As I’m reflecting on my 35th birthday, I realize there are so many things, people and events to be thankful for. I can’t possibly fit all of them even in a series of books.

As a CEO and co-founder of AlphaGamma, I’ve experienced many ups and downs over the past 8 years. However, every moment of this journey is absolutely worth it.

In this post, however, I want to highlight 35 lessons that were the most pivotal in shaping who I am today.

These are the 35 pieces of advice I would give to the 18-year-old Arthur:

35. Surround yourself with people who inspire you, you can learn from, and who support you no matter what path you choose

There is a great observation that you’re the average of 5 people you spend most time with. And it makes sense: we tend to be influenced by good and bad habits, limited and growth mindsets, uplifting and down. Be smart about the environment you create for yourself.

34. Every stranger is a friend who you haven’t met yet

This is a proverb I heard from my Irish friends and I absolutely love it. I also love another of the Irish sayings that you always meet everyone at least twice. You never know who and when you’re going to encounter again, so make sure to be friendly with people around you.

33. Ignite that spark within you that keeps the flame going even in your darkest days

I noticed that whenever I’m in pursuit of a large goal – the one that moves me outside of my comfort zone – setbacks are inevitable. I don’t know what I don’t know, and this gap might be surprisingly overwhelming. Reminding myself why I do what I do helps me with crossing this figurative abyss.

32. If you have something to say and you feel it will positively contribute to a team effort, don’t suppress it

Speak up. This is one way to show your leadership qualities and to move your qualities

31. Never take shortcuts. Grandiose things take time

If we learn from nature, we’ll see that it takes time for a seed to grow into a tree. In fact, sometimes it takes years and even decades. The same applies to having a fulfilling career, achieving success in business, loving relationship with your partner. It’s better to estimate a timeline you think it will take you to get to a desired destination and then multiply the length by two.

30. Money loves silence – that’s the biggest lie you’ve been taught about money

Sure, there are certain big transactions going on behind the scenes, but they are not the only ones happening.

29. Money flows where attention goes

This makes more sense to me. At the end of the day, the money tends to flow to the real economy, to real assets. Businesses provide value to their clients by solving specific pain points and getting paid for it. If nobody knows about a business, there’s no business. Hence, no reason for the cash to flow. I’ve also noticed that the money you make is proportional to the value you bring.

28. That’s okay not to fit in

As a kid, I tried to fit in. I felt the need to belong to a larger group. However, when I realized that I couldn’t fit in due to different attitudes and interests, I thought something was terribly wrong with me. It took me years to understand that if I don’t fit in, it means there are other groups and places I should explore.

27. Some people will be in your life for a moment, some – for a few days, weeks, even years. But some – for a lifetime

And that’s okay. Make sure to cherish these encounters, learn from them and move one. Goodbyes lead to new hellos.

26. Cherish those people around you who genuinely care about you

One of my mentors, Corey Wayne, the author of “How to be a 3% man” once asked: “How often do you get a best friend coming into your life? How often do you meet a romantic partner who really knocks your socks off?”

I think these are great questions to ask. My answers: you need to be great at communicating with people to increase the odds. And when you do encounter them, make sure to know the feeling is mutual.

25. If you are the smartest person in the room, change the room

I like to learn from people around me. Whenever you meet someone for the first time, there’s always you can learn something from that person.

There are always skills, traits, ideas, new perspectives that you can learn. Be mindful, however, that if you are in an active pursuit of your goals and you meet new people, spend the time with those who you can learn the most from.

24. Show more compassion and less judgement, because…

23. … you can always learn something from anyone

These points are self-explanatory.

22. The most exciting, life-changing and enriching experiences happen outside of your comfort zone

I’ve noticed that rich and successful people who I know are busy with expanding their comfort zone ALL the time. Why? I like Albert Einstein’s take on this, when he was asked about the purpose of a person’s life. ‘Expansion’ was the answer of the genius.

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21. The best way to lead is to lead by example

From years of managing teams of people of different sizes, this seems the most effective approach to make people follow you.

20. Have an amazing relationship with yourself first

The conversations that you have with yourself are crucial. Do you think highly of yourself? Or do you punish yourself for every misstep? Eventually, you project how you feel about yourself to the external world. All other parts of life follow suit.

19. The craziest ideas are being laughed at first before they become widely accepted

AlphaGamma was a crazy idea. Opportunity Feed was a crazy idea. Now, AGC Wealth Management is a crazy idea. Sometimes, you miss, but sometimes, you hit the home run.

18. When things don’t go as planned, pay close attention – this is your opportunity for growth and expansion

This is a sure-sign that you still need to improve your approach. Lick your wounds, learn from the experience, and strike back.

17. If you realize you are now dealing with big problems you haven’t dealt with before, congratulate yourself – you’ve just leveled up

Expanding your comfort zone comes at a price. These new challenges will guide you to the right path as long as you keep on persisting.

16. Opportunities are like busses. The next one comes every 15 minutes

I like this quote of Sir Richard Branson. No need to cry about a missed opportunity when there is another one coming up shortly.

15. Don’t commit to a plan, commit to a vision. The right tools, people, and resources will come your way

Environments change, economies change, people change. What might have been working yesterday, might stop serving you today. Your brilliant ideas of yesterday might be a drag today. When you have the clear vision of what you want to achieve, be flexible on the ways to get to you destination.

14. Struggle with relationships? Read and study ‘How to be a 3% man’ written by Corey Wayne

This book has changed my life forever.

13. Marry your best friend

When I met my wife, we clicked instantly. And the more we got to know each other on the first dates, the more we realized how many things we had in common. To a point that we became best friends. Until today, I’m surprised every day how much we learn from each other.

12. I know you have lots of talents. Pick not what you ‘like’, but what makes you excited about and what you’re willing to do even for free

This has been a challenge for me even when I studied at a gymnasium. I had great grades on all subjects, finished my studies with a distinction, won several international competitions, yet I didn’t have a clear path. Listen to the only teacher who will tell you to consider studying business instead of journalism, this is the right path. You will be thankful to her forever.

11. Learn to love learning languages. Meeting and befriending people from other countries and cultures is invaluable

Now I speak 5 languages, and can’t wait to learn more. Duolingo, self-study materials, and a competent tutor are great sources to master any language.

10. Trust is the main currency in business, not just in the world of finance

If people don’t know you and don’t like you, you will have no business.

9. Take good care of your body, this yields massive dividends in the long run

Not only will you have more energy, you will get to enjoy your life even more. Learn the Wim Hof method, try yoga and meditation from Dr Joe Dispenza and Sadhguru, and follow Jeff Cavaliere for fitness tips and programs.

8. Try doing sales as an entrepreneur, you will love the process

You don’t need to study it, you will learn it on the go. And it’s a vital skill to learn. As Kevin O’Leary, one of the successful entrepreneurs, said: ‘if you don’t have sales, you have a hobby.’

7. Have the courage to say no

Interestingly enough, when you commit to a goal, out of a sudden there are many temptations and distractions on your way. Learn to reject them. Your future self will thank you.

6. Nobody owes you anything, but there is nothing you can’t achieve

If you really want something badly, you’ll eventually get it. And you’ll learn fast that those things that you were after are not really worth pursuing, while you’ll find

5. Know that every storm will pass

If something doesn’t work out, or the day doesn’t go as planned, remind yourself that this is just a day. There’s always a great weather after the

4. Don’t forget about your roots

Learn about your ancestry, your genealogical tree, you will discover many surprising facts about yourself and you will know what to do next.

3. Continue being as curious as you are now and preserve your inner child for life

Have you already met people who are in their 20’s but they are essentially walking dead? No interest in life, always complaining, and being toxic to those who want to improve their lives. To improve your life, improve your surroundings.

2. Learn to celebrate small victories as well. After all, big victories accumulate the small ones

Understand the process and trust it.

1. All what you truly desire will eventually come true

Which of these lessons resonated with you? Leave your thoughts in the comments!

Cheers to the next adventures, opportunities, and victories.

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