[…] My 20s have been years of many important lessons, and you can read about 20 things I learned in my 20s in this post. […]
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20 Things You Should Know In Your Twenties:
How to slay your twenties
Being in your twenties is huge.
It is such a critical age, you’re neither a full-grown adult yet nor a teenager anymore. And it’s pretty scary.
When I turned 20, I was already working full-time, enrolled in university, and trying to balance a social life on top of all that. With all that to say, I made it work, albeit making some mistakes along the way, and I’d like to think I learned a lot from these mistakes.
Since your twenties are such a critical time, I thought I would share 20 things I wish I knew when I turned 20, to advise young girls who are just starting their lives about how I navigated through my twenties.
I’m also including a few guest contributions at the end of this post, so keep reading until the end!
No time to read now? Pin it for later! 📌
1. Choose your friends wisely
I am starting with this one because the company you keep really does reflect on your character.
At the start of my twenties, I hung out with a pretty shitty crowd. There was always a lot of unnecessary drama, and in general, a lot of the people I knew then are not people I want to spend time with now.
Surrounding yourself with people who will bring out the best in you is so important, especially at a young age when you’re much more impressionable.
2. Take care of your body
The sooner you start to eat right and move, the easier it will get down the road.
No, a McDonald’s every weekend or a pizza once in a while are not going to hurt you, but try to not make them a habit.
Incorporate more greens and fruit in your diet, drink plenty of water, and go for a walk every other day at least. Keep your body happy because as we age, it only gets harder to do so.
3. Spend time with your family
Call your parents regularly to check up on them. Visit your grandparents every once in a while just because. You never know when the last time you’re going to see them will be, so stack up on these precious memories with your loved ones.
4. Keep educating yourself
Read. Listen to podcasts. Listen to motivational speeches. Find something/someone that inspires you and learn from them. Don’t think that you will learn everything there is to know about life from school. Learn how to change a tire and how to do laundry.
Related reads:
6 Motivating Podcasts You Need To Listen To
10 Books That Will Bring Out Your Inner Girl Boss
5. Learn basic words in another language
Especially if you like to travel, learn basic phrases like “Hello”, “Thank you”, “Welcome”, “Where is the bathroom?”and “Good-bye” in languages like French, Spanish or German among others.
Try if you can to learn random words in different languages. If you never travel to these countries, at least you will have a fun party trick up your sleeve! Duolingo is a great app that will help you learn another language!
6. Be punctual
I don’t care what anybody says- if people are continually late, it is not “cute”. It is rude.
Learn how to leave the house early in order to arrive on time. If your issue is getting ready, start getting ready earlier!
Give yourself a couple of hours if needed. Don’t be the person a whole party has to wait for before ordering dinner. And PLEASE, don’t go late to work.
Related read:
How To Get Ready In 15 Minutes
7. Always be aware of your surroundings
Especially if you are going out at night, know where you are at all times, have someone checking up on you, and don’t trust everyone you meet.
As mom-like as it sounds, terrible things can happen to young women, and if you can take any extra precautions to make sure you get home safely, take them. It’s not lame to be prepared for the worst, it can actually save your life.
8. Learn about finances
I cannot stress this one enough. Learn about budgeting, saving, credit scores, investing and buying a house.
I started paying attention to my money way too late in my twenties, but it is never too early to start being smart with your money.
Related reads:
12 Money Habits To Start In Your Twenties
7 Personal Finance Books You Need To Read
9. Meet different people
Mingle with people from all different races, social backgrounds and religions. This is the best way to learn about people from places other than your own. You are also bound to meet some amazing individuals.
10. Go outside your comfort zone
Be adventurous! Do things you are scared to do, you might surprise yourself! Try new foods, visit new places, do something crazy once in a while.
11. Be your own best friend
People will disappoint you, and boys will break your heart. It is up to you to hold your head up high, know your worth, and be your own support system.
12. Learn to spend time alone
Once in a while, make some time for yourself and practice self-care. Being comfortable with being alone is something that not everyone enjoys, but it is a great way to learn more about yourself.
Related read:
90 Ways To Spend Time At Home
13. Live frugally
Living below your means will help you get financial freedom. Learn where you can cut costs and don’t blow your whole paycheck on things that won’t matter down the road. Check out my How To Treat Yourself On A Budget post on ways in which you can practice self-care without spending money.
Related read:
15 Things To Stop Buying When You Want To Save Money
14. Put yourself first
Know your worth, don’t settle for just anything, and start living your life focusing on your goals. Of course, it is nice to help others occasionally, but just remember to also think about yourself from time to time.
15. Don’t ignore your mental health
Mental health is just as important as physical health. Do more of what makes you happy and remember that it is okay not to be okay all the time. Shit happens, but nothing will ever be the end of the world.
16. You don’t have to have a huge friends circle
If you think that you need to be super popular to be happy and content, you don’t. All it takes are a few friends who believe in you and have your back no matter what.
17. You will have haters, and that’s okay
Throughout your life, there will be people who will think it’s okay to not like you for whatever reason, and that’s fine. Their opinion of you does not take anything away from who you are, and you should not pay them any mind.
18. Make your dreams into plans
If you want something bad enough, you have to go out there yourself and bust your ass until you get it. Want a new car? Save like your life depends on it. Want to have a comfortable retirement? Work hard and start investing each month. You can do anything you set your mind to.
Related read:
How To Reach Your Goals
19. Don’t burn bridges
You never know when you will need a person to vouch for you. Whether it is someone at your job or your landlord, be nice to them, stay respectful, and don’t give them a reason to speak negatively about you when asked.
20. Have fun with it
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Try new things. Laugh until you cry. Your twenties are an amazing time- make the most out of them.
Now that you’ve heard (read?) the lessons I learned in my twenties, read on below to find out what our contributors had to say.
Natalka from www.iwanttobuyahouse.co.uk had this to say:
I wish someone had told me that not everyone was going to like me. And that that was okay. I don’t have to try and be someone I’m not, or pretend I enjoy things I don’t enjoy, just to fit in with certain people. Mostly, I wish I had known that your true lifelong friends are built on the basis that you can all be yourself around each other. Luckily, I learnt that and now I’m completely fine with not having 100 friends, and 300 messages to reply to everyday. Having two or three close friends is more than enough to be happy. And you’ll find that you are generally more likable when your not pretending to be someone you’re not all of the time. Who cares if I’m not someones cup of tea. I’m someone else’s teapot.
Emma from emmahenrichs.com who had just turned 20, shared this:
I just turned 20 in January and people make a big deal about it. First off, you’re “officially” an adult, no longer a teen as they say, and they say your twenties are going to be the best years of your life.
Beautiful article and reflection on our 20’s. I learned so much about myself and life during my twenties. I will be 32 next month and I already love my 30’s more than my 20’s. I hope each decade continues to be like this..the next one better than the last. Growing, maturing, learning and becoming everything I am and will be is something I continuously look forward too!
20’s were definitely full of lifelong lessons and you just got me so excited for my 30’s! Can’t wait to see what the next decade has in store for me. Thank you for reading!
I love this! I really wish I had learned most of your post when I was in my 20s! Would have made my 30s way easier… great post!
We live and we learn! I’m sure you’re doing great now! 🙂
It sounds like you certainly made the best of your 20s:) The 30s are amazing so you have that to look forward to!
I am so ready for my 30s! I’ve only heard amazing things. 🙂
This is such good advice. So much of this was true for me in my 20’s. It’s such a difficult decade, and you definitely come out wiser and with a more practical view of the world and your own personal expectations. Good luck in your 30’s!
Thank you so much! It hasn’t been an easy ride but I’m so excited for my 30s!
Great material thanks for sharing
Thank you so much for reading!
This is amazing
Thank you!
I so agree about the mental health point. We tend to take it for granted and ignore syntomps just because they are not physical. Thanks for sharing. I wish you another year of wisdom!
Mental health is so important, and you’re completely right! More people need to invest in their mental health as much as in their physical. Thank you so much for reading!
This is my life at the moment! I am really struggling with the friends thing at the moment. I can’t relate to old school friends and have no idea where to find new ones.
Look for events in your area and go out and try to mingle with different people. Or try volunteering. Good luck! I hope that you find quality people in no time. 🙂
Some good advice. Keep up the good work. 🙂
Thank you so much!
This is brilliant advice!
Xoxo,
Laura || afinnontheloose.com
Thanks so much!
What great insight! I think something I struggled with in my early twenties was learning to be alone, especially as an extrovert. The journey wasn’t easy, but I’m definitely learning to love it.
I think it’s so cool you’re writing on topics like this! I just started a similar blog for people learning how to adapt to adulthood, too. Looking forward to learning more from you!
Being alone can be scary for some people but I find it so liberating to be able to just hang out by yourself and be content with it!
Thank you so much! And that’s awesome! I’ll definitely be giving your blog a read!
Creeping up on my 30th birthday, I can agree with all of the above. 20s were definitely a learning curve for a lot of us.
Oh, I absolutely agree! I’m turning 26 in less than a month (oh, boy!) and can totally sign for each of your statements. Have made around 50/50 mistakes but oh well, life. haha
Haha life indeed! I’ve also made my fair share of mistakes in my twenties 😅