If I could go back in time, I know exactly what I’d tell my younger self.
When I was transitioning from the NFL, I felt lost.
My career was over, and I didn’t have a clear path forward.
I had spent years being part of a team, playing at the highest level—then, suddenly, it was gone.
I thought success would translate into my next chapter, but it didn’t.
I struggled, I failed, and I doubted myself.
But those years also taught me the most valuable lesson:
if the path you need doesn’t exist, you have to build it yourself.
No one was coming to rescue me.
If I wanted clarity, purpose, and momentum, I had to create it. And over time, I did.
Looking back, I didn’t just become successful again—
I became the person my younger self desperately needed during those uncertain years.
Now, it’s your turn.
If you’re feeling stuck, uncertain, or in the middle of a transition,
here’s how to step into the person your past self needed most.
10 Steps to Becoming the Person You Needed 10 Years Ago
1️⃣ Reflect on Who You Were Then
What did you struggle with? What advice would have changed everything for you? Start there.
2️⃣ Identify What You Needed Most
Confidence? Mentorship? Discipline? Write it down—this is your roadmap.
3️⃣ Develop the Skills You Wished You Had
If your younger self needed resilience, leadership, or better decision-making, build those skills now.
4️⃣ Lead with Empathy
Be the person you once looked for—someone who supports, encourages, and lifts others up.
5️⃣ Create the Structure You Wish You Had
Lack of clarity can keep you stuck. Set systems, habits, and routines to create your own roadmap.
6️⃣ Teach What You’ve Learned
Turn your experience into lessons for others. The best way to reinforce your own growth is to share it.
7️⃣ Take More Risks
Your younger self might have hesitated out of fear. Take the leaps they were too afraid to.
8️⃣ Surround Yourself with the Right People
Find mentors and a community that push you forward—just like your younger self needed.
9️⃣ Celebrate Progress, Not Just Outcomes
Every small step forward is proof that you’re becoming the person you once needed.
🔟 Keep Climbing
Growth isn’t a one-time event—it’s a lifelong commitment. Stay in motion.
Action Step:Write a letter to your younger self.
What advice would you give them?
Then, take one actionable step this week to start becoming that person today.
The Next Step Toolkit
Movie Recommendation: The Pursuit of Happyness
A powerful reminder that growth is about perseverance, resilience,
and choosing to keep going—no matter what.
You don’t need to be perfect to help someone else.
You just need to be a few steps ahead of where you once were.
Start today.
Best,
Mark
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