Don’t Let the Person You Are at 50 Judge the Person You Were at 30
Learn To Embrace Growth, Not Regret
At 30, you were still learning about who you were and what you wanted. That version of you wasn’t flawed — it was simply incomplete.
As we grow older, it's tempting to look back and judge our younger selves through the lens of hindsight. The decisions we made, the paths we chose, and the mistakes we stumbled into can seem glaring in retrospect. But there’s a wisdom in remembering that the person we were at 30, or any earlier age, was doing the best they could with the knowledge and experience they had at the time.
The 50-year-old version of you has the benefit of years of learning, growth, and perspective. You’ve likely navigated a range of challenges, refined your thinking, and become wiser. However, it’s important not to hold your younger self to those same standards.
At 30, you were still learning about who you were and what you wanted. That version of you wasn't flawed—it was simply incomplete. Every misstep, every questionable decision contributed to the person you’ve become.
The wisdom you have at 50 was built on the lessons of your younger years. Without those experiences, you wouldn’t have the insight you now possess.
Instead of judgment, approach your younger self with empathy. Recognize that growth is a journey, and each phase of your life has its purpose. The person you were at 30 set the stage for who you are now, imperfections and all.
So, let the person you are at 50 be grateful for the person you were at 30—for their mistakes and a pursuit of becoming better.
