Where were you 10, 15, 20 years ago? More than likely, this time of year is filled with happy memories. For me, even if my days weren’t filled with time near the water or on vacation, spending summer in the city out of school, or with my family in North Carolina leaves me with nostalgic and happy feelings. Every adventure you get up to as a kid on summer break feels like the most epic thing. 

Getting nostalgic about summer and my youth came at the same time that Micah submitted a question wanting to know what advice I’d give 18-year-old me. Whew, what wouldn’t I say? This couldn’t be answered by just a quick blurb, so I sat down and wrote a letter to myself that turned into a beautiful reminder to stay present this summer.

With oppressive heat, packed schedules, lots of family dynamics, and a desire to ditch work and responsibilities for free time, this letter was a good reminder to enjoy the days as they come and stay grounded in what is currently happening. When things seem far from perfect, it’s hard not to dream of the future, but every so often, looking back reminds us of how far we’ve come, what we have to appreciate, and that…

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In this week’s episode of Great Things, we’re headed to the East Village for Pakistani chopped cheese.

This Pakistani twist on NYC's classic chopped cheese at Nishaan wouldn't have existed if Zeeshan Bakhrani had not been laid off in 2024 from his project manager role. After 5 months of unemployment, Bakhrani decided to focus on his side hustle of food content creation. What started as a passion went from a 9-week pop-up at the iconic Williamsburg Smorgasburg to winning The Great Food Truck Race to opening his own restaurant in the East Village.

I love this story because it’s a perfect example of what happens when someone doesn’t try to stick to what they’ve been taught they think they should do. Chef Bakhrani bet on himself and followed his passion, and now he has a buzzy NYC restaurant to show for it. How’s that for never giving up on your Great Things?

Follow Nishaan on Instagram or head to their website to order online. Watch the full-length video below on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts

Hey Speedboat, 

It’s me. Well, you, but 24 years in the future, halfway through our 42nd year on this planet. So technically us, I guess?

Awkward introductions aside, I was recently asked what I’d tell you at this period of your life, and I figured the most cathartic thing would be to write you a letter. Not to pick out all the things you could do better, but to reflect on how far you’ve come. As an adult, I’ve realized we don’t often stop to appreciate what we’ve learned and how we’ve grown. We’re always waiting for that next milestone, and then one day, all we want is to be able to relive those milestones and get that time back. You don’t realize you’re in the good old days until they’ve already blown past you.

Don’t worry, you still run. A lot. It’s not on a track, but the support and energy you get while you do it is on par with a meet with crowded stands. You’re also no longer racing your dad’s friends for toy money, but it is your job. 

Yeah, bet you didn’t see that one coming. Turns out being a chef or going into pediatrics were not a good fit, and you picked the career you rolled your eyes at before.

No one calls you Speedboat anymore despite all the running. They also don’t really use your first name. They’ll call you Maurice, Mo, Uncle Momo, or some other things I probably shouldn’t put down in writing (but said out of love). Don’t worry, work is a good and chaotic time, but you don’t need to rush to get here.

Even now at 42, I need to take the same advice I’m about to give you: don’t be so quick to grow up. I know this moment of your life feels pivotal, and you want to have it all figured out in the next few years, but just slow down! Feeling like this period will set the stage for the rest of your life is normal, but it’s not expected. Things are always changing and always evolving, and if you try to silo yourself into one area too soon, you’ll feel stuck and burnt out when you realize you’re in too deep in the wrong direction. 

Some of your friends seem to already know their futures; they have it all mapped out. It feels like everyone has the same path, because that’s what you’re supposed to do. If you want to try to recreate that for yourself, by all means, spend some time laying it out; just know that’s not how things work out for you. 

Keep playing, keep testing, keep trying new things, because the only way you’ll truly find peace and happiness is when you’ve sampled everything. Once you truly know what you like, you can settle on something and narrow down your focus. Life can be a playground if you do it right, which means saying yes to new experiences, roles, creative outlets, and environments to find the “fun” in life.

As I said, I’m still working on trying not to grow up too fast. There’s a lot that stays the same at 42.

In your hardest moments, remember that scarcity teaches resilience and creativity. It’s hard to see it in the moment, but you’ll be stronger for it when you come out the other side. 

I know, I know, it sounds so cliché, but at every point where you’ve asked “why?” and wondered if you’ll survive this, you do. 

Granted, things would probably be a bit easier if you didn’t discover credit cards as a way to try to keep up with those around you, but you’ll learn from that mistake and pay down that debt.

At the same time, overwork at high success teaches you that money without time and relationships is hollow. Don’t confuse status or income with your actual quality of life. The goal isn’t to stay in either extreme; it’s to find the middle where you’re both successful and happy. 

If you keep saying that you’ll be happy when XYZ happens, you’ll spend your whole life chasing that next thing down instead of enjoying what you have and WHO is around you. Success isn’t just having access (money, prestige, stuff); it’s how your day actually feels. Some of the most successful people you’ll meet are the saddest and most depressed because they don’t have anyone to share their successes with, and they are always chasing the next goal. 

Don’t be afraid to celebrate your work. You won’t lose anything by taking a moment to take it all in and enjoy it.

When you can spend the time with the people you care about, that makes everything worth it. The highlights of the last 24 years often came with the people around you who mean the most. Not the ones with status, power, or wealth, but the ones who truly see you for who you are, and who are also willing to call you out on your bullshit. A true loved one is someone who knows that line.

Don’t make moves you can’t sustain. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Don’t take actions you can’t continue. If you have to choose between going somewhere fast or taking the long route, always choose the slower, more methodical route. It’s going to drive you nuts because you’re still impatient, but you’ll build something that lasts instead of watching it crumble down around you.

Except when it comes to driving, then go for speed. Speaking of driving, you’re going to lose your mind when you find out about the car you drive. I won’t spoil it for you, but I will tell you not to give up on your dreams.

Finally, if there is one thing that you remember from me, this guy who you probably perceive as being “old” (don’t roll your eyes at me, young man!), it’s to never forget Nana’s words, “Never give up, Maurice, because great things take time.” They are going to be something you hold onto and mean a lot to you one day. They’ll be more than just words for you and for a lot of people.

All the love, 

A

If you only pause to reflect on your life for one moment today, do it now.

Ever feel like a complete and total expert when you’re regaling the youth about tales of your past? You feel awful special when they’re in awe of all your wisdom (even if in reality, you were just winging it at the time). Take the time to go back and take stock of your life; at the very least, you’ll walk away with a confidence boost, feeling like you really know your stuff.

Your turn! Journal your answer, or if you find yourself sharing the progress of your Great Things on social, tag me at @greatthingswith_adrian so I can join in on cheering you along!

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