♟️ The Metagame #024: 28 Years, 28 Lessons

I'm obsessed with learning.

Learning about AI.

Learning about data engineering.

Learning about human behavior.

Learning about games.

Learning about myself.

And recently, I started sharing everything I learned.

Tomorrow, I turn 28—and in honor of my birthday, here are 28 of the best lessons I’ve learned during my time on Earth:

1. Don’t overcomplicate things.

Occam’s Razor: The simplest explanation is often the best one.

2. Have a creative outlet.

Write, play chess, paint, pick up photography, learn an instrument—do something just because you love it. Not everything has to be a hustle.

3. Money is a tool, not the goal.

I love money, but not for the paper it’s printed on. It’s what money can do—freedom, options, opportunities—that makes it worth pursuing.

4. Your network is your net worth.

My first job out of college? A connection through my scholarship program.

My current job? From knowing people already on the team.

Teaching at NYU? Staying in touch with an old colleague.

Build relationships, and doors will open.

5. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

I talk about luck a lot. You don’t stumble into success—you prepare so when opportunity knocks, you’re ready.

6. Stay in the know about technology.

AI, quantum, crypto, cybersecurity—keep up or get left behind in this fast-paced, tech-driven era.

7. You only get one body. Treat it like your life depends on it. (Because it does.)

Exercise at least 3x a week, stretch daily, and drink a gallon of water every day—yes, even if it means peeing more.

Quality in, quality out—food, drinks, books, online content, everything.

Strong body, strong mind.

8. Learning to read body language is a double-edged sword.

You’ll pick up on things most people miss. But you’ll also notice things you wish you didn’t.

9. An organized life is an easier life.

Your calendar, your finances, your writing notes, your evergrowing list of books to read—if it’s important, systematize it.

10. Cautious optimism + healthy skepticism = high awareness

Hope for the best. Prepare for the worst.

11. Remember people's names.

Dale Carnegie was right: It’s one of the simplest ways to make people feel valued.

12. Fake it until you make it.

Spoiler alert: Everyone struggles with imposter syndrome. Everyone. Use it to fuel your growth.

13. To get something you've never had, you have to do something you've never done.

Growth happens when you step outside your comfort zone.

14. Don't take criticism from people you'd never go to for advice.

You don’t need to people please. Especially the ones that don’t matter on your journey.

15. You can either leave people behind, or get left behind.

Growth often means outgrowing. Not everyone will come with you—and that’s okay.

16. Rich ≠ wealthy.

Rich is money in the bank. Wealth is freedom. Know the difference.

17. Reach out first.

Everyone’s waiting for someone else to make the first move. Don’t wait.

18. Hold strong opinions, loosely.

Have convictions. Be your own person. But be willing to pivot when new information comes your way.

19. Never stop playing games.

Games teach strategy, decision-making, negotiation, and other life skills that sharpen your mind and set you apart. In a world where it’s easy to slip into autopilot, games keep you curious, creative, and thinking ahead.

20. We’re just monkeys living on a rock floating in space.

Whatever problem you’re having, it’s not that serious in the grand scheme of the universe.

21. Learn to love to read.

Whether it’s Thinking, Fast and Slow, or A Court of Thorns and Roses, books are gateways to new worlds and new ways of thinking. They entertain, educate, and give you perspectives you’d never stumble upon on your own.

22. Underpromise and over-deliver.

A timeless formula to minimize disappointment and exceed expectations.

23. Perception is reality.

Especially in the age of the internet, your reputation is everything. What people think of you shapes how they treat you.

24. People aren’t thinking about you as much as you think.

Everybody is the main character of their own story. Once you accept that you’re just a side character in everyone else’s story, it’s a weight off your shoulders.

25. If you’re going to do something, do it right.

It’s okay to be a beginner. But don’t dive in without doing even a little research first.

26. We live in the most technologically advanced time in history. Take advantage of it.

Between search engines and AI, you can learn anything you want.

27. Follow the path of least regret.

When you’re stuck between two choices, just ask: “Will I regret doing (or not doing) this?” Trust your gut.

28. Never stop learning.

Curiosity doesn’t just make you smarter—it makes life richer.

Narrowing this list down to 28 wasn’t easy. These lessons have shaped my life in ways I never imagined.

Next year, this list might look different. The things I learn constantly reshape my perspective—and I’m okay with that.

Some people think I’m ridiculous for how much I love learning.

But hey, don’t take criticism from someone you wouldn’t go to for advice, right?

Here’s to 2025 being the best year yet.

Thank you for reading and being part of this journey.

Quote of the week

If you have any questions, hit me up on LinkedIn or on 𝕏 at @sam_starkman, or feel free to reply to this email!

— Sam