but also learn when to say no. Balance and maintaining your boundaries is everything. Setting boundaries is an essential skill that will serve you in every area of life.

20. Your health is your greatest asset. Take care of your body; you only get one. Getting older doesn't mean we should slow down. Invest now and reap the rewards later and for longer.

21. Invest in experiences over things. Material things will outlive you, but memories will last longer.

22. No one has it all figured out. We’re all just winging it—some are just better at pretending and sticking with it during the 'boring' stuff.

23. Happiness comes from within. No one else can give it to you, maybe temporarily but the person you'll spend most time with in your life, is you. So it's better to make sure you keep yourself happy.

24. Mindset is everything. The way you think shapes the way you live.

25. Stop waiting for the “right time.” It never comes. Just start.

26. Perfection is an illusion. Aim for progress, not flawlessness.

27. Time is your most valuable currency. Spend it wisely.

28. Trust yourself more. You know more than you think you do.

29. Let go of control. The more you try to force things, the harder they get.

30. Life is short. Make it count.

    
    

What about you? What advice would you give your younger self? Let us know here.

Enjoy your weekend!

Sunny greetings,

Carlo & Steph

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To continue your journey and start making meaningful changes, here’s a life hack and a book recommendation to help you take the first step:

Life Inspiration (Book recommendation): The Midnight Library, here

Life Hack (exercise): number 08, here