27 Lessons from 27 Years: Notes to My Younger Self (and Anyone Trying to Get It Right)

I turn 27 today—

Last year, I started a tradition worth continuing: one micro-lesson for every year around the sun.

It’ll get harder as the numbers go up—but that’s kinda the point. Growth should stretch you.

So here are 27 lessons at 27—truths I’m learning, re-learning, and doing my best to live by. Maybe they’ll speak to you too.

01 — Control looks different than surrender.

This year threw some punches—hard ones. A close health scare with one of my sons, curveballs I didn’t see coming, and moments that brought me to my knees—literally. What I used to call “leading” was often just white-knuckle gripping. But true leadership? It looks like open hands, humility, and trust in a God who never panics.

02 — Do hard things.

Comfort is overrated. This year shifted my prayers—from asking God to make things easier to asking Him to make me stronger. The best stuff doesn’t come from the easy road. Strength, grit, wisdom… they’re all formed in the fire. And the fire’s where character is forged.

03 — Just start.

Your brain will come up with 10 reasons not to before you even feel the resistance. It’s wild how many things turn out better than expected once you just take the first step. Don’t overthink it. Get moving. Confidence lives on the other side of momentum.

04 — Check in on people.

You don’t need the perfect words. You don’t need a long text. Just a “thinking of you” can shift the weight someone’s carrying. I’ve learned that presence often matters more than solutions—and sometimes, a small gesture speaks the loudest.

05 — Consistency > Intensity.

Discipline isn’t about a few big moments—it’s about what you repeat. I’ve found that slow and steady actually does win the race. The version of me that shows up daily—especially when it’s boring, inconvenient, or hard—is the one I’m most proud of.

06 — You will disappoint people. That’s okay.

If you’re trying to make everyone happy, you’ll end up losing yourself. I’ve learned this year that disappointing others is often the cost of being true to who God’s called you to be. People-pleasing is exhausting. Integrity is peaceful.

07 — Don’t offer empty words.

Say what you mean. Mean what you say.

Whether it’s to your spouse, your kids, your friends, or yourself—your words carry weight. Don’t toss them around casually. Be the kind of person who follows through, even when it’s inconvenient.

08 — Leave your phone in the garage.

I’m not perfect at this, and I don’t always get it right. But if you’re a dad, studies show you get just 62 minutes of real, quality time with your kids each day. That’s it.

And your phone? It’s not worth a single one of those minutes. I don’t care who’s on the other end—your presence is the most valuable thing in the room.

09 — Find a hobby.

Something that’s yours. Something that energizes you. For me, it’s golf right now—I’m all in. It gives me something to look forward to outside the day-to-day. But it doesn’t take me away from my family. I joined a simulator league so I can get a full round in after bedtime. It’s life-giving, not life-stealing.

10 — Water and protein before anything else.

I used to wake up and hit the coffee + phone combo like it was a reflex. But that’s just a dopamine spike in disguise. Now, it’s water first, then protein. It’s simple, it’s sustainable, and it sets the tone for the rest of the day. Start your mornings with fuel, not noise.

11 — Focus is a force multiplier.

This year, I trimmed the fat. Fewer projects. Fewer distractions. Less noise. And what I found? Simplicity didn’t shrink my impact—it amplified it. When you go all-in on a few things that matter, you start to see traction in ways you never could while juggling everything.

12 — Burn no bridges.

You don’t have to be best friends with everyone, but you also don’t have to slam the door on your way out. I’ve made peace with people I thought I’d never reconnect with—and those redemptive moments were some of the most life-giving this year. You never know when God wants to use reconciliation as a gift for both sides.

13 — Guard your mood.

I’m learning that my emotions don’t just

show up—they’re shaped. A sad song, a slow morning, too much scrolling—suddenly I’m in a funk I can’t explain. I’m not saying a playlist cures deep struggles, but I am saying I’ve had to be more aware of what I let in. Atmosphere matters. Mindset matters. And sometimes, managing your mood starts with managing your inputs.

14 — Marriage is the best.

Simple, but true. It’s not perfect, it’s not effortless, but man, it’s worth it. Marrying Aspyn has been the greatest gift of my life this side of heaven. She’s my teammate, my safe place, my best friend. Out of everyone on the planet, I get to build a life with her—and that’s something I’ll never stop being thankful for.

15 — Replace doomscrolling with something that actually feeds you.

Swap the endless scroll for a good book, a solid podcast, or even just five minutes of quiet. It’s wild how much better your brain feels when you stop consuming things that drain you and start choosing things that shape you. Information is everywhere—but wisdom is curated. Be intentional about what you let in.

16 — You’re probably dehydrated. Fix that.

No, seriously. The majority of us are walking around tired, and wondering why we can’t focus. It’s not just about chugging water, either. Add some electrolytes. (I’m an LMNT guy myself.) This one shift has made me feel sharper, more energized, and less foggy. Don’t underestimate what hydration can do for your mood, your mind, and your momentum.

17 — Your kids don’t need more stuff. They need more you.

It’s wild how little it takes to blow their minds. A walk to find a turtle. Jumping in puddles. Playing baseball in the backyard with zero rules. You are the toy. The moment you realize that, you’ll stop chasing “the next thing” and start showing up for what’s already right in front of you.

18 — It's right to be wrong.

Or maybe better said—it’s right to admit when you’re wrong.

Growth means changing your mind when you learn something new. Some of this year’s lessons probably contradict last year’s… and I’m okay with that. Maturity isn’t about always being right—it’s about always being willing to grow.

19 — Transparency builds trust.

Not everyone deserves full access to your life—but a trusted few absolutely should have it. For us, it’s a handful of close couples we can talk to about faith, marriage, parenting, and money without pretending. Being fully known and still fully loved is rare—and it’s worth pursuing.

20 — Make people feel important.

It’s easy to want to be the most interesting person in the room. But the real magic happens when you flip that script. Ask questions. Listen well. Make others feel like they’re the most interesting person in the world. That’s how connection is built—and influence, too.

21 — Social media is mostly a mirage.

We all know it, but sometimes we need the reminder: comparison is a thief, and curated content isn’t reality. Don’t just consume—contribute. Share stories that matter, or better yet, go live a story worth telling. The highlight reel will never beat the real thing.

22 — Confidence is only impressive when it’s clothed in humility.

Anyone can talk a big game. But the ones you respect most? They walk with quiet confidence—and lead with even quieter strength. Be bold, but be grounded. Humility is the anchor that keeps confidence from becoming arrogance.

23 — Study God’s character

This past year, I’ve found deep peace not just in what God asks of me—but in who He is. From His power and sovereignty to His gentleness and nearness, learning His attributes has transformed the way I lead, love, and live. The more you know His nature, the more you trust His ways.

24 — Still not watching the news.

27 years in, zero regrets. If it’s truly important, it’ll make its way to you. Most of what gets passed around as “urgent” fizzles out faster than a sparkler on the Fourth. Save your peace. Stay rooted. The headlines rarely deserve your headspace.

25 – Keep the circle tight.

Not everyone needs front-row seats to your life. This year reminded me how valuable it is to have a few trusted friends who know the real you—fears, flaws, faith and all. It's not about being exclusive to be cool. It’s about being wise with your vulnerability. The tighter the circle, the stronger the bond.

26 – Take the swing.

If you're in your 20s, swing for the fences. Start the thing. Pitch the idea. Take the risk. Most people sit on the bench, playing it safe—don’t be most people. Not everything will work, but you’ll never regret the reps. The bold life is the better life.

27 – Build what you wish existed.

This past year, I finished writing a short book and committed to 26 podcast episodes for something I’m calling FatherGood. I started it selfishly—just wanting the chance to sit down with dads who are crushing it, ask the tough questions, and learn from both their wins and their missteps. This isn’t me handing out advice. It’s me asking the questions we’re all wondering. It’s not about building a brand. It’s about building something meaningful—for my kids, for myself, and for any other dad who just wants to get it right.

Thanks for reading.

Grateful for each of you. Always in your corner. Thanks for being in mine.

Always in your corner,

-LM