Of course, your generation will learn much more than those of our generation but there maybe something of use here.

I shall focus on a limited number of subjects. I am mindful that today’s world is extremely complex for young people.

There are so many things a young person needs to do and limited time for the ramblings of a middle aged whosoever.

One lesson I’ve learnt just recently is the importance of protecting your mind from negative thoughts and overthinking.

In particular what other people think of you. And this is what I wish to speak to you about. Your mind.

Now this is at once an easy task and yet near impossible.

But if you can master this, you will save much time and energy and also protect your health.

I am not a Master at this yet but I am certainly making the effort with each passing moment.

Of course, I’m still prone to emotional outbursts and reactions but I’m learning from each experience - and taking copious notes along the way.

So here are a few facts I often tell myself to give me the strength to ignore what others think of me.

Every day you meet all types of people: good, bad, horrible, conniving, interesting, useful, useless….

You should focus on your journey and let them focus on theirs. Everyone has an opinion. You can’t control that. But you can control how you react. It is a cliché but it is true.

So manage your emotions and keep moving on. We’re here on earth for a relatively brief moment, so we need to make the most of it.

You have limited time, use it wisely. You will die one day and all that is said or thought about you will no longer matter.

Never have expectations, you will only be disappointed. Embrace every experience, even that which appears to be bad or horrible. Do not be over optimistic or miserably pessimistic. Be realistic.

Be careful what you say to yourself, because you are listening. These days, thanks to technology, we have access to vast, near limitless, information in the palms of our hands.

Learn how to use this to protect your mind and look after it. Learn how to manage your time and maximise it for productivity. Learn also to take care of your body and mind, and they shall take care of you.

Of course, being human you’ll be unable to maintain such a rigid posture 24/7/365, but you can make the effort every day to be a better person than you were yesterday.

If you falter, accept and embrace it, learn and improve.

Good luck!

Gary Juffa MP is Governor of Oro Province, deputy chairman of parliament’s Public Sector Reform Committee and the sole parliamentary representative of the People’s Movement for Change