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What I Wish I Knew at 18: Life Lessons for the Road Ahead
What I Wish I Knew at 18 is an engaging, comprehensive, and conversational book written to help young adults achieve success in life. Through lively illustration, simple instruction, and practical, reflective questions, the book reveals key, before-the-fact, secrets that propel people into thriving adulthood. Unique in its scope, universal in its message, and timely in its wisdom, What I Wish I Knew at 18 is designed to serve everyone who wants a solid grip on the prize of a successful life. Although conversationally written to graduates, What I Wish I Knew at 18 is destined to become the definitive parenting guide to preparing children for lives of impact. Its comprehensive focus on both deeper subjects (life perspective, character, relationships/communication, spiritual life, and handling adversity) and key decision-making arenas (college academics, career, love and marriage, finances, and personal productivity) provides parents a never before seen vision for successful adult preparation. Parents will not only learn the essential bases to cover by graduation, but also the desired outcomes in these key life areas. Children who embody the success principles and values captured in this book are well equipped to reach their full potential and positively impact the world. What I Wish I Knew at 18 is also a must read for schools, colleges, faith leaders, mentors, caregivers, and coaches as they partner with parents to educate students for life. Served in "bite sized morsels,"? the 109 success pointers average one to two pages in length, along with study questions to facilitate dynamic student discussions and deep personal reflection. Whether as a curricular resource or as a gift, What I Wish I Knew at 18 will help develop well rounded students for their betterment and that of mankind.
- GenresNonfiction
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2011
13 people are currently reading
58 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
July 9, 2024
This is a neat idea, though not exactly unique. Probably should have started out stronger with more revelational concepts bc it loses today's teens too quickly. Pressing on though, it is good for sparking conversations and definitely has value in the leadership/Interpersonal communication field. The principles examined are certainly ones that teens need to establish and examine, and ones they all too often do not. Great for journaling or short answer responses.
March 18, 2013
About the Book:
What I Wish I Knew at 18 is an engaging, comprehensive, and conversational book written to help young adults achieve success in life. Through lively illustration, simple instruction, and practical, reflective questions, the book reveals key, before-the-fact secrets that propel people into thriving adulthood. Unique in its scope, universal in its message, and timely in its wisdom, it is designed to serve everyone who wants a solid grip on the prize of a successful life. Although conversationally written to graduates, it is destined to become the definitive parenting guide to preparing children for lives of impact. It is also a must read for schools, colleges, faith leaders, mentors, caregivers, and coaches as they partner with parents to educate students for life. Served in bite-sized morsels, the 109 success pointers average one to two pages in length, along with study questions to facilitate dynamic student discussions and deep personal reflection. Whether as a curricular resource or as a gift, What I Wish I Knew at 18 will help develop well-rounded students for their betterment and that of mankind.
Dennis Trittin
About the Author:
Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.
My Review:
While riffling through a stack of old papers the author had found a list he had started for his college bound son but he had never finished. He sat down one night and finished adding to this list and soon realized by the time he was done that he had a book in the making. The list-- a list of thing of life success pointers. Things, thoughts, ideas for a young person to try to wade through and figure out and hopefully apply before too much time had passed in their life.
First on the list, discover your life's purpose or passion and find out how to build on it or use it to help others. He goes on to advise not to let work consume you. Where you neglect the people that matter the most in your life. Also don't be afraid to take risks. Sometimes you may fail a million times. It doesn't matter how many times you fall, all that matters is if you get back up again and keep trying.
The author continues to go on down the list of 100 pointers for a successful life. Things he has learned a long the way that he believes maybe helpful to others. I think the main thing he is trying to convey is that any of us can do these things lets just try our best to get it right before we reach an age where we can't anymore. Don't live half of your life wishing you could of done things differently. Start today!
If you are interested in learning more about the author you can here. You can purchase the book here.
**Disclosure** I received this book free of charge for my honest review from Flyby Promotions.
What I Wish I Knew at 18 is an engaging, comprehensive, and conversational book written to help young adults achieve success in life. Through lively illustration, simple instruction, and practical, reflective questions, the book reveals key, before-the-fact secrets that propel people into thriving adulthood. Unique in its scope, universal in its message, and timely in its wisdom, it is designed to serve everyone who wants a solid grip on the prize of a successful life. Although conversationally written to graduates, it is destined to become the definitive parenting guide to preparing children for lives of impact. It is also a must read for schools, colleges, faith leaders, mentors, caregivers, and coaches as they partner with parents to educate students for life. Served in bite-sized morsels, the 109 success pointers average one to two pages in length, along with study questions to facilitate dynamic student discussions and deep personal reflection. Whether as a curricular resource or as a gift, What I Wish I Knew at 18 will help develop well-rounded students for their betterment and that of mankind.
Dennis Trittin
About the Author:
Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential. Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis. Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations. Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.
My Review:
While riffling through a stack of old papers the author had found a list he had started for his college bound son but he had never finished. He sat down one night and finished adding to this list and soon realized by the time he was done that he had a book in the making. The list-- a list of thing of life success pointers. Things, thoughts, ideas for a young person to try to wade through and figure out and hopefully apply before too much time had passed in their life.
First on the list, discover your life's purpose or passion and find out how to build on it or use it to help others. He goes on to advise not to let work consume you. Where you neglect the people that matter the most in your life. Also don't be afraid to take risks. Sometimes you may fail a million times. It doesn't matter how many times you fall, all that matters is if you get back up again and keep trying.
The author continues to go on down the list of 100 pointers for a successful life. Things he has learned a long the way that he believes maybe helpful to others. I think the main thing he is trying to convey is that any of us can do these things lets just try our best to get it right before we reach an age where we can't anymore. Don't live half of your life wishing you could of done things differently. Start today!
If you are interested in learning more about the author you can here. You can purchase the book here.
**Disclosure** I received this book free of charge for my honest review from Flyby Promotions.
March 28, 2013
Hindsight is 20/20. Don’t we all wish we could go back and relive our youth armed with the knowledge we now have? What I Wish I Knew at 18 is Dennis Trittin’s handbook for the young on what he wish he knew before he went out into the real world.
He began compiling a list of things he wanted his son to know before going off to college and that turned into this book and ultimately fulfilled a lifelong desire to do something relevant, lasting and more fulfilling than his career in the Stock Market. He has imparted his wisdom to all in this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and agreed with all he said. It is very organized in it’s content and covers a wide variety of subjects from finances to marriage. I wish I had read this at 18. However, I see one fundamental problem with it. I’m wondering how many eighteen year olds (and younger) would actually pick up a book like this and read it? Most kids that age think they know it all and are ready to conquer the world. Not many are seeking wisdom from those that have already been there. I know I wasn’t, as much as I hate to admit it.
It seems that those wise enough to pick up a book like this, aren’t the ones that really need to be reading it. I hope that I’m wrong and I will be saving this book to show my kids at that age because I see it’s value. It is full of information that would benefit anyone starting out on their life adventure. I just hope there are some wise enough to read it and follow its instruction.
I think that part of living and learning is making mistakes and often the hard knocks are the lessons we remember, learn from and grow by. If there are those out there wiser than I was at that age then What I Wish I Knew at 18 is an invaluable tool that will contribute to their life success. If there are young people in your life, be sure to enter below to win a copy for them!
He began compiling a list of things he wanted his son to know before going off to college and that turned into this book and ultimately fulfilled a lifelong desire to do something relevant, lasting and more fulfilling than his career in the Stock Market. He has imparted his wisdom to all in this book.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and agreed with all he said. It is very organized in it’s content and covers a wide variety of subjects from finances to marriage. I wish I had read this at 18. However, I see one fundamental problem with it. I’m wondering how many eighteen year olds (and younger) would actually pick up a book like this and read it? Most kids that age think they know it all and are ready to conquer the world. Not many are seeking wisdom from those that have already been there. I know I wasn’t, as much as I hate to admit it.
It seems that those wise enough to pick up a book like this, aren’t the ones that really need to be reading it. I hope that I’m wrong and I will be saving this book to show my kids at that age because I see it’s value. It is full of information that would benefit anyone starting out on their life adventure. I just hope there are some wise enough to read it and follow its instruction.
I think that part of living and learning is making mistakes and often the hard knocks are the lessons we remember, learn from and grow by. If there are those out there wiser than I was at that age then What I Wish I Knew at 18 is an invaluable tool that will contribute to their life success. If there are young people in your life, be sure to enter below to win a copy for them!
March 27, 2013
What I Wish I Knew at 18. By Dennis Trittin.
This book should be given to every young person before they leave home. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. I wish I would have had a guide like this before I left home. First step what is your perspective. Discover your purpose. How you direct your life. We should try to live our life without regrets. Define our lives without riches. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Don’t allow work to consume your whole life. This is just a overlook of the first chapter. There is Character, Relationships and Communication, Spiritual Life, Handling Adversity, College Academics, Career, Love and Marriage, Managing Finances. All with great advice. I would give this to any young person getting ready to go out on their own. I really enjoyed the book even as adult I picked up things to help me.
"Disclosure as a reminder of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommended products or services I use personally and believe will be good for readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonies in Advertising. "
This book should be given to every young person before they leave home. There is a lot of wisdom in this book. I wish I would have had a guide like this before I left home. First step what is your perspective. Discover your purpose. How you direct your life. We should try to live our life without regrets. Define our lives without riches. Proverbs 22:1 A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Don’t allow work to consume your whole life. This is just a overlook of the first chapter. There is Character, Relationships and Communication, Spiritual Life, Handling Adversity, College Academics, Career, Love and Marriage, Managing Finances. All with great advice. I would give this to any young person getting ready to go out on their own. I really enjoyed the book even as adult I picked up things to help me.
"Disclosure as a reminder of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommended products or services I use personally and believe will be good for readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR Part 255. "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonies in Advertising. "
July 29, 2024
I read this book before giving it to a very special 18 year old for her birthday. I was a bit cynical prior to reading it, thinking: "How much wisdom could a man in his 50s instill to a girl not even 20?" Well, I was impressed and happily wrong. So many of the lessons Trittin are trying to instill are Christian based that we hope our children learn, absorb, and follow. For example: Cultivate a Servant Heart, Choose Reconciliation over Grudges, Don't Define Success by Riches, etc.
Though this book is aimed at teenagers, it really can be read, enjoyed, and valued by anyone of any age. It can be your go-to book on your nightstand because reading it once will not be enough. It offers great reminders for the things that we know are true and right.
Though this book is aimed at teenagers, it really can be read, enjoyed, and valued by anyone of any age. It can be your go-to book on your nightstand because reading it once will not be enough. It offers great reminders for the things that we know are true and right.
February 18, 2013
We read this one for our book group this month, and it was excellent. I'm going to require my children to read it as well. It just contains a lot of good advice about marriage, family, college, careers, and adversity. I didn't agree with all of the author's ideology, but I could tell he's a very good Christian man.
May 5, 2025
Read this for life skills this year! Lots of great advice.
April 10, 2013
I like getting books that may help me in teaching my children things they should know before they fly the nest, I can teach them many things, things based on my life experiences – but some things I can’t so I need to read up on some so I can teach them. That is what I was hoping to get out of What I Wish I Knew and for the most part this book was a good introduction to what children should know like character, spiritual life, handling adversity, college, love and marriage, and more. However, I too think some of the things will also depend on your worldview and how you approach life because of that worldview. Some things, like college or career advancement, are not the end all and be all of some families – and that is okay, some may prefer an apprenticeship over college.
Whereas managing finances and character (reputations) should be carefully taught and groomed so that children can learn what they need to do to handle these traits – unless they want to lose a house or have their car repossessed. My issue in the book came when it came down to choosing a spouse – you need to date using his “3D” method: discriminating, discerning and deliberate – good things indeed, but it was all about dating and nothing about courtship or even allowing God to chose your spouse. He does stress that marriage is a forever decision – that I can appreciate.
The next area of concern for me was about children – you should only have children when married (yes!) and ready. This means you should not be newlyweds and wanting to become pregnant and if you can’t afford children you should wait. Last I looked, no one can afford children – but they definitely make one richer for having them.
Again, this comes down to worldview, if you’re raised in a family who welcomes children as blessings and not see them as financial burdens then chances are you will know that newlyweds can and have had children and their marriages survive (if they don’t then it’s a lack or maturity on the married couple’s side). ‘Poor’ people have been having children for a long time and usually those children grow up to be very well adjusted and contributing members of society. Of course, if you grew up in a family who only welcomed children as they could be afforded or seen as burdens then it’ll be no problem to either not have children or use some form of birth control. Check the Bible – it talks a lot about children and what the Lord thinks of them. Overall, a decent book with some good ideas, but one that I would read in close study of the Bible to make sure what is being said is of sound Biblical worldview.
**“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Whereas managing finances and character (reputations) should be carefully taught and groomed so that children can learn what they need to do to handle these traits – unless they want to lose a house or have their car repossessed. My issue in the book came when it came down to choosing a spouse – you need to date using his “3D” method: discriminating, discerning and deliberate – good things indeed, but it was all about dating and nothing about courtship or even allowing God to chose your spouse. He does stress that marriage is a forever decision – that I can appreciate.
The next area of concern for me was about children – you should only have children when married (yes!) and ready. This means you should not be newlyweds and wanting to become pregnant and if you can’t afford children you should wait. Last I looked, no one can afford children – but they definitely make one richer for having them.
Again, this comes down to worldview, if you’re raised in a family who welcomes children as blessings and not see them as financial burdens then chances are you will know that newlyweds can and have had children and their marriages survive (if they don’t then it’s a lack or maturity on the married couple’s side). ‘Poor’ people have been having children for a long time and usually those children grow up to be very well adjusted and contributing members of society. Of course, if you grew up in a family who only welcomed children as they could be afforded or seen as burdens then it’ll be no problem to either not have children or use some form of birth control. Check the Bible – it talks a lot about children and what the Lord thinks of them. Overall, a decent book with some good ideas, but one that I would read in close study of the Bible to make sure what is being said is of sound Biblical worldview.
**“Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
September 6, 2014
Very good advices
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews