Brits over the age of 45 have shared the top 10 pearls of wisdom they would pass down to their younger selves – and topping the list is simply “believe in yourself… you can do it”.
Other popular pieces of advice they think their past selves should hear include “trust yourself more”, “try to save money each month”, and “don’t compare yourself to others”.
The research of 2,000 adults, who have passed their 45th birthday, found that over a quarter (26%) would encourage the younger them to leave a job that doesn't make them happy. And 24% would say that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Other nuggets of advice include cutting certain people out of their lives, and not letting someone talk you into doing something you don't want to do.
The research was commissioned by Galaxy Chocolate, to mark the confectionary brand's partnership with Young Women’s Trust, to launch a free booklet, entitled “Advice to my younger self” – in which 21 female luminaries reflect on their own lives, with anecdotes and pieces of advice for women.
The research also found older Brits wish they had had more self-confidence, travelled further, and done more financial planning as a young adult. Others wished they had stayed in touch with good friends, got themselves out of a failing relationship, and paid more attention to their education.
And when it comes to gender differences, over half of women (51%) wished they’d been more confident in themselves when they were younger – compared to just 39% of men.
The role of a mentor shone as an important aspect in a women’s life, with 17% stating that having one would have helped them get a better start in their career.
And when thinking back to the beginnings of their working life, 23% felt they stayed in a job too long – with 19% regretting not having the confidence to apply for a role they didn’t think they were qualified for.
It also emerged 67% believe that having a good role model is important, to help them not to make decisions they’ll regret later in life.
Verity Hart, a spokeswoman from the confectionary brand, said: “Our research highlights the challenges women have faced within their careers and relationships, from being confident to expressing opinions and values.
“As part of our partnership with Young Women’s Trust, we’ve committed thousands of coaching hours to help women really unlock their full potential and help women thrive.
“We know that when women are able to achieve their dreams, they can help build up those around them – and this program will help them to kick off their futures with confidence and resilience.”
Claire Reindorp, CEO at Young Women’s Trust, added: “It’s no surprise that confidence crops up as an issue for women throughout this research.
“Right from the start of our working lives we aren’t given equal chances in the workplace, and we’re not paid fairly – young women earn a fifth less than young men each year.
“We need to undo archaic attitudes that lead to widespread sexism, inflexible work, and lack of support for progression. We’re really excited to be working with Galaxy Chocolate, to be able to offer coaching to even more young women, and help them thrive in the workplace.”
TOP 10 PIECES OF ADVICE OVER-45s WOULD GIVE TO THEIR YOUNGER SELVES:
- Believe in yourself... you can do it
- Try and save money each month
- Trust yourself more
- Don't compare yourself to others
- Don't let someone talk you into doing something you don't want to do
- Don't regret – learn the lessons and move forward
- Cut out certain people from your life
- Leave a job that doesn't make you happy
- Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness
- The grass isn't always greener