14 Things I Wish I Knew In My 20s

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado on Unsplash

Do you ever wish you had a time machine to tell your younger self a little something-something? We all know that hindsight is 20/20, but what if we could take advantage of those insights today? I’ve realized that with the power of hindsight, there are so many things I wish I would’ve known in my 20s that could have made my life easier, richer and infinitely more fulfilling.

Whether you’re on the cusp of your 20s, firmly within them, or far beyond that decade, there’s something for all of you here. Now, are you ready to get the secrets that I have discovered over the years?

The Essential 14: Life’s Secrets, Reacher in Your 20s

1. Embrace Discomfort:

Growth never comes from comfort. Whether it’s pursuing a job aspiration or developing a relationship, with every step outside your comfort zone, you grow one step into a better you.

Just consider: when is the last time you had a superlatively transformative experience lying in bed?

2. Power of Financial Literacy:

I discovered that if you know about money when you are young, that can mean the difference between. Begin with budgeting fundamentals, then move into investments. Trust me, compound on the need for compound interest to be your buddy.

3. Relationships aren’t transactions:

Authentic relationship comes from trust and respect. Instead of thinking about what others have to offer you, think about your own value proposition.

Making Sense of the World in Your 20s

4. Ask Why:

There’s no need to do something one way just because “this is how it’s always been done.” Whether you’re reading about a wide range of subjects or having those conversations that challenge your preconceived notions, be curious and doubt everything. But, how else will you find your way?

5. Fail Forward:

Failure is not the opposite of success, it’s a part of it.

A good friend of mine, one of the most successful people I know, told me once, “A failure magnified becomes your road to success.

6. Health is Wealth IMV:

Nothing hit me more than understanding how crucial my body and mind are.

Regular exercise, eating well, and treating mental health with respect are not buzzwords, they are a must.

7. Purposeful Networking:

Your net worth is your network. But it’s not all about having a lot of contacts, it’s about real relationships that last.

8. Follow Your Passion, Wisely:

It’s simple to be carried away with passion. Balance it with practicality. Is this passion sustainable for you? If so, full steam ahead. If not, how can you pivot?

9. Learn to Listen:

You may believe yourself to be a good listener, but genuine listening includes understanding, empathy and reflection. The art of listening will open doors you didn’t even know were there.

Ditch the journaling and reflective conversation reflection habit: Reflect on conversations and write down the cool things you learned.

— Be engaged: Ask questions that demonstrate that you are paying attention.

10. Time is Not Renewable:

Invest it wisely. Once spent, it never returns. Look for projects that take you in the direction you want your life to go.

Photo by manas rb on Unsplash

11. Comparison is the Thief of Joy:

Concentrate on your journey and accomplishments and not someone else’s highlight reel. Ask yourself: Am I better than I was yesterday?

12. Hunt for Contrasting Views:

Thanks to travel, immersing in other cultures or just reading diverse authors, I’m always looking for the maximum amount of lenses. It broadens your horizons immensely.

13. Kindness is a Strength:

In a world so often harsh and judgmental, kind is radical. All acts of kindness create ripple effects.

Photo by Tom Parsons on Unsplash

14. Enjoy the Now:

Life is made in the little moments. Don’t be so obsessed with the next big thing that you miss the beauty of now.

Conclusion

Thinking back on those 30 things I wish I’d known in my 20s, it’s clear that there are no sassy little instruction booklets for life. But it does offer us the opportunity to learn and grow, every single day.” So, whether you’re splashing around in your amazing twenties or shepherding someone else through theirs, before you turn 30, hold these truths to be self-evident. Which of these tips are you feeling inspired by? How can you put these insights to work for you today?