20 Things to Learn in Your Early 20’s

1. Don’t Be Afraid To Put Yourself Out There 

Things will not just fall in your lap. There are moments in your life where you will have to get out of your comfort zone to get what you want. Whether it is introducing yourself to employers or walking up to someone at a party. You will always regret not going up to someone more than going up to someone and it not working out. 

2. No One is Looking at Your Pimple 

There is no one you are more critical of than yourself. No one cares if you have a pimple or if your hair is not perfect. Don’t take things so seriously and just try having fun. 

3. Chick-Fil-A Cannot Be Your Only Source of Food  

There comes a point in your twenties when you need to learn how to cook for yourself. Fast food may be convenient but you cannot survive off of it. Learn how to make some healthy meals that will make you feel good. 

4. Explore What’s Out There 

Your major does not confine what you do your whole life. Most people you ask will tell you that they went through a few jobs before finding what they love. Do not be afraid to explore what’s out there, each new job will teach you something new. 

5. Reach Out To Your Friends 

In your early twenties, it begins to get harder to schedule a time to see your friends. Everyone’s schedule gets busier and hanging out will become less frequent. To avoid growing apart, reach out to your friends and prioritize finding a time to see them. 

6. Spend Time With Yourself 

Don’t distract yourself so much that you lose sight of who you are. You need to be comfortable in your own skin. Spend some time alone and discover who you are and what goals you have. 

7. Hard Times Only Make You Stronger 

There is an old tail that goes: God once told a man to push a heavy rock up a hill. The man said, “Lord I cannot push this up a hill it is too heavy”. God told him to keep trying. The man pushed and pushed this heavy rock and moved it a little at a time. A few months go by and the man got the rock halfway up the hill when he said: “God I cannot push this rock up anymore, I am not strong enough”. God then said to him “look at yourself”. The man then looked at his banged-up body and scratched-up legs. Then God said “the goal was never for you to push the rock up the hill, it was to make you stronger. 

8. Experiences Are Better Than Stuff 

Stuff might bring you temporary pleasure but trips are memories you will always get to keep. Especially when you are young, take as many trips and experiences as you can. 

9. Some People are Seasonal 

It is a hard lesson to learn but some people will not be in your life forever. Some are only meant to be in your life for a time and then you grow apart. 

10. Stay In Touch With Family 

One of the hardest parts about getting older is realizing that your parents and loved ones are getting older too. Spend time with them and cherish the time you have. 

11. Staying In Can Be Just as Fun as Going Out 

Sometimes a good movie at home with friends or family is just as enjoyable as hitting the town. You can make anything a party if you try hard enough. 

12. If Someone Wants To Stop Being a Part of Your Life, Let Them

This is the hardest pill to swallow when growing up. Not all people will see how great of a person you are. If someone has made it clear to you that they no longer see a future with you, open the door for them. Blocking the door will only prevent the right person from walking in. 

13. Athens Was Not Built in a Day 

Some of the most sought-after things take the most time to get. Be resilient and learn how to have patience. 

14. The Present is a Gift 

Do not make yourself older than you are. You are still very young and most likely some of your best experiences have not happened yet. As Billy Joel once said, “Slow down, you crazy child.”

15. You Don’t Have to Be the Best 

Everyone has to start somewhere. You have to allow yourself to be bad at something before you can learn how to be great at it. Whether it’s college, a hobby, a sport, or a new job, do not give up just because you aren’t naturally amazing at something.   

16. “Let Them Eat Cake” 

As a wise Marie-Antoinette once said. “Let them eat cake”. Don’t fall for every diet plan you see on social media. Having a healthy body is much more valuable than losing a couple of pounds. Focus on eating healthy and every once in a while, eat cake if you want to.   

17. Fake it Till You Make it

The truth is a lot of people have no idea what they are doing. Take it day by day and let the path unfold in front of you. 

18. Stand Up For Yourself

There will come a point in your life where you will need to stand up for yourself. Have the courage to do it. No one can defend you the same way that you can. 

19. Some Lessons Can Only Be Taught Through Experiences

As much advice that people may give you, some lessons will not be learned until you experience them. 

20. Appreciate Hardships 

Without difficulties, you cannot fully appreciate the good times. Find joy in every season.