What's the One Thing You Wished You Knew Earlier?

Earlier this week, I used a LinkedIn update to ask the question in my headline. Hundreds of people responded, and then many more chose their favorites.

In the process of publishing this piece, I am answering my own question. I wish I knew earlier just how powerful it is to listen to - and learn from - other people.

To make that point loud and clear, the rest of this article is comprised entirely of the most popular lessons that other LinkedIn members shared; I've just made a few minor edits for clarity. Many thanks to all who participated; I am grateful that you shared your wisdom and life experiences.

John M. Roberts

Not making a decision is making a decision. (I know it now for sure)

Deanne Deaville

No matter how non-traditional, risky or illogical it may seem, stay focused on what you want and the life you wish to cultivate. Settling culminates in a life of mediocrity.  

Alan Schwartz

I wish that I had learned the power of focused intention earlier in life. Specifically, that I should keep my eyes, heart and mind fixed on attracting, earning and becoming EXACTLY what I wanted and not settling for anything less. This means having crystal-clear goals and standards and the self-esteem to know that I was worthy of everything I desired.

Dotty Bollinger

If you don't control the craziness of your schedule, no one else will. Much of working ourselves to death is self-induced, and the sacrifices to family that we make are indeed, OURS.

Mohammed Danial Ismail

Stop worrying.

Anne DiCarlo

Good enough, rather than perfect, is often good enough.

Mayank Singhal

Connectedness and oneness beneath our apparent differences !!

Dimitre D.

Reality is perception based and that perception is a function of emotional intelligence - "there is no spoon"

Eman Elshekh - HRMD

Life is too short, enjoy every tiny moment in it.

Jane Fultz

Don't take your youth for granted.... It won't hang around forever. Focus, hone in on who you are by instinct, trust your instinct and live your life on purpose.

Dayna Steele

The more you do to make other people successful, the more successful you will become.

Aimee Hern

It's okay if not everyone likes you.

Greg Wilson

Your lifetime is fleeting. Be the Maestro of your orchestra, which is your future. No one other than you can make you great.

Michael Fialho

It doesn't matter how high powered a career is, what matters is if you're happy doing it.

Stephen M. Faught

Who to trust and your ideas are not always wrong... do not let people put you down and let it affect your self-esteem

Ana Cecilia D. Bautista

I am beautiful. :-)

Al Hudson CDS

How to identify and engage real mentors.

Barry Seidel

Saying NO is often the best choice, and rationalizing a yes is almost always a mistake.

Will McAlpine

This, by Peter Wimbrow... When you get what you want in your struggle for self, And the world makes you king for a day, Just go to the mirror and look at yourself, And see what that man has to say...

Bruce Kasanoff helps a wide range of entrepreneurs and executives shape their best ideas for social media. He is the author of How to Self-Promote without Being a Jerk.