What is one thing you would change about yourself?
While I wouldn’t change anything about myself, there are things I wish I had learned sooner. Looking back at my early 20s, I can’t help but feel a mix of gratitude and curiosity.
Gratitude, because every choice I made, every mistake, and every success brought me to where I am today. I’ve grown into someone I’m proud of, resilient, curious, and continuously learning. I have more opportunities that I would love to explore and learn. Yet, curiosity lingers once in a while. I wonder how different my journey might have been if I had known some of the things I now hold dear.
Your 20s are often described as the defining decade, a time to set the foundation for your future. These tips might help you seize opportunities, build meaningful relationships, avoid common mistakes, and grow into the person you would like to be.
1. Procrastination is a Dream Killer
I used to think, “I’ll do it later” was harmless. I had plenty of time, right? But procrastination has a sneaky way of stealing opportunities. It feels harmless in the moment, but over time valuable opportunities and progress tend to slip away from you. How many times have you told yourself that you will start working out next week? Or you will start making money online and learn the correct strategies soon?
While I’ve grown to appreciate every part of my journey, I recognize that my tendency to procrastinate has sometimes delayed my goals. Looking back, I see the time I lost putting off tasks that could have opened doors.
Remind yourself that small, consistent actions lead to big results. Use tools like to-do lists or the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused and stop postponing your actions.
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is to tackle tasks immediately, especially small ones. If something takes less than two minutes, do it now. Consistent action, no matter how small, builds momentum.
2. Two-Minute Tasks Are Game Changers
One of the simplest yet most powerful productivity hacks I’ve learned is the “two-minute rule.” If a task takes two minutes or less do it immediately. It might be sending an email, making your bed,tidying up your desk, putting laundry in the washer or replying to a message, do it immediately. This habit reduces mental clutter and keeps your to-do list manageable. Small actions create a habit of productivity. The longer you delay, the more tasks pile up, adding unnecessary stress.
3. Speak Up even as an Introvert
If I could change one thing about my earlier years, it would be my hesitation to speak up and grab opportunities. I used to think my quiet nature was a strength, but I’ve learned that being visible and vocal is just as important.”
Being an introvert, I often avoided speaking up, assuming my work would speak for itself or people would just understand my nature. The truth that I missed is, opportunities rarely come to those who remain silent. If you’re naturally quiet, it’s easy to fade into the background, but speaking up can open doors to opportunities.
Practice voicing your ideas in conversations, meetings, or social settings. Stay informed by reading the news, weather trends and understanding current events.This will enable you to start and hold conversations as you will be better equipped to contribute to discussions and connect with others meaningfully.
4. Learn New Skills To Make Money Online
The internet is a treasure trove of opportunities, and I wish I’d realized this sooner. Well maybe I did, but I kept on procrastinating when to start. From freelancing to blogging, graphic design, and e-commerce, the possibilities are endless. If you’re in your 20s, invest in learning a skill online as these skills can set you up for financial independence and open doors to a flexible lifestyle.
The earlier you begin, the more time you have to experiment and succeed. I tried ten or even more online opportunities before figuring out what works for me. We are lucky to live in a time where people get financially stable just by picking their phones and pressing the right buttons.
5. Invest in Your Health Early
I have always been strict when it comes to health and wellness. Prioritizing fitness and healthy eating early on pays dividends later in life. Whether it’s walking daily, hitting the gym, practising yoga or eating balanced meals, these habits boost your energy, mood, and focus.
Consider starting small, swap sugary snacks for fruit, or take a short walk during breaks. Your body will thank you for the care you give it now. This will also significantly impact your energy, focus, and longevity.
6. Start Saving and Investing Early
I used to think saving was something I’d do once I started earning “real money.” But the truth is, every small amount counts. The earlier you start saving and investing, the more you learn the art of budgeting and investing.Budgeting tools like Mint or YNAB make it easy to track expenses. Even a little consistency in your 20s can lead to financial security in your 30s.
7. Failure Is Part of the Process
I used to fear failure, it felt like the end of the world.
But every failure taught me something valuable, whether it was about myself, my goals, or my methods. Failure isn’t the opposite of success as most people say, it’s a stepping stone to it.
Embrace mistakes as opportunities to learn. The sooner you start overcoming fear of failure, the faster you grow. Don’t fear rejection or mistakes. Remember, every successful and great person has failed more times than they can count.
8. Surround Yourself With Supportive People
Your circle shapes your mindset. Spend time with people who inspire you, challenge you to grow, and support your dreams. If someone in your life consistently drains your energy or discourages your ambitions, it’s okay to let them go.
Building a supportive network makes the journey to success more fulfilling. Your circle of friends can influence your mindset, habits, and ambitions. Spend time with people who uplift you, challenge you, and align with your values. Remember, birds of a feather flock together.
9.Learn to Say No
Saying yes to everything might feel like the polite thing to do, but it often leads to burnout. Am still struggling to learn how to set boundaries and saying no when I have to. Most of the time I end up stretching myself thin to please others. Learning to say no when needed isn’t selfish but rather self-care.
10. Master the Art of Reading the Room
Hate might be a strong word, but I strongly dislike people that can’t read the room. Listening is more powerful than speaking. Before jumping into a conversation, observe and understand the dynamics. Learn the interests of the people around you, whether it’s your loved ones, boss, or collaborators. Show genuine interest, remember names, and make people feel heard. Paying attention builds trust and makes you memorable not forgetting relationships thrive on connection
Final Thoughts
Your 20s are a time of exploration and growth. While I wouldn’t change my journey, knowing these lessons earlier could have made the ride smoother.
What do you wish you would have known sooner? Share in the comments