A 43-year-old Atlanta-based man shares his life lessons in a list of 43 items.

An Atlanta-based CEO, author, husband, and father is sharing the 43 things he believes he's learned in life as he celebrates his 43rd birthday.

John Coleman, CEO of an investment firm, stated that while forty-three isn't a particularly significant birthday, he took the opportunity to reflect on the year so far and consider the forty-three things he had learned.

He is the writer of multiple books, including "The HBR Guide to Formulating Your Purpose" and "Miracles."

Originally, he distributed his 43 lessons through his newsletter, "On Purpose," and now shares them with Planet Chronicle Digital by special arrangement.

His life insights encompass a wide range of topics, including career, relationships, parenting, family and friends, wellness, and many others.

While general principles are crucial for life, they are not universally applicable in every time and place. Instead of getting bogged down in debating exceptions, simply use your judgment when they arise.

Burn bridges rarely. Life is long, and the world is smaller than you think. Speak up fearlessly, but always treat others with kindness and respect. It's the right thing to do, and you will likely encounter almost everyone you know again someday.

Sometimes, the only way to take a big risk is to burn the ships behind you and leave no option but forward progress. This is how some of the greatest accomplishments in history were made by those who couldn't retreat.

"Take the choice out of love — make it unconditional — and you liberate it."

Unconditional love is more straightforward than conditional love. It's simpler to perform something consistently than almost consistently. Remove the conditions from love and make it absolute, and you free it.

5. It's okay to be a hypocrite. In fact, we all are to some extent. However, being a hypocrite doesn't make someone wrong. People can still be right even if they don't always practice what they preach. Don't let hypocrisy dismiss good ideas.

We can create our own meaning in life by finding our purpose.

The purpose is not a single thing that provides direction to all life; rather, it is a complex tapestry of love, passions, beauty, career aspirations, faith, and service to others that can encompass every aspect of life.

As our lives change, evolve, and grow, so do our deepest sources of meaning.

By exerting ourselves and being punctual, we can only control our effort. It is essential to be dependable and persistent. When we put in the effort, other aspects of our lives tend to fall into place.

Experiences, not material possessions, are the key to a fulfilling life.

Investing in kids, either through biological or adoptive means, or by being an aunt, uncle, big brother, big sister, mentor, or volunteer, will open your heart, alter your perspective on life, and teach you about vulnerability and sacrifice.

"Don’t accept bad behavior in yourself or others. But learn to forgive. Live justly, but love mercy."

It won't matter until it does, and it's easier to develop good habits about exercise and eating early in life than late.

13. Embrace forgiveness and compassion. Life will bring you difficult choices and painful experiences. You will hurt others and be hurt in return. Don't stay in toxic situations. Don't tolerate bad behavior in yourself or others. But learn to show mercy and live with integrity.

14. Let people change. People can change. Don't let a bad circumstance or a bad decision define someone's life. We are all imperfect, and most of us deserve a second (or third, or fourth) chance.

15. Every person we meet has something valuable to teach us. Whether it's the janitor in our office, our fourth-grade teacher, or the cashier at the grocery store, each person has unique knowledge and skills that we can learn from. To truly grow and develop, we must approach others with an open mind and a willingness to learn.

16. As a smart person, you have an obligation to dissent and think for yourself. Speak up when you see something that doesn't seem right. Constructive debate improves the world and your work.

By adopting a mindset of service and humbly regarding others as superior, you can make a significant positive impact on the world.

18. Although money may provide a sense of security, it is ultimately a false idol that corrupts and deceives. If you prioritize money above all else, it will ultimately disappoint you.

"If money is the primary object of your life or work, it will ultimately let you down."

We are all constantly incorrect about something, and currently, we both hold false beliefs. Let's approach the situation with inquisitiveness and kindness.

The universe has an order, which we should trust. However, we must recognize that our comprehension of this truth is limited and act with humility.

Don't worry too much, anxiety is a common experience. However, worrying doesn't alter our circumstances and can negatively affect our current state. Instead of worrying about things beyond our control, focus on what we can change and take action.

22. Expressing kindness is inexpensive. Show compassion to everyone you meet, including store clerks, spouses, employees, and others. You never know when someone may require it or when you may need it. If each of us acts with kindness, it would be a revolution.

23. Both the highs and lows are fleeting. Despite feeling down, look beyond the despair. Despite feeling elated, avoid the allure of arrogance. Embrace each moment completely, but remember it's only a brief moment.

Regularly disconnect from technology and social media to recharge and engage in real-life activities. While technology and these platforms have their benefits, they are becoming increasingly addictive and harmful.

In the age of distraction, the ability to focus and think deeply is a valuable skill.

"Don’t let your life become small in a world so big."

26. Leaders prioritize reading. Engaging in regular reading can enhance your critical thinking skills and improve your ability to focus. Reading also fosters understanding and compassion. It provides a sense of relaxation and allows you to access the insights of renowned thinkers. Establish reading objectives annually and choose high-quality literature.

27. Journey. Our world is stunning, chaotic, and enigmatic. Step out of your comfort zone. Discover a new culture, the more exotic the better. Embrace the unknown. Don't let your life be confined in a world so vast.

28. Foster friendships. As we age, forming (or maintaining friendships) becomes more challenging. However, it's worth the effort. Ensure you have individuals in your life who will support you through any situation, those with whom you can share a quiet moment on a Saturday afternoon. Be that person for others, and be prepared to give up for the sake of that special bond.

Celebrating others' success will make you a better friend, live without jealousy, and inspire others to want you to succeed.

30. I can be prideful. I don't like to depend on others or feel I owe them. However, none of us can face life alone. And our friends and loved ones want to help us. We just have to admit we need help and ask.

31. Innovation is born from the discipline to endure boredom. While our digital environment has eliminated many opportunities for boredom, it is essential to embrace it as a catalyst for reflection, creativity, and imagination.

Don't put off doing what you've always wanted to do. Tomorrow is not guaranteed, so seize the day. Procrastination can be fatal, so don't delay what you don't have to.

We should value the wisdom of our elders, as age and experience bring valuable insights. In our current era, we often undervalue these things and overvalue youth. Seek out someone older than you and listen to their advice.

"Paying it forward to others is a privilege and responsibility."

34. Be a mentor and pay it forward.

Generosity is liberating. Give more than you think you can. Material wealth means little.

36. Go outside. We were designed for nature - sunsets, ancient forests, barren plains, and bubbling streams. Your heart requires open skies and your skin needs the sun. Don't spend your life sitting at your desk.

37. Focus on fewer things with greater impact. Prioritize unique accomplishments over meaningless activities.

38. Attempt almost anything once, especially food. Try a menu item that's unfamiliar, especially if it's exotic, unusual, or odd. In the worst-case scenario, you'll have a tale to share. In the best-case scenario, you'll discover something fascinating and unique.

39. Love is a decision, not an emotion. Emotions change. Real love involves consistently putting the other person first and valuing them. No one loves someone for 70 years without making a conscious effort. They choose love.

Each day, we should strive to improve a little. Life is unique for each of us, and our task is to refine it gradually, consistently over time...to run the race as if to win it.

41. Journal. If you want to remember the unforgettable moments of today, write them down. Record the quiet prayers you whispered in the valleys and the answers to those prayers. Don't forget to document the funny things your kids said.

42. Follow God. Life is too complex, fascinating, and chaotic to be without a purpose and structure. Discover Him and devote yourself. Worshiping anything else can lead to self-destruction. Connecting with our Creator brings understanding and tranquility.

43. Our fulfillment in life will be directly proportional to the depth and breadth of our relationships and the service we do for others. Love extravagantly, consistently and easily.

Coleman stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that he has 43 points, but added that he reserves the right to change his mind on all of them by next year.

"These are the things I believe I know at present," he stated.

He encouraged others to share their life advice by asking, "What pearls of wisdom would you impart to others?"

Use the comments section below to share your thoughts.