20 Things I Learned in My 20s so far
Life in my early twenties already feels completely different from life as a teenager. Here are 20 lessons I have already learned since growing out of my teen years:
- Nothing is forever
This was both relieving and unfortunate to learn. On the plus side bad experiences do not last forever. Though you may be stuck in a bad job now, there is hope for working up to a career you are passionate about in the future. On the other hand all good things must come to an end. Staying present in your day to day life is incredibly important. I have learned to put my phone down and participate more in my life so the good times do not pass me by.
- It is okay to change your mind
Nothing is set in stone. If you accept a job and it turns out to be the wrong environment for you, you are allowed to quit. If you enter college only to find it is not right for you, you are allowed to leave and follow your passions. It is okay to make mistakes and learn from them, making adjustments to your life as needed.
- Nutrition is important
You do not need to follow a Victoria Secret model’s diet plan to focus on your nutrition. Simply choosing fresh foods at the grocery store instead of relying solely on takeout will benefit your health and give you a boost of energy.
- Don’t underestimate skin care
When I was younger, I would just buy makeup to cover up the imperfections on my skin. Now I focus on my skin care to prevent breakouts and uncomfortable dry skin. This helps me feel more comfortable and confident in my day to day life.
- Don’t follow trends
If you genuinely like a trend, then feel free to partake in it! Following trends you dislike just because they are popular will get exhausting and can cost you a lot of money. Stay true to yourself and choose what makes you happy.
- Have hobbies
Hobbies are fantastic for your mind. Learning an instrument purely for yourself comes with no pressure and allows you to grow as a person. Hobbies can also help you make new friends if you choose to join a club / team.
- Say “no”
Do not give in to peer pressure. If someone makes you an offer you are not interested in, you are allowed to turn them down. Your comfort and opinions matter and the people around your should respect that.
- Organization is key
Keeping your belongings and time organized will help keep your mind organized. Get a planner or use the calendar app on your phone to keep all of your activities and deadlines where you can see them. Make sure everything in your room has a home so you do not have any clutter around you. You do not need to wait for Spring cleaning to get your space clean.
- Be comfortable being alone
There will be times where you only have yourself. Learn to trust yourself and enjoy your own company. Try seeing a movie by yourself and spending the day browsing your favorite store.
- Cancel unused subscriptions
With so many streaming services that exist now, it is easy to lose track of them. Check your credit card statements and see which services you are still paying for. If you have not used that service recently, cancel it immediately. These unused accounts can add up quickly.
- Keep your email inbox clean
You do not want to get into the habit of letting your inbox pile up. One day you are going to open your email and find thousands of unread messages sitting there. Check your email daily or weekly and delete messages you do not need to look back on. This helps prevent important emails from slipping through the cracks.
- Proper email writing is crucial
There will be times where you need to email a boss, doctor, or professor. Take some time to learn professional email writing. You can ask somebody for help or look up a video for free on YouTube.
- First impressions are everything
This goes hand and hand with email writing since sometimes a person’s first interaction with you is over email. Most people judge a person before truly getting to know them, so make sure you are putting your best foot forward. You do not need to pretend to be someone you are not- that would not be productive. You simply want to lead with the best version of yourself. For example, you do not need to wear a suit to your first job interview, but you also should not go in your pajamas.
- Do your own research
With social media, it is easy for misinformation to spread like wildfire. Do not believe everything that people tell you. Take some time to do your own research before forming an opinion of your own. This is particularly important when it comes to voting.
- Practice making phone calls
Talking on the phone is not as common when it comes to our friends, but it is the easiest form of communication when it comes to professional conversations. Your doctor’s office, future bosses, and customers will be calling you. Just like emailing, you want to learn to be professional in the way you conduct yourself on the phone. Remembering your manners and speaking clearly will take you far.
- Exercise does not have to be a chore
Moving your body is important for a healthy body and a healthy life. However, you do not need to go to the gym every day. Exercise can include going for a walk outside, playing with your pets, or even dancing around your living room. Make it fun!
- Have a private life
In the age of social media, it is easy to post everything online. Have some aspects of your life that you keep to yourself and your inner circle. Everybody in the world does not need to know about the family dispute you had last weekend or where your child goes to school. Putting too much online can lead to unsafe situations, bullying, or more arguments.
- Stand up after getting knocked down
Failure is a natural part of life. If you try something new and it does not work, do not give up. Learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.
- Err on the side of caution
If you ever feel a bad feeling in your gut, trust it. It is better to be safe than sorry. If you feel unsafe going somewhere, invite a friend or a family member to go with you.
- Don’t rush through life
Life goes by so quickly. Do not waste the current phase of your life waiting for the next phase to start.
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