I turned 27 this week.

Building a startup, raising capital, working with governments, and making hundreds of mistakes along the way taught me more than any motivational thread ever did.

Most people wait until they’re older to share “life lessons.” I won’t wait.

Most of what we call "success advice" is recycled nonsense. Not all of these will resonate. Some may sound blunt. That’s fine. They’re my truths so far.

Here are 27 things I’ve learned at 27:

1. Being busy isn’t the same as being useful.

2. AI won’t replace people who use it well. It’ll replace those who don’t.

3. Comfort is the silent killer. Every “easier” choice costs you growth.

4. Nobody owes you their time. Respect it when you get it.

5. Failure is a label, not a fact. Most “failures” are just unfinished stories.

6. The years no one applauds you are the years that shape you. Don’t quit in the dark.

7. Luck matters more than we admit. You don’t have to like it, but don’t ignore it.

8. Your calendar is your life. Guard it like treasure.

9. Risk is mostly perception. The scariest things I’ve done turned out to be the safest bets.

10. Titles mean little. Execution speaks louder.

11. Money doesn’t buy happiness. It buys freedom. And freedom is rare.

12. Reading is the cheapest way to borrow mistakes from others.

13. You outgrow people. It’s not betrayal. It’s life.

14. A “competent jerk” often leads better than an “incompetent nice guy.” Harsh but true.

15. Don’t trust vibes. Trust data. Especially in startups.

16. Exercise is non-negotiable. It teaches patience and grit better than business books.

17. Gratitude is underrated. It doesn’t make you soft; it makes you sane.

18. Meetings multiply by default. Say no more often.

19. Most advice is projection. Filter it.

20. Writing clears the mind. If it’s not written, it’s not real.

21. Ego ruins more startups than competition.

22. The hardest work is emotional, not technical. Leading people requires more heart than code.

23. Don’t confuse momentum with progress. Noise ≠ signal.

24. Timing beats brilliance. Right place, right time > perfect idea.

25. Resentment is wasted energy. Use it to build.

26. Obsession beats discipline. Discipline makes you consistent. Obsession makes you unstoppable.

27. Seek, don’t wish. You don’t get what you want. You get what you hunt relentlessly.

At 27, I don’t pretend to have it all figured out. But I do know this: growth isn’t about copying others’ playbooks. It’s about finding your own edge, then doubling down.

💡 What’s one truth you’ve learned that most people refuse to accept?