A Letter to Future Shane

Dear Future Shane,

10 years from now, huh? I presume by now you’ve figured it all out. Probably gotten that top engineering job at that company that makes that product that helps businesses make more money when working with other businesses. Oh yeah. You probably even have equity and a sweet 401k. And obviously, you’re a charitable person giving $100 a year to Red Cross and even helping out at the local soup kitchen once a year (and by help out, I obviously mean put some groceries in their bin at market, because who actually has the time to drive all the way there – seriously). You probably even tip 20% every time you eat out.

I do realize however that you may have perhaps gone weird in the head and “tried to be happy” or something like that. Well, even if you have, it is really not too late to change. If you start now, you could land that previously mentioned engineering job by the time you’re like 42. That leaves you 20 years to prep your retirement fund. If we have gotten to this bad situation, I assume there are some changes that need to be made so I decided to write you a whole list of ways you should be a better person.

Ways you could be better person:

Work on that body. By this point, I’d expect you to be at least 6’2” with a six pack. Both of these are 100% necessary to be a successful human.
Have a bunch of really awesome stories. There is nothing people love more than telling a cool story and then having someone else tell an even cooler story. So you can be that guy! Always have a story ready and you’re guaranteed to be a hit at parties.

Learn how to dress. You’re probably wearing khaki shorts and blue tshirts everyday. I’m disgusted. Throw out the khakis and burn the blue tshirts and we can set our eyes on new horizons. Maybe try a purple tshirt or maybe even a teal one. Match that with red shorts or, maybe, some lighter tan shorts and we’re in business.

Always have a plan for everything. Perhaps, you like “winging it” occasionally or just doing what feels right. Quit that. As they say, the best days are well-organized and efficiently executed.

Don’t view yourself as static. Of course that are things you could be better at. Obviously you have some flaws. Don’t despair, but also don’t admit defeat. Just because you’re accepting that you’re not the best public speaker doesn’t mean you shouldn’t find ways to improve yourself.
Don’t take people for granted. There are probably still so many incredible people in your life. You’ve probably gotten used to that by now. Having friends who can solve any problems, friends who, at the drop of a hat, would rush to help you or friends who tell you your jokes are bad so you can strive for better material – don’t ever get used to that. Look around you and make sure you truly, genuinely appreciate the people in your life. Oh, and tell them that. Yup. It’ll be awkward, but go tell them that you appreciate them.

Well, all that should keep you busy for the next little while, but I’ll check in soon.

Sincerely,
Shane

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