It's only after we've lost everything that we're free to do anything.― Chuck Palahniuk
Your 20s are undoubtedly the years that pass the fastest. There is just so much that is expected out of you, that in the end, you realize all you did was fulfill expectations. It's after the time has passed that you realize, you've lost a lot in return for not much. Mind you, I'm not saying you'll end up taking all the wrong decisions. All I'm saying is that, while you're taking perhaps some of the best decisions in your life, don't leave place for regrets. Do everything that you want to, and do it well. In the end, you have to be happy every day that you live. Giving up happiness today, in however small a form, will take away some happiness in the future that you still haven't lived. So, my friends, with these 14 ways to make the most of your 20s, you will ensure that every day you live in the moment, and become a happier person for life.
#1: Remember, growing up is optional.Growing old is mandatory. Growing up is optional. ― Carroll Bryant
Behave your age. Don't act all grown up when it's actually time to focus on yourself. This is your last chance to be a little selfish. It's okay to just take a break and chill for some time, not caring about things that are not important at the moment.
#2: Exercise and look great.When it comes to eating right and exercising, there is no "I'll start tomorrow." Tomorrow is disease. ― Terri Guillemets
Exercise. Challenge your body. Wake up, have some juice, and go for a run. Walk whenever you can. Walk, walk, and walk. Keep walking. Once you learn how to worship your body and take notice of it, you won't have to try too hard to look great.
#3: Start focusing on a direction.Perhaps when we find ourselves wanting everything, it is because we are dangerously close to wanting nothing. ― Sylvia Plath
You may not have your life worked out at the moment, but try to find direction. Listen to your heart, but don't ignore your mind. Figure out at least what you want to do, if not how you want to do it. We always want something; it's only about understanding these wants and working towards them.
#4: Hang out.I miss hanging out with my friends, getting in a little trouble. I have to be so guarded now. ― Tiger Woods
Hang out as much as you can. Meet new people. Yes, you love staying cozily indoors, buried in books. Nobody said you can't do that if you try to give your social insides some freedom. Remember, man is a social animal. You can get some alone time whenever you want but company, that's hard to find.
#5: Travel ... learn to get lost.The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page. ― Augustine of Hippo
Travel, it's the best thing that you can do to yourself. You'll gain only experiences, and if and when destined, meet new people who will become friends for life. You'll make more of the world a part of your life, and become a part of other people's tales.
#6: Understand happiness.For every minute you are angry you lose sixty seconds of happiness. ― Ralph Waldo Emerson
Happiness is not external, and now is the best time to understand this rule of life. What happens when you shed all those layers - expensive clothes, innumerable accessories, keys to that expensive car ... you stand alone, just as you do in bed at night. Focus on that YOU.
#7: Understand the meaning of family.Going home and spending time with your family and your real friends keeps you grounded. ― Jennifer Ellison
Your family isn't going to be around forever. Love them and respect them. You may move on for a better opportunity or you may not. You don't want to lose out on moments of intimacy. Your family is the base of all your roots ... make sure you care for them well.
#8: A job you love vs. a job that pays.Libraries will get you through times of no money better than money will get you through times of no libraries. ― Anne Herbert
You might have to choose between a job that you love and a job that promises to pay your bills on time. Choose what you love ... your love for it will take you further in life than anything else. An unhappy career might pay your bills but will in the long run, make you pay for more.
#9: Cook.Cooking is at once child's play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love. ― Craig Claiborne
Learn the art of cooking. Treat yourself to your own cooking. Take it up as a hobby and master it. Learn a new dish, explore a new cuisine, or just cook yourself some noodles ... you'll find it useful in the years to come. Trust me, there is no better indulgence then pampering yourself with self-cooked food.
#10: Find yourself.Don't worry about finding your soul mate. Find yourself. ― Jason Evert
Don't waste any time figuring out how other people are or why they may be wired that way. Think inside. What makes you the person you are - things that have shaped you, things that define you, and things that you want to improve. Like you need to keep your enemies closer, you need more information about your flaws than your skills.
#11: Have an opinion.So you're a little weird? Work it! A little different? OWN it! Better to be a nerd than one of the herd! ― Mandy Hale
Have a perspective. It's very important to value your own logic, your thoughts, and your opinions. Don't follow the herd; break away, and start your journey based on rules 'you' made for yourself. Your rights and wrongs should be the outcome of your lessons and not somebody else's.
#12: A party now vs. a party later.I never think of the future - it comes soon enough. ― Albert Einstein
A lot of people will tell you to work now so that you can enjoy life later on. But who knows? Will you even live long enough to enjoy tomorrow? There is a time for everything. Don't hurry, but don't even be laid back. Remember to plan your future ... but not at the cost of your present.
#13: Love your relationship.Every couple has ups and downs, every couple argues, and that's the thing - you're a couple, and couples can't function without trust. ― Nicholas Sparks
Take active part in your romantic relationships. Value them and nurture them. Don't make them about you, but about both. Add more to the relationship than what you take from it. Learn giving. Understand the power of companionship, and draw strength from it.
#14: Indulge.Anything that feels good couldn't possibly be bad. ― Angelina Jolie
Go to the spa, say hello to retail therapy once in a while, and don't hesitate to take a day off to do nothing at all. If you love reading, go to a bookstore and hang out with books you love. If you like watching movies, don't get out of bed till you think you've watched enough for the day.
Things you Need to Accomplish in Your 20s Nevertheless
Though your 20s should be about all the things mentioned above, there are a few things you need to keep in mind while living your life your way. There HAS TO BE a method to the madness. Here are a few tips you can follow to financially secure yourself in the future.
★ Start saving now, however little the amount is. With the wonderful functioning of a compound interest, you will have a lot of money to live your retirement years just as freely.
★ Open a retirement account, and ask all your employers to credit money into it directly, before the money gets credited to your salary/personal account.
★ Keep a check on your spending habits. Don't save in the first month, just see how you spend. From the next month onward, try to lessen the amount you spend every month.
★ If there is one thing you must learn in your 20s, it is taxes. All of them. Understand them and figure out how you are going to deal with them.
★ Understand and learn diversity in saving and investment. Don't put all your money in a single place. You want to have as many options as possible in the end.
So, as you see, it's not only about finding happiness, but also about ensuring that it stays forever. Make the most of your 20s but not at the cost of instability later.
