Things I Wish I Knew in My 20s

1. Time Is Your Greatest Asset

When I was 20, time felt infinite. I’d procrastinate on my dreams, thinking there was always tomorrow. But the truth is, time is the one resource you can never get back. Looking back, I wish I’d spent less time worrying and more time taking action. Whether it’s pursuing a passion project, learning a new skill, or simply spending quality moments with loved ones, don’t take time for granted.

💡 Pro Tip: Create a “bucket list” of things you want to achieve in your 20s. They don’t have to be grand—simple goals like learning to cook, taking a solo trip, or starting a side hustle can add depth and excitement to your life.

2. It’s Okay to Not Have Everything Figured Out

Oh, the pressure I put on myself to have a five-year plan, a dream job, and a perfect relationship. But here’s the truth I’ve come to embrace: no one has it all figured out. Life isn’t about arriving at a destination—it’s about evolving, growing, and discovering new paths as you go.

✨ Reflect: Think of life as a series of chapters. Each chapter brings new opportunities, challenges, and lessons. Allow yourself the grace to turn the page when you need to.

3. Savings Matter, No Matter How Small

If I could go back, I’d tell my younger self to start saving—even if it’s just a little. I spent too much on fleeting pleasures without considering the long-term impact. Building good financial habits early on can set you up for a stress-free future.

💸 Action Step: Start a “pay yourself first” habit by setting aside a portion of your income each month for savings or investments. Apps and budgeting tools can make this process seamless.

4. Health Is Wealth

In my 20s, I prioritized late nights and fast food over sleep and vegetables. While that was fun for a while, I’ve learned the hard way that nothing is more valuable than your health. Your body is your home—treat it with care.

🌱 Start Small: Incorporate one healthy habit at a time, whether it’s drinking more water, taking daily walks, or cutting back on processed foods. Your older self will thank you.

5. Failure Is Not the End

Failure felt so personal back then. I’d beat myself up over every mistake, convinced it was a reflection of my worth. But failure isn’t final—it’s a stepping stone to success. Each misstep teaches you resilience, adaptability, and courage.

🔑 Mindset Shift: Reframe failure as feedback. Ask yourself, “What did this experience teach me, and how can I use it to grow?”

6. Relationships Evolve

Friendships and relationships in your 20s can be complicated. Some people will stay, some will drift, and that’s okay. The key is to cherish the ones who uplift you and gracefully let go of those who don’t.

💖 Reminder: Quality always trumps quantity when it comes to relationships. Invest your energy in people who bring out the best in you.

7. Comparison Is the Thief of Joy

In an era of Instagram-perfect lives, it’s so easy to compare your reality to someone else’s highlight reel. But comparison only robs you of the joy in your own journey.

🌟 Focus on You: Practice gratitude daily. Reflect on your own progress and celebrate your unique story—it’s more inspiring than you realize.

8. Learn to Say No

For the longest time, I was a people-pleaser, saying yes to everything and everyone, even when it drained me. But learning to say no isn’t selfish—it’s self-care.

🛑 Boundary Tip: Before agreeing to something, ask yourself, “Does this align with my values and priorities?” If the answer is no, give yourself permission to decline.

9. Ask for Help When You Need It

I used to think asking for help was a sign of weakness, but now I see it as a sign of strength. Whether it’s advice from a mentor, support from a friend, or therapy for mental health, seeking help can be transformative.

💬 Actionable Advice: Build a support network you can lean on. Remember, no one achieves success alone.

10. Enjoy the Journey

Looking back, I wish I had worried less about the future and enjoyed the present more. Your 20s are a time to explore, experiment, and make memories. Embrace the chaos, laugh at the missteps, and cherish the moments that make you feel alive.

🎉 Celebrate: Take time to acknowledge your growth, no matter how small. Life is made up of tiny, beautiful moments—don’t let them pass unnoticed.