As thought leaders, mentors, and corporate leaders, we often talk about paving the way for the next generation. We push, we guide, we lead. But what if the real magic is in learning from them?
Over the last two years, watching my daughter, Taya, step into adulthood has been a masterclass in living with intention, courage, and authenticity – lessons that, at 53, I’m still trying to master myself.
So instead of sharing my thoughts with you today, I’m sharing hers. Because these lessons? They’re game-changers.
Lesson One: Self-Care Isn’t Selfish
For the past year, Taya has prioritised her health, fitness, and wellbeing; without guilt, without hesitation. She moves her body, fuels it properly, and respects its limits. Meanwhile, I grew up with the ‘work hard, get results’ mentality, where self-care often came last. Watching her, I realise that choosing yourself isn’t indulgence – it’s intelligence. She’s even brought me along for the journey, challenging me to be her first Hyrox partner last year. Not only did this change the way I looked at training for these big events, but also how I fuel for performance. Take it from me, this is a lesson we need to learn sooner rather than later.
Lesson Two: Learn to Rest, Not Just Work
Taya is busy. She’s a uni student, a surf lifeboat rower, a volunteer, and she works on top of it all. Yet, she makes time to rest. 30 minutes by the pool with a book, guilt-free. No excuses. No “I should be doing something productive.” When I was younger, we were always taught that rest was something you earn, not something you deserve. But I’m learning – albeit slowly.
Lesson Three: Love Without Conditions
Her friendships, her boyfriend, her brothers – she loves them without expectation, without conditions, without keeping score. This year, I’m making it my mission to love the way she does: freely, fiercely, and without reservations. Finding new ways to give has been a focus for me in 2025.
Lesson Four: Say ‘No’ First
Taya has no problem saying no – to plans, to opportunities that don’t align, to things that don’t serve her. At 19, she understands boundaries better than most adults I know. Meanwhile, I’ve spent decades saying yes first to avoid conflict, to please others, to keep the peace, and also for fear of missing out. This year? I’m adopting a No First policy. If it’s not a hell yes, it’s a no.
Lesson Five: Find Your People
At 19, Taya has already experienced the pain of outgrowing friendships. She’s been let down, she’s been disappointed, but she’s also figured out something that takes most of us a lifetime to learn: the right people don’t make you question your worth – they make you better. She’s found her people, and watching her navigate that has reinforced something I’ve always believed: your inner circle is everything.
Lesson Six: Be Independently You
Taya has been with her boyfriend for four years, and they both prioritise their independence. They respect each other’s space, encourage each other’s goals, and never lose themselves in the process. It’s a reminder that all relationships in your life should complement you, not consume you. You are more than the label that attaches you to someone else.
Lesson Seven: Ask for What You Want
Pay rises. Shift changes. Opportunities. She asks. Directly. Unapologetically. And more often than not, she gets what she asks for. How many of us hesitate? Wait for permission? Hope someone notices our worth instead of stating it? She doesn’t wait, and whilst she’s always scared doing it, she does it anyway. And that’s something we could all learn from.
Lesson Eight: Go for What You Want
Whether it was early entry into uni, making the surf boat team, or transforming her health, she doesn’t wait for doors to open – she pushes them open herself. No overthinking. No waiting for the “right time.” Just action. And if that’s not a lesson in living into our brilliance, I don’t know what is.
Watching Taya grow has been such an honour, as she’s constantly showing me the lessons I continue to learn, the mindsets I need to unlearn, and the ways I need to step up in my own life. Because if the next generation is this brave, this self-assured, and this damn powerful… then it’s on us to meet them at that level.
Now, I want to hear from you.
What have you learned from the next generation? Hit reply and share their wisdom with me. I’d love to hear it.
Janine X