Turning 30 has brought a sense of relief and a wealth of wisdom. Here are seven powerful lessons I’ve learned over the past decade that I wish I had known in my 20s. These lessons can help guide you through this transformative decade.
1. Your Twenties Won’t Be the Time of Your Life
1.1 The Reality vs. The Fantasy
Your 20s are often portrayed in media as a whirlwind of fun and excitement, but the reality is a mix of fun times and challenges. You’ll experience naivety, financial struggles, and emotional volatility alongside the adventures.
1.2 Embrace Both Sides
Understand that your 20s are a combination of partying and taking wild risks, as well as feeling lost and struggling to be taken seriously.
2. You Do Things for Future You
2.1 Long-Term Thinking
Every decision you make should consider your future self. Ask yourself what future you would want. Making decisions with your future self in mind leads to long-term happiness and success.
2.2 Reaping What You Sow
Good decisions made now will benefit you in the long run. Focus on creating a future that you’ll thank yourself for.
3. Assume Everyone’s Got Their Struggles
3.1 Compassion Over Comparison
Instead of putting others on a pedestal and assuming they have perfect lives, recognize that everyone has their struggles. This perspective fosters compassion and reduces resentment.
3.2 Shared Humanity
Understand that everyone is dealing with their own demons, and by acknowledging this, you can support each other and struggle less together.
4. At Some Point, Drugs Stop Being Fun
4.1 The Diminishing Returns of Substance Use
Drugs and alcohol may start out fun, but over time, they lose their appeal. Once they stop being enjoyable, they stay that way.
4.2 Embrace Sobriety
Sobriety can provide the fulfillment that substances promise but ultimately fail to deliver. It’s a positive and lasting change.
5. Don’t Stress If You Don’t Crush It This Decade
5.1 The Pressure of Success
The internet creates unrealistic pressure for young people to be highly successful early on. Remember that you’re not alone in feeling this way.
5.2 Focus on Growth
Instead of fixating on traditional success, focus on personal growth and appreciating what you have. Success will follow naturally.
6. Hard Choices, Easy Life; Easy Choices, Hard Life
6.1 Discipline Equals Freedom
Making difficult decisions and embracing discipline leads to a more fulfilling and easier life in the long run.
6.2 Micro Decisions Matter
Apply this principle to everyday choices. Small, consistent actions lead to significant changes over time.
7. Wherever You Go, There You Are
7.1 Facing Yourself
Running away from your problems doesn’t solve them. Confront your past and process any trauma to become a better person.
7.2 The Power of Vulnerability
Sharing your struggles with others can be liberating and transformative. You’re only as sick as your secrets.
Conclusion
Your 20s are a time of growth, learning, and transformation. Embrace these lessons to navigate this chaotic decade with wisdom and set yourself up for long-term success and fulfillment.
FAQs
What should I focus on in my 20s?
Focus on personal growth, making decisions with your future self in mind, and embracing the reality that everyone has their struggles.
How can I deal with the pressure to succeed?
Understand that the pressure to be highly successful early on is unrealistic. Focus on growth and appreciating what you have, and success will follow naturally.
Why is it important to confront my past?
Facing your past and processing trauma is essential for personal growth and becoming a better person. Sharing your struggles can be liberating.