Ever wonder what life lessons people wish they’d learned sooner? Your 20s are often called the “defining decade” – a time of growth, exploration, and sometimes, regrets. I’ve gathered insights from those who’ve been there and done that. They’ve shared their experiences, both good and bad, to help guide today’s young adults.
In this blog, I’ll reveal 25 things people often wish they’d done differently during this crucial time.
Save more money
A 32-year-old office worker shared, “I wish I’d saved even a little bit each month. Now I’m playing catch-up.” Many young adults overlook the importance of saving early, thinking they have plenty of time. However, starting to save in your 20s can make a huge difference in your financial future.
Even small amounts add up over time, thanks to compound interest. Try setting aside 10% of your income if possible. If that’s too much, start with what you can afford and gradually increase it. Creating a budget and tracking your expenses can help you find areas where you can cut back and save more.
Learn to cook
“I spent so much on takeout. I could’ve saved money and eaten healthier if I knew how to cook,” said a 29-year-old teacher. Cooking is a valuable life skill that many people in their 20s neglect. Not only can it save you money, but it also allows you to control what goes into your meals, leading to healthier eating habits.
Start with simple recipes and gradually build your skills. Look for online tutorials or consider taking a cooking class. Cooking can also be a fun social activity – invite friends over for dinner parties or potlucks. As you get better, you’ll find that you enjoy your home-cooked meals more than expensive restaurant food.
Travel more
A 35-year-old manager told me, “I was so focused on work, I forgot to see the world. Now it’s harder with family commitments.” Your 20s can be an ideal time to travel, before you have too many responsibilities tying you down. Traveling broadens your perspective, exposes you to different cultures, and creates lasting memories.
If you can’t afford long trips, consider short weekend getaways or exploring your local area. Look for travel deals or consider budget options like hostels or camping. You could also combine travel with work or study through programs like working holiday visas or study abroad. Remember, travel doesn’t have to be expensive to be meaningful.
Take care of your health
“I thought I was invincible. Now I’m dealing with health issues I could’ve prevented,” a 40-year-old shared. Many young people neglect their health, thinking they’ll always feel as good as they do in their 20s. However, the habits you form now can significantly impact your future health.
Make sure to eat a balanced diet, get regular exercise, and get enough sleep. Don’t skip regular check-ups and dental visits. Also, pay attention to your mental health – learn stress management techniques, and don’t hesitate to seek help if you’re struggling. Taking care of your health now can prevent many problems later and set you up for a healthier life overall.
Learn a new language
A 38-year-old software developer said, “I wish I’d learned Spanish when I had more free time. It would’ve helped my career.” Learning a new language in your 20s can open up numerous personal and professional opportunities. Your brain is still quite flexible at this age, often making it easier to pick up new languages.
Choose a language that interests you or could benefit your career. You could take classes, use language learning apps, or find a language exchange partner. Even if you don’t become fluent, knowledge of another language can enhance your resume, help you connect with people from different cultures, and enrich your travel experiences.
Invest in your education
“I wish I’d taken more courses to expand my skills,” a 36-year-old marketing specialist admitted. Your 20s are a great time to invest in learning, whether through formal education or self-study. This doesn’t necessarily mean getting another degree.
Consider taking online courses, attending workshops, or getting certifications in your field. Look for opportunities to learn new skills that complement your current knowledge. The more you learn, the more valuable you become in the job market.
Build a professional network
A 33-year-old entrepreneur shared, “I didn’t realize how important connections were until I started my own business.” Networking isn’t just about finding a job; it’s about building relationships that can support your career growth long-term.
Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with colleagues on LinkedIn. Don’t just focus on people who can help you right now – build genuine relationships with a diverse group of professionals. You never know how these connections might help you (or how you might help them) in the future.
Start a side hustle
“I wish I’d started my photography business earlier, even if just on weekends,” a 37-year-old former accountant told me. A side hustle can provide extra income, but it’s also a way to explore your passions and potentially transition to a new career.
Choose something you enjoy and start small. It could be freelancing in your field, selling handmade items, or offering a service like pet-sitting. Even if it doesn’t turn into a full-time gig, a side hustle can teach you valuable skills in entrepreneurship, time management, and financial planning.
Practice financial literacy
A 34-year-old teacher admitted, “I didn’t understand how credit cards or investing worked until it was almost too late.” Many young adults leave school without a solid understanding of personal finance, which can lead to poor decisions.
Take time to learn about budgeting, investing, taxes, and credit scores. Read financial books or blogs, listen to podcasts, or take a personal finance course. Understanding how money works will help you make better financial decisions throughout your life.
Prioritize sleep
“I thought I could function on 4-5 hours of sleep. Now I’m dealing with the health consequences,” a 39-year-old shared. In your 20s, it’s tempting to sacrifice sleep for work or social activities. However, a consistent lack of sleep can have serious long-term effects on your health and productivity.
Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night. Establish a regular sleep schedule and create a relaxing bedtime routine. Limit caffeine and screen time before bed. Good sleep habits formed in your 20s can set you up for better health and productivity in the future.
Also read: Baking Soda Wonders: 21 Things You Can Do With Baking Soda At Home
Cultivate healthy relationships
A 31-year-old counselor reflected, “I spent too much time in toxic relationships. I should have focused on building positive connections.” Your 20s are often a time of intense personal relationships, but it’s crucial to recognize which ones are healthy and supportive.
Learn to set boundaries and communicate effectively. Surround yourself with people who encourage your growth and share your values. Don’t be afraid to let go of relationships that consistently bring you down or hold you back. Building strong, healthy relationships in your 20s can provide a support system that lasts a lifetime.
Learn to manage stress
“I wish I’d learned better ways to handle stress earlier. It would have saved me from burnout,” a 35-year-old project manager shared. Your 20s can be a stressful time as you navigate career starts, relationships, and adult responsibilities.
Develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress. This could include exercise, meditation, journaling, or talking to a therapist. Learn to recognize your stress triggers and how to manage them effectively. These skills will serve you well throughout your life, helping you maintain better mental and physical health.
Start retirement planning
A 40-year-old accountant admitted, “I thought retirement was too far away to worry about. Now I’m scrambling to catch up.” While retirement may seem distant in your 20s, it’s the best time to start planning for it.
Take advantage of any employer-sponsored retirement plans, especially if they offer matching contributions. If you’re self-employed, look into individual retirement accounts (IRAs). Even small contributions can grow significantly over time due to compound interest. The earlier you start, the more comfortable your retirement is likely to be.
Develop a reading habit
“I wish I’d read more books instead of just scrolling through social media,” a 33-year-old software engineer told me. Reading regularly can broaden your knowledge, improve your vocabulary, and enhance your critical thinking skills.
Try to read a mix of fiction and non-fiction. Set a realistic goal, like reading one book a month. Join a book club or start one with friends to make reading a social activity. Reading can be a lifelong source of learning and enjoyment if you cultivate the habit early.
Learn basic home and car maintenance
A 36-year-old homeowner shared, “I could have saved so much money if I knew how to do simple repairs.” Basic maintenance skills can save you money and give you a sense of self-reliance.
Learn how to change a tire, unclog a drain, or fix a leaky faucet. There are plenty of online tutorials and community classes available. Not only will these skills save you money, but they can also be empowering and potentially useful in emergencies.
Volunteer or give back to the community
“I wish I’d started volunteering earlier. It’s given me a new perspective on life,” a 38-year-old nurse shared. Many people in their 20s are focused on building their careers and social lives, often overlooking the benefits of community service.
Volunteering can help you develop new skills, meet diverse groups of people, and gain a sense of purpose. Look for causes that align with your interests or values. Even if you can only spare a few hours a month, regular volunteering can have a positive impact on your community and your personal growth
Practice mindfulness or meditation
A 34-year-old therapist admitted, “I didn’t start meditating until my 30s. I could have managed my anxiety much better in my 20s if I had.” Mindfulness and meditation can be powerful tools for managing stress, improving focus, and enhancing overall well-being.
Start with just a few minutes a day of mindful breathing or guided meditation. There are many apps and online resources available to help beginners. Developing this habit in your 20s can provide you with valuable coping skills for the challenges of adult life.
Learn to negotiate
“I left so much money on the table because I didn’t know how to negotiate my salary,” a 37-year-old sales manager told me. Negotiation is a crucial skill, not just for your career, but for many aspects of life.
Practice negotiating in low-stakes situations, like at a flea market. Research negotiation techniques and role-play with friends. Remember, negotiation isn’t just about money – it’s about finding win-win solutions in any situation. This skill can help you in your career, personal relationships, and even when making major purchases.
Develop a consistent exercise routine
A 32-year-old personal trainer shared, “I wish I’d established a regular workout habit earlier. It’s harder to start as you get older.” Regular exercise not only keeps you physically healthy but also improves mental health and cognitive function.
Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s team sports, yoga, running, or weightlifting. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week. Building this habit in your 20s can set you up for a healthier life and make it easier to maintain as you age.
Cultivate emotional intelligence
A 35-year-old team leader shared, “I wish I’d worked on understanding and managing my emotions earlier. It would have made me a better colleague and partner.” Emotional intelligence is crucial for personal and professional success.
Practice self-awareness by reflecting on your emotions and reactions. Work on empathy by trying to understand others’ perspectives. Learn to manage your emotions in stressful situations. These skills can improve your relationships, leadership abilities, and overall life satisfaction.
Start journaling
“I regret not keeping a journal in my 20s. It would have been amazing to look back on those experiences now,” a 41-year-old writer told me. Journaling can help you process your thoughts, track your personal growth, and preserve memories.
Try to write regularly, even if it’s just for a few minutes each day. You can journal about your experiences, goals, or reflections. In the future, you’ll appreciate having a record of your journey through this formative decade.
Develop a personal style
A 33-year-old designer admitted, “I spent too much on trendy clothes that didn’t suit me. I should have focused on developing my style.” Your 20s are a great time to experiment with your style and find what truly feels like “you.”
Invest in quality basics that fit well and can be mixed and matched. Experiment with different styles to see what you feel most comfortable and confident in. Remember, personal style goes beyond clothes – it’s about how you present yourself to the world.
Learn to say no
“I wish I’d learned to say no sooner. I often overcommitted and burned myself out,” a 36-year-old social worker shared. Many young adults struggle with setting boundaries and saying no to requests or invitations.
Practice politely declining things that don’t align with your priorities or values. Remember that saying no to one thing allows you to say yes to something else that matters more to you. Learning this skill in your 20s can help you maintain a better work-life balance throughout your life.
Prioritize experiences over possessions
A 38-year-old marketing executive reflected, “I spent too much on stuff I didn’t need. I wish I’d invested more in experiences instead.” While it’s tempting to buy the latest gadgets or fashion items, experiences often provide more lasting happiness.
Consider spending your money on travel, concerts, classes, or other experiences that create memories and help you grow. These experiences can shape your perspective and provide stories you’ll cherish for years to come. Plus, they often lead to new skills or connections that can benefit you in unexpected ways.
Practice gratitude
“I spent too much time focusing on what I didn’t have instead of appreciating what I did,” a 39-year-old life coach reflected. Practicing gratitude can increase happiness, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being.
Try keeping a gratitude journal where you write down three things you’re thankful for each day. Or make it a habit to express appreciation to others regularly. Cultivating gratitude in your 20s can help you maintain a positive outlook throughout your life.
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