Not long ago, I was asked a question during an interview that stuck with me long after the microphone stopped recording: “What advice would you give your younger self?”
At first, it felt like one of those generic reflection questions. But the more I sat with it, the more it sparked something deeper. It made me rewind the clock and revisit a younger version of myself – 21 years old, full of ambition, energy, and drive – but also unsure, learning through trial and error, and figuring things out on the fly.
If I could sit down with that younger version of me today, there are a handful of ideas I would share … hard-earned lessons that weren’t just about business … but about life. These are lessons I didn’t just hear or read somewhere but lived through, wrestled with, and eventually learned to embrace.
This is part one of a series I’m calling Worldly Advice to My Younger Self. These aren’t just philosophies – they are life-shaping principles. The kind that shaped my perspective, my approach, and ultimately, my life. And if they help someone else navigate their own journey with a little more clarity and confidence, then it’s a conversation worth having.
Define Success
Success is accomplishing what you set out to achieve. Forget the outside noise. Don’t measure success by someone else’s metrics. If you set a goal – even a small one – and you achieve it, that’s success. Celebrate it. Stack those wins. It builds momentum and confidence. Over time, your goals will grow, and so will your belief in what’s possible. But always remember: it’s your race and your markers.
Use Leverage
Leverage is a powerful tool. Use it wisely and liberally. This was a game-changer for me. In the early days, I thought I had to do everything myself – prove I could carry the weight. But real growth happens when you learn to leverage. Use financing leverage strategically. It’s a huge multiplier. Build systems based on leveraging hierarchy. Most importantly, learn to delegate. Invest in people and help them shine. Their success is ultimately your benefit if you are leveraging them properly. Leverage doesn’t make you weaker – it enables you to scale – personally and professionally.
Be Uncomfortable
Success is about getting comfortable being uncomfortable. Here’s the truth: most people aren’t paying that much attention to you. So stop overthinking every move. Step into the room, ask the question, make the call, take the shot. You’re going to get rejected. You will face setbacks. That’s where the growth lives. If you’re not a little uncomfortable, you’re probably not growing.
Compound Everything
Learn about compounding. Use the principles of compounding in everything you do. This applies to investing – but even more so to self-improvement. Start early. Be consistent. Read the books. Have the conversations. Do the reps. Show up. The results aren’t instant, but over time they multiply. Be just a little better today than you were yesterday. That 1% growth adds up – and then it takes off.
It’s Your Choice
My son introduced me to this idea, and it resonated deeply with me… What you don’t change, you choose. If you’re unhappy with something and you do nothing about it, you’re choosing it. That goes for relationships, jobs, diet, habits – everything. It’s a powerful reminder that we’re always in control. If you want something different, be bold enough to make a change.
These are the first five principles I would hand to my younger self, but truthfully – they are keepsakes I use today. No matter how far we’ve come, progress never stops. Stay tuned for part two. (PS, I would love to hear what you would tell your 21-year-old self!)
Would you rather always be 10 minutes late or always be 20 minutes early? Please let me know if you have a good “Would you rather” question, and we will highlight your submission.
Shmuel Shayowitz (NMLS#19871) is a highly regarded Real Estate & Finance Executive, Writer, Speaker, Coach, and Advisor. He is President and Chief Lending Officer of Approved Funding, a privately held national mortgage banker and direct lender. Shmuel has over twenty years of industry experience, holding numerous licenses and accreditations, including certified mortgage underwriter, licensed real estate agent, residential review appraiser, and accredited investor, to name a few. Shmuel has successfully navigated through many changing markets and business landscapes, making his market insights and experience well-coveted within the real estate industry. He can be reached via email at [email protected].
