🪞 Mirror Mirror: A TED Talk for My Younger Self

Hey there, buddies,

I hope you're doing great! Remember the times when I used to fill your inbox every week with the latest tech news, breakthroughs, and all those shiny new things that I find interesting? Well, I took a small breather - but rest assured, it's not because I had enough of our weekly rendezvous! It’s just that each time I was ready to hit the send button, the content felt somewhat outdated, almost like yesterday's newspaper — excellent for packing fish, but not quite the cutting-edge info you deserve. Keeping pace with the speed of tech on a weekly basis proved to be a challenge, hence, I've decided to reboot this newsletter.

Instead of competing in the relentless tech sprint, we're going to slow it down a bit and transform this space into our very own Tech Zen Garden. We'll still chat about shiny new things, but mainly those I'm personally tinkering with, experimenting on, or ones that I simply find intriguing. I’ll also try to share things I’ve learned along the way so we can grow together.

If you're feeling a tad apprehensive about missing out on your regular tech news fix, fret not! I've launched a Twitter account at @shinynewthing5. Here, I'll be dishing out tech updates with lightning speed, ensuring you stay ahead of the game. So go ahead, hit that follow button.

Embracing this spirit of change and learnings, I’ve been reflecting on what advice I would give my younger self if I had the opportunity. Consider it a TED Talk directed at my past self, if you will.

#ThingsIWishedIKnew #LifeLessons

1. 🏋️‍♀️ First things first, health is wealth.

Think of your body as a high-end computer. Every time you opt for something healthier over fried chicken or exercise, you're upgrading your system's performance.

Listing this first as it’s something I still don’t do enough…

2. 💼 Spoiler Alert: You're more than your job title.

Work is important but don't forget to have a life outside the office. Develop hobbies, make memories, and remember to log off!

Your Netflix queue misses you.

3. 💰 Investing isn't just a hobby, it's a lifestyle.

Start saving and investing early and let compound interest be your new best friend.

Your older self will be popping the champagne for those smart financial decisions.

4. 💑 Relationships: It's not a monologue, it's a dialogue!

Whether it's your partner, your family, or your friends, relationships require effort. Invest time in them.

It's like a garden, the more you nurture, the more it blooms.

5. 📚 Stay curious. Stay foolish.

Learning is like a treasure hunt, and curiosity is your compass. Your brain is a muscle, let's keep it flexed!

Remember, ChatGPT may have answers, but only you have the questions.

6. ✈️ Get out of your comfort zone and onto a plane.

See the world, immerse in different cultures, and collect memories, not just fridge magnets.

You grow a little every time you get lost in a new city.

7. 🏃🏻‍♂️ Life's a journey, not a race.

Embrace every moment, cherish every mistake. It's okay to not have everything figured out. Trust me, no one does.

Just enjoy the ride and remember to wear your seatbelt!

🎉 And there it is! If you could send a message to your younger self, what would it be? Share your wisdom nuggets!

Also, let me know if this new format works.

❤️ If this thread made you smile or if you found it valuable, hit that like button and retweet to share the wisdom with your friends. Trust me, your older self will thank you for it!

Yours tech-nically,
Kelvin Zhao