In today’s newsletter, I’m reflecting on 23 things I’ve learned at 23. Some are about cybersecurity, others are about life, mindset, and values. All of it is from my personal experience — take what resonates.
Let’s get into it.
1. Enjoy Work & Embrace Discipline
As Gen Z, we’re often labeled as lazy or lacking discipline. But I’ve come to love the grind — not just in theory, but in action. I’ve learned to build a career I enjoy, and that makes all the difference. Work doesn’t feel like a burden when it aligns with purpose.
Discipline? It’s the multiplier. It fuels your work, your habits, your life.
2. Take Care of Your Physical Health
Your health is the foundation of everything, especially in a high-stress industry like cybersecurity.
Over the years, I’ve dialed in my sleep, diet, and training. Whether I’m cutting, bulking, lifting, or running, it helps me stay sharp.
Fitness isn’t about looking a certain way — it’s about feeling your best so you can be your best.
3. Relationships Matter More Than You Think
There was a season I didn’t prioritize friendships. I was isolated, anxious, and depressed.
But building meaningful connections with friends and family changed everything.
You don’t always need deep talks — sometimes a FaceTime call or gym session with your best friend can recharge your whole spirit.
4. Slow Progress Is Still Progress
I used to think speed was everything. But I’ve learned that consistent, steady progress — even if it’s slow — gets you further than burnout cycles.
The tortoise wins for a reason.
Stay in your lane, keep showing up, and trust the compound effect.
5. Procrastination Leads to Frustration
I’ve mastered the art of procrastination — and hated how it made me feel. The longer you delay a task, the more it hangs over you.
That mental weight turns into frustration, and it’s rarely worth it.
Get it done. Get it off your mind.
6. Be Present With Yourself
There’s power in silence. In not reaching for your phone. In driving without music. In sitting without distraction. Our brains are overstimulated. Presence gives you peace, clarity, and creativity. Practice being still. It changes how you work and how you think.
I’ve started doing small things: no music during drives, no podcast in the shower, no background noise while waiting in line. It helps me notice the world, my thoughts, and my environment.
Stillness isn’t empty — it’s clarity.
7. The Future Is Closer Than You Think
You blink and it’s five years later. I can vividly remember being 18, 19, 20 — it wasn’t that long ago.
You realize you could’ve started that project, changed that habit, made that move. Life moves fast. Time moves fast — faster than we think. Goals that feel far away will arrive quicker than you expect.
If you’ve been delaying something, start now. The future is around the corner.
8. The Future Is Also Further Than You Think
At the same time, one year is a lot of time. You can change your career, health, and relationships in a year. Heck, you can change your life in 6 months.
Two years is enough to break cycles, learn new skills, or move across the world. Don’t underestimate how much can be built slowly, with intention.
Keep your head down and build. Let time work for you — and be consistent.
9. If You Don’t Stand for Something, You’ll Fall for Everything
My dad said this to me growing up, and now it fully clicks. Without strong values, you become easily swayed by opinions, trends, and noise.
Stand firm in your beliefs, your ethics, your purpose — or risk living by someone else’s.
Stay grounded. You can be open-minded and firm at the same time.
10. You Rise to the Level of Your Standards
Set high standards for yourself. I do — in work, relationships, and goals. Not everyone will meet your standards, and that’s okay. Just don’t lower them to make others comfortable.
Hold yourself accountable, and let others meet you where you are.
11. Choose What You Let Stress You Out
Stress is inevitable; however, not all stress is equal. But you can choose what kind of stress you accept.
For me, I’m okay with my work stressing me out because I understand it and I can manage it. But unnecessary personal stress? That’s a no.
Learn to say no to draining situations and yes to peace.
12. Learn to Say “No” More
As someone who creates content and leads a community, I always want to help everyone. But I’ve learned I can’t — and that’s okay.
I’ve had to learn to say no, even to good things, to focus on the right things. So, say no to things that don’t align with your capacity or priorities.
Time and energy are finite. Protect them.
13. Say “Yes” More (To The Right Things)
On the flip side, say yes to opportunities that stretch you.
Early in my journey, I said yes to everything — and it taught me what to say no to later.
Saying yes to jobs, projects, and partnerships helped me grow, collaborate, and build something meaningful.
Join a vibrant cybersecurity community of around 6,000 people who are constantly engaging in conversations and supporting one another—covering topics from cybersecurity and college to certifications, resume assistance, and various non-professional interests like fitness, finance, anime, and other exciting subjects.
14. Do Something Outrageous Every Year
Push the limits. Not recklessly — but intentionally. Try something bold: a solo trip, a skydiving session, a new challenge.
Remind yourself you’re capable of more than you think.
15. Build Systems, Not Just Routines
Routines can become rigid. Life changes. But systems? Systems adapt.
When I shifted from evening workouts to morning kettlebell sessions, my system stayed the same — just the timing changed.
Build adaptable structures around your life. Build frameworks that survive chaos.
16. Read More
Most content today is diluted. Books go deeper. They give you the full picture, not just the summary.
Reading has helped me slow down, think clearer, and understand complex ideas.
If you want to grow, read like it’s your job.
17. Become a Better Communicator
Communication is one of the most underrated skills in both life and cybersecurity. Whether it's how you talk to your team, present in meetings, explain ideas, or connect with strangers — clear communication makes a massive difference.
Five years ago, I wasn’t as effective at communicating as I am now. Creating content, working in tech, and navigating corporate environments helped me learn how to listen better, ask better questions, and present myself more confidently.
If you want to grow your influence, impact, or network — become a better communicator.
18. Procrastination Robs You of the Life You Could’ve Lived
This one hit me hard. Procrastination isn’t just a delay — it's a thief. It steals potential. It quietly holds back the life you could be living right now.
I’ve had moments where I was like, “Man, if I had done this earlier, who knows where I’d be today?” I don’t want to live with that regret.
So I’m learning: Take action when the idea is fresh.
Do the thing now, not someday. “Someday” often turns into “never.”
19. You Can’t Always Be Present for Everyone
When you’re someone who genuinely cares about people, you want to be there for everyone — reply to every DM, support every friend, show up for every event.
But you can’t pour from an empty cup. I’ve learned to set boundaries. Some people only know how to take, and if you’re not careful, you’ll burn out trying to give them more than you have.
Be present for the people who matter — but protect your own peace too.
20. Obedience > Sacrifice
This one comes from my faith. It’s possible to be doing “good” things — helping others, building things, making moves — and still be out of alignment with what God has called you to do.
I've learned that obedience to that purpose brings more peace than any sacrifice ever could.
Sometimes the most powerful thing you can do isn’t to hustle harder — it’s to listen and follow the path you’re meant to walk.
21. Embrace Chaos and Disruption
I like structure. I thrive in routine. But life doesn’t always play by your rules. Chaos happens — burnout, career shifts, heartbreak, unexpected opportunities.
In the past, those seasons would shake me. Now, I lean into them. I look at chaos as a chance to learn, adapt, and grow.
Resilience isn’t built in comfort — it’s built when everything feels uncertain, and you keep showing up anyway.
22. Don’t Prolong Unhealthy Relationships
Sometimes we hold on to relationships — friendships, romantic, or even family — because of history or guilt. But I’ve learned that if something is consistently unhealthy, it’s okay to let go.
You don’t have to hate them. You don’t have to make it dramatic. But you do have to protect your peace.
Not every relationship is meant to last forever — and that’s okay.
23. Keep God First
This is the foundation of everything for me. Every time I drift away from my faith, I feel it — mentally, spiritually, emotionally.
But when I’m aligned with God, everything falls into place. I don’t mean life becomes easy. I mean, life becomes anchored. I feel rooted and established. Unshakeable. Untouchable.
If I’ve learned one thing that will always guide me, it’s this: When I keep God first, I walk with peace, clarity, and confidence — no matter what season I’m in.
Cyberwox Resources
Resources for your career
🔹Join the Cyberwox Academy Discord!!
🔷 Check out the episodes of the Cyberstories Podcast on your favorite platform
🔹Cyberwox Cybersecurity Notion Templates for planning your career
🔹Cyberwox Best Entry-Level Cybersecurity Resume Template
🔹Learn AWS Threat Detection with my LinkedIn Learning Course
Recent Content
A few publications I’ve released recently.
Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) Engineering with Ayoub Fandi | Cyber Stories Podcast EP 24
A conversation with Ayoub Fandi, a Staff Security Assurance Engineer at Gitlab and host of the GRC Engineering Podcast, as we discuss transforming GRC from a cost center into a strategic product through automation and engineering.
Ayoub shares his journey from aspiring economist to successful cybersecurity professional. We explore whether GRC is technical and introduce GRC engineering, which uses engineering practices to enhance governance, risk, and compliance. We highlight the shift in GRC professionals' backgrounds and how technical skills improve GRC workflows.
We also emphasize the importance of cybersecurity knowledge in GRC roles and what it means to operate at the staff level.
This conversation offers invaluable insights for aspiring staff engineers, including advice on getting into GRC and building a career in GRC Engineering.
FAANG Cybersecurity Engineer Reacts to Cybersecurity TikTok Advice
Bringing some cybersecurity reaction content back to the timeline...this one was a mixed bag. Lots of really great advice and some really bad
How To Learn Cybersecurity Fundamentals - Computer Networking (Breakdown)
For the longest time, I've been a strong proponent of learning cybersecurity fundamentals, especially computer networking. This video demonstrates how to approach this.
23 Things I Have Learned As a 23 Year Old Cybersecurity Engineer ~ Day's Engineering Diary EP14
The YouTube version of this post!
Closing
Once again, you made it this far :)
These aren’t just things I’ve learned — they’re things I’m living through. 23 has already come with its own challenges and lessons, but I’ve never felt more grounded, focused, and expectant. If anything here resonated with you, thank you for reading.
Feel free to reply, share your own lesson, or pass this on to someone who needs it.
Thanks for reading. If you so desire, subscribe and restack - it helps spread the word and keeps me writing content. If not, I’ll see you around…somewhere on the internet!
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