10 pieces of advice I would give to my 29-year-old self

Today, I turned 39 years old. Looking back, here are 10 pieces of advice I would give to my 29-year-old self.

1) Work where you feel energised
Forget everything you've been told about hustling, managing pressure, sweat, and tears at work. Life is too short to spend eight hours a day in a job you don't love or that doesn't give you positive energy. If you find yourself waking up more than three times a week worried about your job, it's time to leave and follow your instincts.

2) Listen to your thoughts carefully
In heated moments or arguments when you feel pressure to yell or attack, take a second to ask yourself "What's going on with me, Matteo?" Most of the time, it's your state of mind and not the other person's.

3) Serve a niche
At work, try to find a niche and serve it well. The broader your focus, the less likely you are to succeed. If you see the niche responding positively and paying you to live, then you've hit the jackpot.

4) Put your phone away when your kids are around
As a father of two beautiful girls, I work straight from 9-6 pm. When I finish working, my daughters are usually playing in their room opposite my office. I see them there and join them for 30 minutes before dinner. I leave my phone in another room and just play with them.

5) Surprise your partner with a hug
If your partner walks by, hug them and tell them you love them. Such unexpected gestures can be very powerful.

6) Build and cultivate your network
Networking is crucial. Seize every opportunity to meet people, shake hands, and connect. Now more than ever, the human approach counts. Keep in touch with them by using messaging apps like WhatsApp or Slack. Do them favours, and help them without expecting anything in return.

7) Spend time with your parents
As we grow older, the time we spend with our parents shrinks. Spend time with them while you still can.

8) Focus on individuals to grow your team
Most leaders focus on teams and forget about the individuals. Focus on each person on your team. Learn what they like or dislike, and impact their lives while you manage them. Use one-on-one meetings to uncover personal issues and help them through tough times. The results will come.

9) Practice compassion
Always try to put yourself in the other person's shoes. Never assume somebody wakes up intending to be difficult. Assume good intentions.

10) Recognise burnout signals
If you're struggling to focus or feel overwhelmed, you're likely tired or about to burn out. Eat well, exercise at least twice a week, but most importantly, take a walk during your lunch break. No phone or anything, just fresh air.

What advice would you give to your 10-years younger self?