At 13 — post–elementary school breakup (we’ve all been there) — I sat down and wrote a personal guide to life. What started as a list of 100 pieces of advice got distilled down to 35 timeless rules. I called them “My 35 Ways.”

Since then, these 35 ideas have been my compass — through the wins, the chaos, the risks, and the wild turns. Friends have used them. I’ve leaned on them. They’ve shaped how I live, think, build, and grow.

And now? I hope they help you too.