A letter from my 30-year-old self
行尽天涯静默山水间
Dear Sichen,
I’m glad you’re here.
If you’re reading this, chances are you’re going through something. Or maybe you’re bored. Or maybe you just need a reminder of who you are and what you stand for. Either way—I got you. That’s why I took the time to write this letter on my flight back from Canada.
I love you. You’re an amazing human being, and you mean so much to me. I hope the words below give you confidence, courage, or even just a little smile.
1. Blend love with pride and humility
Love and be loved—in that order.
Be proud of yourself, your career, and the people you had privilege to serve.
Be proud of your Chinese roots.
Know your limits before pushing them.
Listen more. Talk less.
Seek to understand before seeking to be understood.
2. Check in on your loved ones, including yourself
Life is short and fragile, health is the foundation.
Put your phone down, get out there, embrace your life offline.
Make extra time for those who remember your dreams and witness your journey—not just your achievements.
Be patient when building relationships. Be decisive when cutting off toxic ones.
Let people and things go. You don’t need to speak behind anyone’s back.
3. Never lose childlike wonder and emotional resilience
Be curious. Be open. Look for hidden gems.
Cultivate good taste.
Accept reality, and keep investing in your future.
Take control, in its wider sense - just watch them.
4. Add value to others with peace of mind
Understand what value to add—and what not to work on. Focus.
Authenticity, ethics, integrity, responsibility—these are expensive, but they’re worth it.
We’re all doing sales work in some form. Know your customer. Know your audience.
Very few people follow up—so do it.
Do the right thing, at the right time, for the right people.
Say no when something doesn’t feel right.
Remember: a promotion does not guarantee happiness.
5. Aim for excellence for yourself, but forgive those who disappointed you
Choose meaningful and difficult problems to solve.
Start with the part that makes you the most uncomfortable.
Challenge your thoughts with counter-arguments.
Think different. Always ask: what are the misconceptions here?
Ask for feedback. Keep improving. Ask people to challenge you.
Don’t expect others to change—or hold them to your standards. Encourage, engage, enable.
6. Life is both a marathon and a sprint
Get up early. Many good things will come your way.
Understand the value of strategic planning. Know when to be proactive or reactive.
Manage your time and energy wisely.
Then—focus on the present. Be patient. Trust the process. Have fun.
Tired? Take a break. You’ll feel much better.
All of this creates space—for confidence, for clarity, for that final-mile sprint (it's fun).
Sometimes, you need to sprint to catch an opportunity.
0. Action precedes motivation
Life is good. Be happy now. Let it go.
Your best friend,
罗司辰
May 7, 2025
Last updated