The Road #28 - 10 Things I Wish I Knew Before My 20s
Lessons for Navigating Life’s Early Stages
If I could go back and have a chat with my younger self, there are a few things I’d tell them—things that would’ve saved me a lot of stress, confusion, and mistakes. Your 20s are such a pivotal time, and while it’s impossible to have everything figured out, there are some lessons that would have been helpful to learn earlier. Here are 10 things I wish I knew before hitting my 20s:
1 - It’s Okay Not to Have Everything Figured Out.
In your late teens and early 20s, there’s a lot of pressure to have a clear direction in life. But here’s the thing: most people are still figuring it out as they go. It’s okay to take time to explore different paths and discover what truly resonates with you.
2 - Start Building Good Habits Early.
The habits you form in your early years lay the foundation for the rest of your life. Whether it’s exercising regularly, saving money, or reading more, building good habits early on pays off massively later.
3 - Invest in Yourself.
Your 20s are the perfect time to focus on personal development. Learn new skills, take courses, and invest in your mental and physical health. The more you invest in yourself, the more you’ll be able to achieve in the long run.
4 - It’s Okay to Fail.
Failure is a part of life, and it’s one of the best teachers. I used to fear failure, but I’ve learned that every failure comes with valuable lessons. The key is to not let fear hold you back and to keep pushing forward.
5 - Surround Yourself with Good People.
The people you surround yourself with have a massive influence on your mindset and decisions. Choose friends who inspire and support you, who challenge you to be better, and who bring positivity into your life.
6 - Save and Invest Early.
I wish I started saving and investing earlier. Even small amounts can grow significantly over time. The earlier you start, the more time your money has to work for you. Don’t underestimate the power of compound interest!
7 - Learn How to Say No.
It’s tempting to say yes to everything, especially in your 20s when you’re eager to please and fit in. But learning to say no to things that don’t align with your values or goals is one of the most empowering skills you can develop.
8 - Your Career is a Journey, Not a Destination.
Your first job isn’t likely to be your last, and that’s okay. Your career path will likely twist and turn in unexpected ways, and that’s part of the adventure. Focus on learning and gaining experience rather than rushing to reach a certain level or title.
9 - Take Care of Your Health.
Your body is going to be with you for a long time, so treat it well. Start developing healthy habits—whether it’s eating better, exercising regularly, or managing stress. Your future self will thank you.
10 - Time is Your Most Valuable Asset.
You can always make more money, but you can’t get back lost time. Be mindful of how you spend it. Use your time to pursue passions, build relationships, and invest in things that bring you closer to your goals.
Your 20s are an exciting time full of opportunities and growth. It’s a decade of exploration, making mistakes, and learning from them. If I could go back, these are the things I’d remind myself of, but I’m glad I get to pass them on now.
Here’s to making the most of our time, no matter what stage of life we’re in.
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Link Lowdown
A collection of links to stuff I think are worth sharing.
AppBlock - A productivity tool that helps you block distracting apps and notifications during work or study sessions, perfect for staying focused.
The Art of Saying No - A great read on setting boundaries and prioritizing your time.
How to Develop a Growth Mindset - This episode dives into strategies for embracing challenges and continuous learning.
Mastering Personal Finance in Your 20s - A quick guide to understanding budgeting, saving, and investing early on.
Atomic Habits by James Clear - One of the best books I’ve read on building lasting habits.