what would you tell your 13-YEAR OLD self
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO, SCOTT WATTERS
At LifeChanger, we’re fortunate to work with thousands of young people each year, alongside some incredible mentors who help guide and support them. Together, we focus on building the social, emotional, and resilience skills that empower young people to thrive. Our mentors listen, spark meaningful conversations, and share valuable life lessons, which leads us to a simple question:
If you could go back, what advice would you give to your 13 year old self?
Here’s a summary of a few lessons that come to mind…
1. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they are valuable lessons:
Mistakes are teachers, not failures. The only real mistake is doing nothing because you’re afraid to try. You’ll never be 100% sure something will work, but doing nothing guarantees it won’t. Take the chance. Whether you succeed or stumble, you either win or learn, and either way, you move forward.
2. stop worrying about what others think:
Most of the time, people's opinions don't matter nearly as much as we think. Don’t let someone else’s voice drown out your own. What they think and say about you isn’t important. What is most important is how you see yourself and how you choose to show up in the world. This is a key part of developing self-awareness and confidence.
3. Follow your passions:
Notice what lights you up. The activities that make you lose track of time, that challenge you, that leave you feeling alive. Lean into those passions. They’ll guide you toward a path that brings both meaning and joy.
4. build real connections:
Reach out, listen, and connect with people from all walks of life. Classmates, colleagues, mentors, and even friends of friends. Every relationship adds perspective and possibility. Over time, those connections become a powerful network of support and opportunity. This is at the heart of LifeChanger’s work in schools across Australia.
5. LEAD WITH RESPECT AND KINDNESS:
People won’t always remember what you said, but they never forget how you made them feel. Show respect to everyone - no matter their age, role, or background. When kindness is your default, it creates ripple effects that often come back to you in powerful and unexpected ways.
6. EMBRACE CHANGE:
Change is the only constant. Even when it feels uncomfortable, trust that it brings growth and new possibilities. You might not see the purpose at first, but over time, every change shapes you in important ways. Learn to flow with it, and you’ll discover your own strength.
At the end of the day, the advice we’d give our 13 year old selves is often the same wisdom we need to remind ourselves of today. Life is a continual cycle of learning, unlearning, and growing, and we’re never too old to listen to our own advice.
So pause for a moment and reflect: What advice would you give your 13 year old self? Or perhaps more importantly, what advice would your 13 year old self have for you right now?
Scott
CEO | Founder - LifeChanger Foundation
