I was reading a list of great interview questions, and one of the questions asked, “If you could talk to your younger self what would you say?”
For most of us, that question falls into the category of “Where do you want to be in 5 years?” A tough question with deep implications. There’s not a wrong answer, but it challenges us to dig deep and think about ourselves in a different light.
But what if we reverse the question? What would a younger you say to an older you? What would 22- year-old Marty say to a 57-year-old Marty?
I think first the younger Marty would say he is proud of me. Proud of my accomplishment, proud of my family, proud of my work ethic, and proud of who I am today.
I think a younger Marty would go on to scold me for not being as open as I should be and keeping too much inside; for being selfish and not always thinking of others.
I think a younger Marty would applaud me for not letting my failures stand in the way of my dreams. He would be happy that I continue to learn from my mistakes to be a better and more interesting person.
I hope he would remind me of what Robert Hastings says in his poem, The Station:
It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad, but rather regret over yesterday and the fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.
Lastly, I think a younger Marty would say you have so much more to give. Don’t let life beat you down. Don’t let life’s setbacks change who you are.
Continue to follow your passions. Continue to learn, continue to write, continue to read, and continue to enjoy the blessings God has given you.
I would love to go back and talk to my younger self. I just hope I can live up to the dreams he has for me. What would your younger self say to you today?
Until next time…I’m Marty, make every minute count.
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