I just celebrated my 23rd birthday, and it really shifted how I view life. It's something that often happens as you get older. When I was 6, I dreamed of being a teacher. By 10, I aspired to be a doctor. At 14, I saw myself as a future physics professor, and by the time I turned 18, I wanted to be an entrepreneur.
People often say, “Get good grades and your life will be sorted”. So, I followed their advice and did really well in my classes.
Next, they shifted their advice to "Get into a good college, and your life will be sorted." Taking their words to heart, I managed to gain admission into one of the top universities in my nation. But here's the kicker—the confusion and dilemmas stayed with me.
From the start of your existence, you're given instructions on how to act and find happiness in your journey.
Achieve high grades -> Avoid any trouble -> Secure admission to a prestigious university -> Land a well-paying job -> Start a family
Earn high grades -> Avoid getting into trouble -> Enroll in a reputable University -> Secure a well-paying job -> Establish a family.
Is this all that life is about?
Perhaps I'm not the best person to advise you on what truly counts in your 20s, seeing as I'm still in the midst of mine. But, I might just be the one who can give it to you straight, no sugarcoating. Here's the raw truth about how I plan to spend the rest of my 20s.
Embrace the Journey, Not the Destination
I understand that this stage in life can feel strange. While some of your friends are making double your salary, others are tying the knot and starting families. Meanwhile, some are off on adventures, realizing their dreams of traveling the globe.
In your perspective, it seems like everyone else is achieving more in life, whether in terms of money, spiritual growth, or emotional stability. This constant comparison only fuels your self-doubt.
You’ve faced various challenges in life and had to tackle them on your own. Your twenties aren’t meant for proving others wrong but for discovering what truly brings you joy. Embrace the ups and downs, the twists and turns, and the surprise detours that define your journey.
Rather than obsessing over where you believe you should be at a specific age, concentrate on the adventure of understanding yourself and fostering personal development.
Pursue Passion with Purpose
Here's a little secret: I've got an engineering degree. Considering the investment I made to earn this qualification, it would make sense for me to work in engineering, joining companies and steadily earning a return on my investment.
For a while after I graduated, I indeed followed that routine. However, the lifestyle started to drain me. I would wake up before dawn, endure a two-hour commute across the country to get to work, and then spend my day with colleagues who were twice my age and preferred silence. My job was turning me into a grumpy person. I wasn’t content.
So I quit my job, followed my passions, began focusing on my individual projects, and built connections with people around the world. It was one of the most challenging periods since I was jobless and looking for work that brought me joy.
Had I not quit my job back then, I doubt I would have ever found the courage to do so. The bills would have kept increasing, I’d have gotten older, and switching careers would have felt nearly impossible.
Your twenties are the perfect time to chase after your dreams. Discover what you love and try out different things as much as you can. You're just stepping into adulthood—consider it your second chance at life.
Embrace your errors. Seize opportunities. Follow your passion.
Take Good Care of Yourself
Don’t. Compromise. Your. Health.
That’s all there is to it. The choices you make and the routines you establish now will determine who you become in the future. This is your opportunity to optimize your physical health and vitality. Go for runs. Choose a sport and engage in it regularly. Avoid spending the entire day in front of your gaming rig or binge-watching shows, no matter how relaxing it seems.
Eat healthy and sleep early.
Amidst the chaos of daily life, taking care of your physical and mental well-being can often take a backseat. However, your twenties are an ideal period to focus on self-care. Begin by fueling your body with healthy food, engaging in consistent physical activity, and setting aside time for hobbies and activities that make you happy and content. Remember, investing in yourself today will lead to long-term benefits.
Dreams Require Sacrifice
If you aim high, be ready to give up a lot along the way.
Success is seldom achieved effortlessly, and reaching your objectives will require immense effort, commitment, and tenacity. You'll need to master the art of saying NO.
Your friends will probably be out partying. Someone might invite you to join them and do something that doesn’t really appeal to you. Now, I'm not suggesting you avoid all social events. What I'm saying is that you need to become selective about which gatherings you choose to attend.
It involves dedicating your time, making tough choices, and remaining devoted to your goals, even when times are difficult. Keep in mind, each sacrifice moves you a step nearer to achieving your dreams.
Live Like a Typical Bachelor
Create as many memories as possible by pushing yourself beyond your comfort zone. To say it even better.
Seek Discomfort
Seek Discomfort
Before making a purchase, take a moment to ask yourself, "Is this a necessity or just a desire?"
The moment you can honestly tackle this question, you'll start saving a significant amount of time and money. Focus on adopting things that simplify your life rather than just making it comfortable. Enjoy outings with friends, attend parties, and socialize, but be mindful not to let these activities impact your work or personal life negatively.
Feel encouraged to reach out and connect with new people. Engaging with a variety of individuals can offer surprising opportunities for learning and growth.
Teach Yourself What Your School Didn’t Teach
Taxes, investing, and saving money are crucial for achieving financial stability. It's important to educate yourself about these topics early on. I took classes that taught me how to invest in stocks and manage my savings wisely.
Your twenties will reveal countless skills and lessons that you should have picked up earlier in life. Since no one else has shown you the ropes, you'll need to take charge and teach yourself. Dedicate extra time to learning and improving — always embrace these chances to grow.
Always seek out new knowledge and find ways to save money whenever possible.
People Will Change, Don’t Force It
In your twenties, you'll start to observe shifts in how some people around you act. Occasionally, these changes are positive, but other times they signal potential issues.
You might notice a friend drifting away or realize that your ideas no longer match. Understand that this isn't anyone's fault. They, too, are evolving and learning more about themselves. Everyone is on their own path, and you can't expect people to stay unchanged. You need to evolve as well.
It’s really tough when you start drifting away from people you once believed would be important in your future. Making new friends can seem incredibly challenging. It requires a lot more effort to meet up and hang out with friends, and sometimes you'll notice they’re not as interested in making the effort.
You can't always count on others to care for you the same way you care for them. Over time, you'll discover those who stay by your side and welcome you into their lives.
Know You’re Enough
Maybe nothing holds any significance in your twenties. Maybe everything is crucial. Maybe you'll discover the answers early on. Maybe you've already got it all figured out.
There isn’t a definitive path to living your life correctly, but one constant remains—understand your worth and recognize that you are enough.
In case no one has told you yet — it's perfectly fine not to have everything sorted out. It's okay to take your time finding your own path. Use this period to figure out what you truly want from life and live it without worrying about societal expectations.
