Nick Lee is the Founder and CEO of The Jodi Lee Foundation, which he established soon after his wife Jodi lost her battle with bowel cancer in 2010. Leaving his role as a director of a multinational consumer goods company, Nick set out to help raise awareness of bowel cancer and educate people about the importance of screening for early detection.

Here is some advice to my teenage self …

You never know what’s coming around the corner. Your life can be changed in a heartbeat. Make the most of your opportunities. Live life to the fullest.

Don’t sweat the small stuff and concern yourself with matters you can’t control. There are so many things in life that are not worth worrying about. Too much stress can lead to health problems. Don’t keep things bottled up – let them go.

Your happiness in life will largely be dictated by the relationships you have with your family, friends and colleagues. The best way to build and deepen your relationships is by making other people feel good. Ask yourself each day, ‘What have I done to make someone feel good?’ Try to be there for people when you are needed most.

Stand up for what you believe in. You will come across many doubters in your life. Don’t let them get in the way of what you believe in and want to achieve. Have the courage to say ‘no’ if something doesn’t feel right.

The more you put in the more you take out. Have a crack, jump in, don’t procrastinate. You miss 100 per cent of the shots you don’t take. Seek out new life experiences whenever you have the opportunity.

You will make mistakes – you’re only human. Realise your mistakes, don’t hide from them. Take responsibility and don’t be afraid to say you are sorry. Your most important lessons come from making mistakes.

You can’t control what happens to you but you can control how you react to it. If you get knocked down, get up! Try to make the best of every situation. Life will serve you many road bumps but just keep going.

Your integrity is so important. If you are honest, trustworthy and don’t judge others, you will be happy with who you are. Don’t be influenced by what other people think. Be your own person and people will respect you for it.

You don’t know everything – ask questions, be curious and, above all, listen.

Take time to appreciate things and maintain childlike wonder. There are many beautiful things in this world – enjoy them. Don’t let yourself get so bogged down in life that you miss out.

Your health is the most important thing. Invest in it so you can enjoy a long and healthy life. Follow your passions and believe in yourself. Work hard and love every minute of it. Look after yourself and the people you love, and laugh a lot.