I read a lot of business-related articles; however, one of my favorite daily morning reads is Nice News. It shows up before I wake, and I find at least one article to share with someone I care about. The goal of this website and newsletter is for everyone to wake up to good news in hopes of making the world a better place.
Nice News had an article last week that was fun and intriguing. If you could go back in time and speak to your younger self, what would you say?
“Photographer Conor Nickerson has gotten to do just that— or so it seems. In 2017, the artist used Photoshop to insert images of his adult self into his childhood snapshots, and the results are so realistic that it takes a few glances to realize the scenes are fake. Since then, the collection has gone viral several times, something Nickerson attributes to a shared sense of nostalgia for our childhoods. “At a time when we’re so divided about so many things, the responses to the photos have been a good reminder that we’re all just grown-up children and that we all share the same human experience of growing older and trying to figure out how to live in the world,” he told Gizmodo. Check out the photos.”
Nickerson With His Younger Self in His Uncle’s Music Room
What would you say to your younger self? What age would you choose to speak to?
I have given this a lot of thought in preparation for writing this, and I debated between personal challenges or business advice. I settle on business advice since that is more relevant to this communication.
I would go back to 26 years old. I was very successful and owned an orthopedic medical equipment company. I worked a lot of hours, was traditionally in the operating room by 5:30 am, and ended my days well after 6:00 pm. I leased an office space, across from Denver North High School from a very kind and intelligent man, Bob Christensen. He founded Aspen Gold Realty, owned many commercial properties and, being 20 years older than me, was very wise.
I would go back to the times I sat in Bob’s office to talk business, and I would listen to his advice. His patient and kind voice has never left me. He would tell me about buying commercial properties and then leasing them to businesses like mine and having passive income. He loved to inspire and teach, and I would go back and allow Bob to teach me how to invest and make a legacy for my family beginning at an early age.
I did not fully understand his wisdom or intelligence until 20 years later, when I ventured into commercial real estate. I wish I had the opportunity to tell him myself, however, he passed away before my knowledge of how inspiring he was becoming clear. He did not lead life with an ego; he led with kindness.
“Be more like Bob” and enjoy life like Conor.