TSQL Tuesday
The second Tuesday of the month is upon us once again. That means it is time for another group blog party called TSQLTuesday. This party that was started by Adam Machanic has now been going for long enough that changes have happened (such as Steve Jones (b | t) managing it now). For a nice long read, you can find a nice roundup of all TSQLTuesdays over here.
Sands of Time
This month, MOHAMMAD DARAB (b | t) invites us to do the 40 yr. old self reflection. You know that age that is almost as dreadful to reach as the righteous age of 50? From there age only gets better – or at least I have been told that. I have done a couple of articles similar to this in past TSQLTuesdays. Similar yet still different just enough. Check out my article on passion, or this on one influence.
The problem with this particular challenge is the request to write a note to your 20 yr. old self. Well, maybe not an extreme problem other than the time travel part. As luck would have it, I recently discussed the topic with my grandmother. There was a lot of wisdom in what she taught me as we discussed the topic and I must admit, I was in agreement prior to even broaching the topic with her.
Passing Notes
Here is basically what my note to myself would say: “Self, you are doing good. Keep it up!”
That is even if I chose to send myself a note. You see, I would not want to change how things have happened. Life experience is good – both the good and the bad. All of it is necessary to grow and develop. Just like Mater’s dents, each experience is valuable and shouldn’t be changed.
Now, what if I were to create a note of advice for other more junior level professionals that I might be mentoring? That is a different story. My note to them would be simple – “Listen to me.” Maybe not so literally “me” and maybe more precisely as advice to listen to anybody who is giving their time to present, mentor, blog, or write (articles, books, etc). They are imparting of their experience and time and you should respect that and take advantage of it.
Not only should you pay respect to those giving of their time, but you should spend a little time to also give back to the community. Why? Well, I covered that pretty well in this article here. I will say it again, the more you give of yourself to help others learn your trade, the more you will personally learn and grow in your professional and personal self. It is an investment well worth taking.
Wrapping it Up
I don’t believe in trying to alter who I have become with any sort of visit back to my past self. The changes could cause me to change my path and not end up where I have reached due to personal growth and experience. Trial and error is good for growth. Everybody needs to learn that for themselves and cannot be forced into it. Just learn to grow and be patient with anybody you may mentor.