You will regret nearly every instance you choose a course of action that people will convince you is the "right" idea, vs. what you feel in your gut is right.

You will regret nearly every instance you choose a course of action that people will convince you is the "right" idea, vs. what you feel in your gut is right. As someone approaching "middle age", I can count on one hand the number of times I regret "choosing myself" vs. what is more socially/logically acceptable. On the other hand, time and again I tried to go with the flow and not ruffle any feathers and it was disastrous. Cultivate a practice of personal empowerment (meditation/mindfulness, essentialism, etc.) and intentionally hone your instincts. Then trust them. Honestly, it's like having a superpower. I wish I'd known this 20 years ago.