49 years. It’s been one hell of a ride up to now. Working with people throughout various stages of my career – from fitness education to expedition guiding, from wildlife photography to performance coaching – has taught me more than any book ever could. Over the last few years, especially, while focusing on becoming better and adding value to as many people as possible, I’ve noticed some recurring themes.

There are some basic truths I’ve always held onto: Always be kind – there’s no excuse not to be. One is better than zero. And always, always trust your gut. That internal compass doesn’t lie, even when it’s telling you something you don’t want to hear.

Because here’s the thing – you get one shot at this life. One. Not a practice run, not a dress rehearsal. This is the main event, happening right now. When your gut is pointing toward change, maybe it’s time to listen.

These simple principles have guided me through both light and dark moments, and I truly believe they hold value for anyone willing to listen. But beyond these foundations, life has offered deeper lessons.

Here are 49 truths – one for each year on this crazy ride around the sun – that I’d like to share:

1. The voice that says you can’t? It gets quieter every time you prove it wrong.
2. Mental fitness isn’t optional – it’s the foundation everything else builds upon.
3. Self-awareness isn’t comfortable, but neither is staying stuck.
4. Your comfort zone has better marketing than your dreams, but your dreams have better returns.
5. The dark voices never fully disappear – you just get better at navigating with them.
6. Movement beats meditation some days. Action beats analysis.
7. Most limits exist only in our minds – the rest are just temporary obstacles.
8. The path to extraordinary achievement often starts with ordinary courage.
9. Growth doesn’t care about your timeline.
10. Authenticity costs something – usually your comfort with other people’s opinions.
11. The quality of your life directly reflects the quality of your questions.
12. Nobody else needs to understand your journey.
13. Experience teaches more than theory ever could.
14. Peace of mind is expensive – it costs you other people’s expectations.
15. The best decisions often feel uncomfortable at first.
16. Your story matters – tell it without apology.
17. Not every thought deserves attention.
18. The hardest paths often lead to the best views.
19. Success leaves clues – pay attention.
20. Resilience isn’t about never breaking – it’s about how you rebuild.
21. Your truth doesn’t need everyone’s approval.
22. The most important conversations are usually the most uncomfortable.
23. Adventure lives just beyond your comfort zone.
24. Some battles are won in silence.
25. The mind will quit a thousand times before the body needs to.
26. Growth rarely stays in the lane you assign it.
27. Leadership starts with self-awareness.
28. Not everyone needs to be on your journey.
29. Sometimes the bravest thing is starting over.
30. Anxiety is just excitement without breathing room.
31. The quality of your life equals the quality of your relationships.
32. Your next chapter won’t write itself.
33. Perfect timing is just fear wearing a watch.
34. The best motivation is disciplined action.
35. Nature doesn’t care about your excuses.
36. Real growth happens at the edges of comfort.
37. Your future self is watching – make them proud.
38. The darkest times often precede the greatest growth.
39. Not every thought needs to become a story.
40. The most peaceful people made the hardest choices.
41. Excellence is a habit, not an act.
42. Sometimes you need to get lost to find yourself.
43. The greatest adventures often start with a single “yes.”
44. Your energy is your most valuable currency.
45. The best teachers are often your toughest challenges.
46. Being awesome is a choice you make daily.
47. Small steps in the right direction beat big plans with no action.
48. Your next level isn’t hiding in your comfort zone.
49. Don’t forget to be awesome – it’s not just a tagline, it’s a life choice.

If you’ve been part of this journey – whether from the start or joining somewhere along the way – thank you. Your presence, support, and willingness to engage have made each step more meaningful.

Here’s to the next 49.