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I've learned a thing or two over my life and those learnings have not always come the easy way; value can come from adversity for sure but, of course, we have the ability to learn from so many sources and I reckon it's best to learn when and where possible as a better present and future is usually the result.

Here's some learnings that have helped me most in no particular order:

Sleep: Learn to fall asleep faster and get sufficient sleep; yes, it's a learned skill. Without proper sleep a person doesn't function at their peak.

Control inputs: Guard your mind carefully because what you put in can weaken focus and drain motivation. Social media drains the brain and dulls it - Find better inputs because that's what will create better outputs.

Two is one and one is none: Be prepared for when things fail because things will certainly fail at times. Preparedness in all things trumps bumbling along and hoping.

Make your bed as soon as you're out of it: It's less about the bed and more about completing the day's first task well. It sets the tone for the rest of the day - good habits are good.

Use the phonetic alphabet: I do this all the time because I hate having to repeat words, spelling my name and so on. It's about being clear-minded and delivering clarity to others and that seeps into other aspects of life. Learn it and use it.

Select your intel: Choose what information sources you draw from because information can be damaging especially when incorrect. The "news" and social media is just propaganda and noise - find better sources and don't be gullible. Find sources that are genuinely worth learning from.

After Action Review: Ask yourself what should have happened, what actually happened, why and what to change next time. This process of AAR can extend to every aspect of life whether a positive or negative outcome occurred. Trust me on this one, it's gold.

Keep time: Early is on time. I work on the premise that being somewhere on time is late so I'm always early which, for me, means on time. Being punctual demonstrates discipline, reliability and attention to detail and it shows respect for other people's time.

Tomorrow tonight: I always set out my clothing, equipment, lunch if required and other such things the night before. It leaves time and mental capacity in the morning (often very early starts for me) and that means I'm more ready for whatever comes - less decision-making around basic things and more focus on the task or day ahead.

Do the roll: I fly around for work a lot and always roll my clothes. More fits in with less wrinkles (so smaller luggage) and only one thing comes out when I tug on it. This one ties in with the tomorrow tonight thing as it's about organisation and preparation. Forward planning can help minimise complications in the moment.

One of these things in isolation isn't going to change your life but by combining a few - and other things - together they make life more effective and enjoyable and it'll progress down the paths you choose more efficiently. Not everyone will do them and that's ok, not everyone will succeed and progress at the rate of others...and many will fail too.