Advice to my younger self
Don’t you wish what you know today you had been aware of maybe five or ten years earlier? Would things have turned out differently for you? But it’s never too late to change your life for the better. The Week’s Situ Manandhar asked some people to reflect on their lives and give their younger selves the advice they wish they had received sooner. 

Paldup Tenpa Lama, Health club consultant 
Learn to come out of your comfort zone and try new things. Discover new things, be updated and explore the world and its opportunities. Don’t stay confined mentally. Times change and with it there will be new things for you to learn and understand. Make the effort. Don’t stagnate. Don’t only be concerned about earning a living. Learn to enjoy life while at it.  

Anita Joshi, Proprietor at Anita Jewels
Maturity doesn’t come with age but with experience so don’t rush things. Instead, learn to value time and use it to your advantage. Positive thinking, clear ambition and determination are keys to happiness and success. Remember that procrastination is always a bad thing. It weighs you down. You would also do well to learn to control your emotions, even the good ones, too much of it is never a good thing. 

KP Khanal, Lawyer
When choosing what to study, listen to everyone but only do what your heart tells you to. If you aren’t happy with your choice of subject, nothing can make it work for you. Also, it’s never too late to make a switch. You can always, and I mean always, do what you have wanted to do and be who you wanted to be. Don’t be afraid to start late. The only thing that matters is how much you want something. Your happiness is in your hands. 

Madhu Adhikari, assistant administrator, DDC
Don’t be forced into anything, especially marriage. Also, a girl’s responsibility isn’t first the home and then work, it’s what she chooses and what’s important to her at that moment. Don’t let the society tell you otherwise. You aren’t defined by your gender. Keep in mind that education matters, and you shouldn’t compromise on it. Study hard and stay focused. 

Rajiv Prajapati, journalist
Take things easy but put yourself on the line whenever you can. You have to get out of your comfort zone if you want to make a difference. Do things repeatedly if you want to create a new good habit and try to be a little more practical in life. You have everything you need to create a good life, believe in that and work with that mindset. 

Sonika Lamichhane, English news editor
You have been taught to love your family and friends but no one teaches you to love yourself. Because of this you might often prioritize others over yourself and put their happiness over yours. But learn to listen to yourself and what you need. Also, don’t seek validation from anyone. Don’t pin too much hope on others because that’s a sure shot way of becoming disappointed in the long run. You are your priority and don’t let anyone make you feel you aren’t. 

Heaven Khanal, chef 
Don’t get caught off-guard by unexpected happenings in life. Learn to expect the unexpected because life hardly goes the way you plan it. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Think of every new challenge that life throws your way as a staircase that will help you reach the top. Learn the value of perseverance because you can’t have the life you want without working for it. 

Komal Tuladhar, courier officer 
Building your career and being independent should be your priorities in life. Education is important, not just for a certificate to hang on your wall, but for the person it will allow you to become. There is a right time for everything and it’s better to not rush into things without thinking them through. Take your time and think before you act. 

Gautam Shrestha, fitness coach
Be selective about who you trust because not everyone will deserve it. Have the self confidence and courage needed to pursue what you want in life, even if everyone goes against it. Don’t let hurdles discourage you from chasing your dreams. Life can be tough sometimes so always have a plan in place and learn to work accordingly. And it is a good idea to have a back up plan as well.

 
• experience
 
• maturity
 
• procrastination