Just last September, my stomach was tied up in knots at the thought of turning 21+1. Although nothing changed the second midnight rolled around, I did not want to let go of 21. I mean, I thought life was all downhill from then on — a speeding bullet toward retirement and pattern baldness (with the exception of a lower insurance rate at 25). Last month, having faced 21+2 head on without the sky falling, I’ve realized much has happened to me over the past year. It seems I’ve learned a lot while Lady Gaga wore a meat dress by  Franc Fernandez to the VMAs, the fashion industry was left stunned and saddened by the tragic death of Alexander McQueen, and Abercrombie & Fitch offered “the Situation” from Jersey Shore money to not wear their clothes.

So here, in no particular order, is what I know for certain after turning 23. Maybe you youngsters can take a few things away from this:

1. Keep a sketchbook: A certain creative director told me that keeping a sketchbook is something he wished he had started earlier in his career. Having filled my first book in 3 months, I can see how archiving your thought process, doodles and the ideas that pop into your head can save you time and, sometimes, can offer solutions for future problems.

2. Work smarter, not harder (or longer): Whether through word maps, research, thumbnails, sketches, etc. The planning process should take up the bulk of your time when tackling any type of project. And no, speaking as a borderline insomniac, pulling all–nighters to make up for a lack of planning will not make your work better.

3. Back up your work on an external hard drive: Then leave it at home! God forbid if someone were to break into your car and steal both your laptop AND hard drive. Keeping your external hard drive updated only helps you in the long run, but you usually only discover this after you lose your work.

4. Be careful what you post on Facebook: Spare yourself from learning the hard way — not everyone will find (or be able to read) your sarcasm as sarcastic online. Say what you mean and mean what you say to avoid any confusion, hurt feelings and bruised egos. With the constantly changing privacy settings, your words have a greater reach now more than ever.

5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep: Friends are supposed to make you happy, not pissed off. That being said, stop making promises if your intensions are to flake. No one likes hearing “no” or “sorry I can’t hang out this weekend, I’ve made other plans,” but they don’t like flakes a lot more. Being someone’s friend doesn’t mean you can’t say no and you shouldn’t be afraid to.

6. Don’t take yourself too seriously: If you want to succeed, whether in your profession or a hobby, in life or in love, you’ve got to have thick skin. Not everyone will like you or your style, art, writing, methods, whatever and there will always be someone who is better than you. Learning to laugh at yourself and take criticism in stride helps you remember that everyone makes mistakes, there is always something new to learn and being “a professional” only means “years and years of practice.”

7. The pressure is good for you: There’s nothing like the pressure of an important deadline pressing down on you with exponential force as time runs out. However, I found that the pressure is good for you. Yes, I still procrastinate by cleaning my apartment, checking Facebook or updating my Tumblr or folding some laundry, but once that’s all done and I have only hours to complete an assignment, the drama of whether or not I’ll make it on time always pushes me to meet my deadline.

8. Guys, it’s okay to cry: Sometimes, in any given circumstance, the only thing you can do is cry. Most of the time crying makes you feel better about given circumstance. This is 2011 and it’s okay for guys to cry, too. No judgement.

9. Remember to breathe: When times get tough, when everything starts stacking up against you, when you’ve bitten off more than you can chew, just remember to breathe. You’d be surprised at how much better you feel after just breathing. Sounds silly, but even now when I get overwhelmed, I noticed the calm that accompanies some deep breathing.

10. Money can’t buy style: Style is more than just wearing beautiful clothes, great shoes and smart accessories. Style is knowing who you are, what you want to say and not giving a damn.

11. Go to the gym: It’s true! Exercising makes you feel better, no matter how stressed out, over–worked or tired you feel. 30 minutes of cardio is enough to lift your mood and endorphins — even walking! So renew expired memeberships or buy one now and get sweaty, you’ll be glad you did.

12. Dressing up is still fun: Dressing up isn’t just for kids. If I had it my way, I would still go trick–or–treating. My friends and I still love dressing up as our favorite Disney characters, movie stars and reality TV celebrities on Halloween and the occasional costume party between every October 31st. How often to you get to dress up and become someone else for the night? I plan on throwing and attending more costume parties this year for this reason alone.

13. Make more time: For friends, for family, for love, for you, for hobbies, just make more time! You only live once and life, as we all have found, seems to fly right by as soon as you’re not looking. Make finding more time for things and people you love a priority.

14. Don’t sell yourself short: Especially when it comes to creatives. Don’t focus on the flaws or point out your mistakes, someone else will do that for you. Besides, there’s a chance they won’t see the flaws you think you see — after all, you are your harshest critic.

15. Keep it clean: Your photo albums. They are usually the first thing employers look at after your resumé and before the interview. If there’s any question, untag yourself. A super simple way to make sure the opinions formed of you are based on photos you’d be okay with showing your grandma.

16. Perception is reality: i.e. #15. We are constantly perceiving others while others perceive us. What we say, do, wear and how we act all play a role in how others see us. If someone thinks you’re stuck up, you’re probably acting stuck up — whether intentional or not. We are influenced by celebrities, music, movies, friends, family and lovers — a combination of everyone we’ve ever met. Try asking the friends you’ve had the longest what they first thought of you before they knew you (chances are they were not far off if they’re still your friend), but knowing how your closest friends first saw you can help you refine or change how others see you.

17. Aim for happiness before fame or fortune: When it comes to your career, you should be doing what you absolutely love — what brings you the most joy. Otherwise, your career will start feeling like a job. If you love the work you’re doing, not only will you be happy, but you’ll find that fame and fortune are within reach.

18. Quality. Cost. Speed. You can only pick 2: You can get anything fast and cheap, but will sacrifice quality. I learned this early on in college when it came to printing and production. It seems as though this principal can apply to almost everything from groceries to clothing to laptops. So now you won’t be surprised.

19. Make lists: Sure, Siri can remind me to write the rent check and sync important dates to my Google calendar, but nothing makes me feel more in control of all the things I have to remember on a daily basis than a hand written to–do list. Also, when you’re feeling swamped and anxious over daily duties, seeing everything written down will make you feel a lot better. Often times, seeing your list will make your responsibilities feel more manageable.

20. Sketches make for an easier sell: Nothing scares a client more than when you present a fully mocked–up idea. As soon as you take a logo, layout or design to the computer, the client can’t help but feel as though what is presented is final. Sketching out a concept is a whole lot easier to sell because the client isn’t seeing a concept, but imagining one. Clients can more easily see what they are envisioning for their design if the design isn’t already executed on the computer.

21. Try something new: Whether its a new latté, a new pair of colored jeans, a new way to walk to class, just try something new. Change is good and keeps you on your toes, especially when you’re feeling stuck in a rut. Sharing the experience with a loved one is also an awesome way to reconnect.

22. The little things count: It’s important to enjoy the little things. In college, with everything happening all at once, it feels like the world can pass you by – especially after you turn 21 and graduation is right around the corner. The most important lesson I’ve learned is to take time doing something you love. It doesn’t matter if you want to get crazy drunk on a Friday night or take an elective course in a different major, but do what gives you the most pleasure. Make time for more sex. Make time for more laughs. Make time for more family dinners. Just make time! It’s also important to look back to see what you’ve learned — whether it’s good, bad, ugly, or silly.