Digital Byte 52: 28 lessons for 28 years
April 1st, 2025
Today I turn 28. Yes, I am an April Fools baby, and no, I have never been pranked. In the spirit of self reflection, I took some time to think about some of the lessons I’ve learned along the way as a business owner, leader, human.
1. You are the sum of who you surround yourself with. The right people push you forward, the wrong ones drain you. Choose wisely.
2. The biggest difference between those who are successful and those who aren’t is that they took a first step to start. You figure things out after you begin, not before.
3. Delegate, delegate, delegate. The sooner you let go of control, the faster your business (and sanity) improves.
4. Invest in yourself, invest in your business. The best returns come from personal and professional growth.
5. Communication solves most problems. Whether in business or life, clarity and honesty make everything easier.
6. Not every opportunity is worth taking. Knowing when to say no is just as important as knowing when to say yes.
7. Your energy is just as valuable as your time. Who and what you give it to will determine how far you go.
8. People buy into confidence. If you believe in what you offer, others will too.
9. A sign of a successful company is that it can run without you. If everything falls apart when you step away, you’ve built a job, not a business.
10. Your reputation is everything. People may forget what you did, but they’ll remember how you handled it.
11. Take ownership of your life choices. The only person who can change your situation is you—even if it’s just shifting your perspective.
12. Ending your stress cycle through physical movement is necessary. You can’t outthink stress—your body has to release it.
13. Being busy isn’t the same as being productive. Just because you’re doing a lot doesn’t mean you’re moving forward.
14. No one has it all figured out. Even the most successful people are making it up as they go.
15. There is always something new to learn, no matter how long you’ve been doing something. Growth never stops.
16. Your environment matters, but your problems will follow you. A new job, city, or routine won’t fix what’s unresolved internally. Growth happens when you face things head-on.
17. Most problems are fixable. There’s almost always a way to pivot, adjust, or solve the challenge in front of you.
18. Confidence comes from action. You don’t wait to feel ready—you take action, then confidence follows.
19. Time and flexibility are the greatest success. Having control over how you spend your days is more valuable than any title or paycheck.
20. Rest is productive. Burnout helps no one. Taking breaks makes you better at what you do.
21. Mindset is 80% of success. Skills matter, but your beliefs dictate your results.
22. You need hobbies outside of work. I love reading, writing, and ceramics—they keep me grounded.
23. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey. It isn’t all that serious. Have fun along the way.
24. Your impact is your legacy. Success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you make people feel and the ripple effect you leave behind.
25. People remember how you make them feel, not what you say. Kindness and connection always matter.
26. Travel broadens your perspective. Seeing new places changes the way you understand people, business, and life.
27. Show up as the person you want to be, and little by little, you’ll become that. Growth isn’t about waiting until you feel ready—it’s about acting as if you already are.
28. It’s better to try and make the mistake than to never try and never learn. Failure isn’t the enemy—stagnation is.
Grateful to be where I am on this 28th year. What a crazy, amazing, and rewarding journey life is. I can’t wait to see what this year brings.
I’m curious, what lesson would you put first on your list?
Stay Inspired,
Sydney Addis
Not your typical marketing newsletter.
The Digital Byte delivers personal reflections on business, creativity, real estate, and where it’s all going.
Subscribe below to get fresh perspectives straight to your inbox.
