I was the tallest girl in the class. Check the photo – top row, the girl who is one head above everyone else.

That was the case from grade 1 to grade 6 when others started to catch up with me. You can imagine that being so tall and different is totally not cool at school. And at that age the confidence is shattered, the feeling of being different and definitely not good enough starts to build. I was just towering above the others and there was nowhere to hide. I hated to be the center of attention and I was seriously worried how will I find a husband (yes, this is the complete truth) being so tall.

Only during last year of school and into first year of university I realized that in fact being tall is an advantage. But the shyness, the lack of confidence – that could not be erased overnight.

Today I am looking back at this photo and I am amazed how I have changed – I am not shy, I believe that being different is actually great and I absolutely believe I am good enough. It was a journey though and if I had to do it again, knowing all that I know now I would say these 5 things to my younger self or anyone who would associate with my story:

1.      Don’t be afraid, put a lot of efforts early in your life to control fear!

I am not talking about the butterflies in the stomach before you do something new, but the irrational fears we all have. Fear is something that was given to humans so they can avoid danger and stay alive; it is part of the evolutionary, survival mechanism. But almost all of our fears (of failure, of rejection, of change, of missing out) only exist in our head - we think we’re in danger but we really aren’t. These fears are such a waste of your energy and only limit your potential.

I had a tough time fighting fear and the only think that helped me was the consistent discussion with myself trying to understand these fears and find ways to counter it with common sense and positive thoughts, breathing exercises and mediation to calm my mind.

It works, be consistent and try and get better before you turn 30 – too much time wasted!

2.      Don’t try and please everyone.

There is no such thing that everyone must like you, it's not possible. And please don’t focus on people who don’t like you, focus on the people who do. Yes, some of the people who didn’t like you caused set backs but it actually was for the better. Always do the right thing, give 110% in anything you do and treat people with respect – the rest is only noise. You will be amazed by the effect of this, just have a grit and keep doing it.

3.      Aim to become financially independent earlier in your life.

There are no titles, positions or accolades that can be compared with the ability to manage your time and live the way you want it. Take that sabbatical earlier! Taking time off is like having a child – you have absolutely no idea how good it is until you experience it. You will have so many interests outside of banking – try them earlier.

4.      Look after your body

You think you are looking after it but believe me – its not enough, try better. We abuse our bodies when we are younger, and because the consequences only show later in life we think, for years, that it’s OK. It is so important to know your body and most importantly – the unique defects that are part of you, genetically, from the moment you were born. When you are well informed about the shortcomings you can avoid and even reverse negative effects later in life. It is very important to pay the money for an experienced personal trainer who understands the human body and can give you the key basics on how to use your muscles.

We have one body and we have to nurture it every day so it can carry us through life gracefully

5.      Being different is actually very cool

“Go with flow “, “don’t stand out” mentality will take you only that far. Equally important – don’t go far in the opposite end of being totally different. The balance is key. Learn something that other people can’t do – play piano, guitar ( I am just starting to do these and I am so sorry I didn’t do it earlier) and don’t give up on fashion, architecture and being interested in beautiful things. Start getting involved in the community from university and keep doing it all your life – it is very rewarding. Interesting people are making the life interesting – it is as simple as that. Be an interesting person.

 And by the way – you will get a husband, there are tall men in this world!