If I Could Give My Younger Self One Piece of Advice
If I Could Give My Younger Self One Piece of Advice
Everyone reflects. Whether you're a CEO or a rising team leader, you eventually look back and realise just how far you’ve come — and how much you’ve learned along the way.
On the Love Your Career podcast, Lawrence Everest often asks guests to share what they would tell their younger selves. What advice would they give to that ambitious, wide-eyed version of themselves — starting out, unsure, and full of questions?
In this blog, we explore what they’d say. The lessons they wish they’d known sooner. The reassurance they needed to hear. And the reminders they’d give to anyone just starting their career.
1. Stop Rushing — It’s Not a Race
Many guests reflected on how impatient they were in their early years — desperate to climb, achieve, and “make it.” But over time, they’ve learned that meaningful careers aren’t sprints. They're built steadily, shaped by the experiences in between.
“I was in a rush to prove myself. But looking back, I wish I’d taken a breath and absorbed more along the way.”
— Maddie Cummings, Leisure Professional
“I used to treat every year like a ladder rung. But the biggest growth came when I slowed down and really learned the role I was in.”
— Steve Scales, ukactive
“I’d tell myself: career speed doesn’t equal success. Take your time, go deeper.”
— Julie Allen, Active Net
2. Trust Your Voice Sooner
Confidence often comes late. Many leaders wish they’d spoken up earlier — shared ideas, challenged respectfully, and owned their perspective. Their advice? Don’t wait to be asked. You have value now.
“I spent years second-guessing myself in meetings. I’d tell younger me: your perspective matters, speak it.”
— Duncan Jefford, Everyone Active
“I used to think leadership was about being the expert. It’s really about owning your voice and being honest.”
— David Hopkins, Proinsight
“I wish I’d stopped shrinking myself in rooms where I was invited to lead.”
— Chloe Kinch, Proinsight
3. Be Kinder to Yourself
High performers can be their own worst critics. Several guests admitted they were too hard on themselves early on — expecting perfection, internalising setbacks, and ignoring the need to rest. Their advice now? Be patient. Be kind. You’re doing better than you think.
“I carried every mistake like a failure. Now I see them as fuel. I’d tell my younger self: lighten up, you’re allowed to learn.”
— Suzanne Gabb,Good Boost
“Your self-talk becomes your mindset. I’d tell younger me to speak to himself the way he speaks to friends.”
— Paul Bowman, Wexer
“Don’t let one bad moment define your week. You’re more than the worst day you’ve had.”
— Sarah Watts, Alliance Leisure
Final Thoughts
If you're early in your career, this is your reminder: the people ahead of you once felt the same way you do. Unsure. Eager. Overwhelmed. Hopeful. And they learned, slowly, what really matters.
Slow down. Trust yourself. Be kind. And know that you're not supposed to have it all figured out. Not yet.
🎧 For more career wisdom, listen to the Love Your Career podcast or visit loverecruitmentgroup.com.
