The time is now, your life is right now

Reno Tiko

I would also add that people should not dwell and pout about the past, constantly wishing that you had did something different and/or something else had happened instead. It'll just make you depressed and the past still won't be changed. Someone once said, "The past, is the past, and we can only concentrate on the future." That said, we shouldn't totally ignore the past, but quickly learn from ours pasts and the paths that took us on those journeys then move on. Moaning and groaning isn't going to change anything, the future will be bright if you want it to be. You're in control of your life and can make a significant difference in the future of your lifestyle as long as you have the drive and dedication to realize those goals. Money and luck helps a bit, but those aren't the only inputs to the equation of life. So don't give up if you lack one or more of those factors, make up for it with something else and you'll bound to succeed in whatever you want.

Erik Westermann

These are the two means I've used to achieve my dreams... 1. Set a goal and always keep it in sight 2. Understand that some goals involve both solitary work and the help of others. Recognize the help of others and credit the people involved. Details [1] I knew from the time I was eight that I wanted to work with computers. By 12 I decided that I want to go into programming or robotics. By 20 I was 100% a programmer and having a great time! All my activities supported my dream: I got good at math, spend a lot of time reading and adapting to changes in the marketplace and technologies, cultivated relationships with people that have a similar mindset, and a lot of other activities. [2] We sometimes have to bite the bullet and get down to work on our own in the face of an uncertain outcome or in the face of challenging situations. It is at these times that we express our will and re-affirm our commitment to our dreams. Along the way, you'll probably encounter people that either can or are already willing to help you. Ask for or accept their help and recognize them when they do. Also recognize the people that may not be directly involved with your efforts but play a supporting role (for example, your family, acquaintances, peers, and co-workers) - chances are that without them you wouldn't be able to get much done. As the saying goes, we all stand on the shoulders of giants. For example, I love to write and my writing career would not have gotten off the ground if it weren't for the help of a good friend of mine, Tom Archer. Once I got started people like Brian Sawyer (Charles River Media), and Brad Jones (internet.com) and others either exposed me to new opportunities or helped me develop existing ones. Always recognize the people involved and give credit where it's due. Essam - Author, JScript .NET Programming
...and a bunch of articles around the Web

Christian Graus

I can think of two things - after a particularly lousy childhood, it was my dream from a pretty early age to have a close family. Obviously in the first instance there's not much you can do to achieve that, and I note I've never chased the idea in terms of dating a lot of people, I prefered to have a range of friends and let things develop from there. I married both girls I have gone out with. However, having had kids, I have always worked at being close to them, it wouldn't happen otherwise, and I do indeed have a very close relationship with them. Example #2 is that when I hit 30 ( three years ago ), I decided I wanted a programming job. I worked *damn* hard to learn C++, and I got my first paying job within about four months of first laying eyes on the language. Two and a half years later I got a second job, where my knowledge of C++ was sufficient for me to be the first non-graduate they have employed. I still work hard to learn new things and improve my skills. So I agree - nothing will happen if you sit on your tush, if you want something, take it ( to quote Lord Flash from Black-Adder 4 ). Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. "I'm thinking of getting married for companionship and so I have someone to cook and clean." - Martin Marvinski, 6/3/2002

SpiderMan

Dare to do great things :) .

Vivek Rajan

The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much (to a point of obsession with the future) I think it was john lennon who said, "Life is what happens, while you are busy making other plans" :-D

Brit

MS started in a garage! BillyG had no money to start with. Actually, Bill Gates was the grandson of the person who created Seattle's most profitable bank. His dad was a prominant lawyer in Seattle. Billy G had a multi-million dollar trust fund from his grandparents on the day that he was born. He was sent to the most prominent school while growing up and went to Harvard (where he dropped out to form Microsoft). Nevertheless, the point still stands that many sucessful entrepreneurs started out with little or no money, even if Bill Gates wasn't one of them.

ISIS55

Paul Watson wrote: Isaac replied to Konstantin saying that he was just begining his adult life and that he could hardly wait to be able to achieve his dreams. My response was "The time is now" i.e. don't wait, start right now. You missunderstood me Paul, I am already making my dreams come true. I meant I can hardly wait to answer him whether I succeeded or not. I always believed that we create our opportunities, we're the ones who hold the helm. I always try to convince my friends in this. I am a living proof that you can change your life even if it seems that you can't. I quit high school 2 years ago, and decided to study by myself (meaning sitting down alone with books, no tutoring or such). As far as I know this has never happened in my country. Those who quit usually never graduate or they just go to private teachers (which is what I was trying to avoid). Since then 2 people from my old school were inspired by me and done the same. I have worked in programming for a nation-wide company at the age of 16. Simply because I was persistent. I knew nothing about the job when I got it, learned everything while doing it (but don't tell them :-D ) I make my dreams come true every day, simply because I believe in my capabilities. I am always open for new options and I'm always willing to try again when I fail. My favorite quote regarding life is this one, got me going on some of the hardest/most embarrassing events of my life: "You'll see it's all a show, keep 'em lauhging as you go Just remember that the last laugh is on you." Isaac Sasson, Small time programmer - complainer at large. Sonork ID 100.13704

Nish Nishant

lauren wrote: some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet who? ;-) I don't see anyone... Nish

My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org

Nish Nishant

Vivek Rajan wrote: The best lesson I have learnt in 28years - dont plan too much True. Every time I've planned something in advance I've messed up. Specially with respect to approaching women ;-) Nish

My miniputt high is now 29 I do not think I can improve on that My temperament won't hold www.busterboy.org

Andrew Peace

lauren wrote: heh ... some words of wisdom from the oldest 20 year old you'll ever meet Maturity is an attractive quality to have IMHO - at least I hope so... -- Andrew.

Andrew Peace

"The flower that blooms in adversity is the most beautiful flower of all" Not always true but quite often the case. -- Andrew.

Andrew Peace

BTW I'm not suggesting that as men we are like flowers :-O; I enjoy a beautiful woman as much as the next straight guy (not that I'm homophobic, God this is turning into one of those CYA type posts) - the quote just seemed to fit what I was trying to say I guess. -- Andrew.

Paul Watson

Brit wrote: even if Bill Gates wasn't one of them. I stand very much corrected :) Thanks. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront

Paul Watson

Jason Hooper wrote: I happen to use Jedi mind tricks to keep idiots out of my chat room What chat room? Where? Oh wait... I see you have already mastered the trick.. doh! *lets you through with a puzzled look under my helmet* regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront

Paul Watson

Andrew Peace wrote: Maturity is an attractive quality to have IMHO As long as the maturity includes a spark of fun and passion. Often maturity can bring about an almost depressive attitude towards life. A balanced individual is best :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront

Paul Watson

Reno Tiko wrote: So don't give up if you lack one or more of those factors, make up for it with something else and you'll bound to succeed in whatever you want. *clap* *clap* *clap* *cheer**clap* *clap* *clap* *cheer**clap* *clap* *clap* *cheer* Reno for president! :-D Well said Reno. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront

Paul Watson

Christian Graus wrote: when I hit 30 ( three years ago ), I decided I wanted a programming job. I worked *damn* hard to learn C++ That takes a lot of focus and determination, not too mention guts. From what I see of your knowledge of C++ I honestly thought you were an *old* hand at C++, at least 10 years worth of use. Christian Graus wrote: However, having had kids, I have always worked at being close to them, it wouldn't happen otherwise, and I do indeed have a very close relationship with them. That is excellent. So many parents think it is their kids duty to be close to them, like a right or title they get from feeding and clothing them. Families would be a lot better off if they took your lead. My parents too worked hard at being a part of my life, instilling a relationship which made me want to talk to them, be close to them. I hope I can carry that onto my kids one day :) regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront

Paul Watson

Isaac Sasson wrote: You missunderstood me Paul, I am already making my dreams come true. I meant I can hardly wait to answer him whether I succeeded or not. You do not need to defend yourself against me Isaac, or against anyone for that matter. I simply picked up on your comment and used it as an example of a common attitude towards life. I am glad to hear that you have the right attitude though, looking forward to seeing you at the top! :-D regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront

Christian Graus

Paul Watson wrote: That takes a lot of focus and determination, not too mention guts. I was scared as hell when I finally quit my day job :-) Paul Watson wrote: From what I see of your knowledge of C++ I honestly thought you were an *old* hand at C++, at least 10 years worth of use. :-O Thank you very much. I promise you, it's a result of hard work, not natural ability. I'm really enjoying my new job for that reason - plenty of hard work. I have been sweating over XSLT again today - my solution last week did not work, but I learned about XSLT predicates today, I was able to simplify my code to about 1/3 it's originla size, and it works !!! The magic is in the not() function, something like this:

<xsl:apply-templates select="*[not(self::excludethis) and not(self::excludethisformetoo0]/>

Sorry that I led you astray when I told you it worked before, I still don't know why it didn't... Paul Watson wrote: My parents too worked hard at being a part of my life, instilling a relationship which made me want to talk to them, be close to them. I hope I can carry that onto my kids one day I'm pleased you learned from their exmaple, instead of taking it for granted. I learned from lack of exmaple, which is much easier. It's always been obvious to me how I wish my parents would have been, but I can see how someone who had it good might just think that's how things turn out by themselves. Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. "I'm thinking of getting married for companionship and so I have someone to cook and clean." - Martin Marvinski, 6/3/2002

Paul Watson

Andrew Peace wrote: God this is turning into one of those CYA type posts I don't know what CYA stands for but I do know the common phrase for a post like this is "Just stop typing while you are still ahead." :-D regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa "The greatest thing you will ever learn is to love, and be loved in return" - Moulin Rouge Sonork ID: 100.9903 Stormfront