5 important life lessons i’ve learned in my 20’s to Prepare for the Next Chapter.
It’s my birthday month march already! Dayummmm!
Which means the first quarter of 2023 has officially flown by. (I’m trying to remember all the things i swore that i was going to do back in january? Have I done any of them?)
When I reflect on the goals I’ve set for 2023, I realize that I still have a long way to go. I don’t feel guilty for not taking enough initiative towards my goals yet, but my inner voice tells me that I can achieve them. To make progress, I need to start small and work consistently towards my goals.
Recently, I caught up with a friend who was also my classmate when I was studying for my Masters in Sweden. We talked about getting older, and I could sense that both of us, who are turning 29, still experience a sense of imposter syndrome when discussing our career growth. It was a bit uncomfortable as we talked about our careers, because we both know that we have untapped potential that we have not yet unleashed.
So for my next birthday, I’m not going to be in my 20s anymore. I have been thinking about sharing some of the life lessons I’ve learned between the ages of 19 and 29.
1. Tiny efforts consistently will take you much further towards your life goals
In my early 20s, I believed that success could be achieved if I simply made an effort towards my goals. However, I soon realized that the key to success is consistent effort.
Many people complain that they are not seeing results despite their efforts, but they often fail to recognize whether they have been making consistent efforts or not. I personally believe that if anyone consistently puts in effort, the universe will conspire to bring about the desired result.
2. Commitment is Key
I have met many people in my life, and I have often talked about all the things I wanted to do or will do one day. However, one thing I lacked was commitment towards what I aspired to do.
As I grew older, I began to realize that commitment is a vital ingredient for success in any aspect of life, whether it’s at work, in relationships, or in business. I have become more humble in setting my goals and achieving them as I have gained clarity on how much commitment I can give to a particular task. I feel like I am aging like a fine wine, gaining wisdom and understanding of the importance of commitment in achieving success.
3. Twenties are for experimentation with career choices
People often say that their twenties are for exploration, self-discovery, and experimentation when it comes to career choices. One of the biggest tragedies that I have heard from my friends and relatives who are older than me is that they committed to a career for life, often based on the decisions that their friends or college suggested while studying for their bachelor’s or in some cases family circumstances have forced them into a certain career path. I have heard stories from people who dislike their job or career path but feel that they cannot change it. They wish they had experimented with different careers in their early years.
I find it insane to expect someone in their early twenties to figure out their career and life path. In my case, I feel fortunate and grateful to my parents for giving me the freedom and flexibility to explore different career choices. I have taken career risks, such as working in an early-stage startup, and learned from those experiences. I believe that this will help me in the long run. Although my twenties are coming to an end, when I look back, I do not have any regrets about not trying something new or exploring a different career path.
4. Learn to say NO
I have watched numerous Instagram reels and YouTube shorts where motivational speakers emphasize the importance of learning to say “no”. I must admit that it is a crucial life skill that can significantly impact our overall well-being.
Saying no can be challenging, especially when we fear disappointing or offending others. However, learning to say no can help us reduce stress, free up our time and energy, and allow us to focus on goals and aspirations that align with our own values.
Personally, I have become better at saying “no”, but I know that with practice, it will become easier for me in the future. It is a skill worth mastering as it can have a positive impact on our personal and professional lives.
5. The earlier you start to make investments, the better.
I wish I had understood the power of compounding and the benefits of living a frugal lifestyle in my early 20s. Living frugally can help us reduce unnecessary expenses and free up funds to make investments that can grow exponentially over time. In our younger years, we can take more risks because we have fewer responsibilities. Making systematic investments over a long period can yield higher returns and provide us with financial freedom to achieve long-term financial goals such as buying a house, a car, or saving up for retirement.
By starting early and living a frugal lifestyle, we can make our money work for us and reap the benefits of compounding. It is a lesson I have learned, and I encourage others to adopt this approach as well.
To conclude, the twenties can be very challenging. Try to experiment with things that are in your control as much as possible, as experimenting can lead to a great journey towards self-discovery and provide you with the skills you need for the next chapter of your life. Be proud of your life and yourself.
As I get older, I can feel in my gut that I am improving, and it is something to be proud of.
Happy adulting!
