7 Things I’d Tell My 20-year-old Self

Your 20’s are supposed to be the most exciting years of your life, and that incredibly optimistic expectation is why we’re so shocked when they aren’t.

I’ve hated most of my 20s.

And as I edge ever closer to the next decade of my life, I’m starting to realize that it may actually be pretty normal.

Your 20s Dictate Your Future Life

Whilst I don’t think your 20s are necessarily the best years of your life, I do think they’re the most important.

These are the years that lay the foundation for your life to come.

The years you’re building your habits, finding your identity and figuring out who you are.

Perhaps that’s why they’re hard, because you’re having to work to figure all this stuff out.

I feel like, somehow, I’ve actually found the answers to a lot of the things younger Jack was questioning (especially over the past couple of years).

And yes, it took a lot of work. 

Whilst the answers I’ve found aren’t always what younger me would’ve liked to hear, I do feel a sense of comfort in these realizations. 

So, If I could go back in time, here are 7 things I’d tell my 20-year-old self:

1. Invest, But Don’t Become Obsessed with Money

Two sides of the coin that are equally as important.

I can’t tell you what to invest in, because I’m pretty sure that’s illegal in Australia… but find something.

Learn the stock market (it’s not hard), invest in something boring, and be patient.

If there’s one good thing that exists in this world, it’s compounding interest.

But don’t let your obsession with money and saving stop you from doing the things you really want to do.

When you get into investing, it’s very easy to adopt an unhealthy relationship with money (I’ve been there).

Be smart with your spending but allow yourself to indulge every now and again.

And be patient, I cannot stress that enough.

2. Travel Will Change Your Life

Even if you don’t enjoy it.

For me, the best part about traveling was coming home.

I loved experiencing new cultures and seeing new places, but the entire experience just made me appreciate home more.

You’ll always wonder what it’s like until you fully commit and try it.

I traveled through Europe for almost four months, and it answered so many questions I had.

The ultimate one being… would I be happier elsewhere?

Nope.

3. Don’t Lose The Ability To Play

In your quest to build something or become someone, don’t lose your ability to have fun along the way.

One of the best skills you can practice during your 20s is your ability to allow yourself to go off track, but get right back on track almost instantaneously.

An all or nothing mentality is dangerous and unsustainable.

Balance is everything, and allowing yourself to play is part of that balance.

4. Choose Your Responsibilities Wisely

The more responsibilities you take on, the less freedom you have.

A pet, a person, material possessions—all things that require extra attention, money and time.

These responsibilities might make your life exponentially better, but there is no doubt that they reduce your ability to say no.

Make sure they’re worth it.

5. Don’t Settle, Time Isn’t Running Out

This is one I’m still working through myself.

I have some imaginary timeline that seems to end when I hit 30, though I know nothing in my life changes at that age.

I’m doing my best not to settle for things (people, environments, situations) just because I feel like ‘time is running out’.

It’s not, I know it’s not, but the thoughts are still there.

Do your best not to settle for something just because you think the opportunities are running out.

6. Your Only Purpose Is To Live

It’s only right to question your purpose, so continue to do so if you feel inclined.

But I find it liberating to believe there is nothing more to life than simply living it.

Moment to moment is your purpose, and the objective is to be fully present for each of those moments.

It will be hard, and I’m far from being there, but it’s worth trying to get there.

7. There May Not Be A Grand Life Awaiting You

And with the previous point comes this.

When all that’s left to do is live, the focus shifts from the grand to the mundane.

This is a change that may be incredibly difficult to accept initially, but one that I believe is inevitable.

The ‘grand life’ was only a thing of your imagination anyway.

You can still live a grand life, but you’ll just have to change your definition of what grand means to you.

Maybe that’s drinking a coffee whilst watching the sunrise with a person you really, really like.

Maybe that wasn’t so grand to you, 20-year-old Jack.

But it makes 29-year-old Jack really happy. 

Making Life Worthwhile

I know some of my writing isn’t too comforting to read at times, but I try to be as honest as possible.

I’d say my 20s have been a 90/10 split (90% sucking, 10% being good) and that is absolutely wild to think about.

I’m not going to tell you that it gets better, because I don’t know that that’s the case for everyone.

What I can assure you though, is that if you keep doing things that you know are good for you, then you’ll at least put yourself in a position to be able to explore the ideas, opportunities and experiences that could end up making you happy.

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About the Author: Jack Waters is a former journalist turned creative thinker and writer, on a mission to become better every day and live a more fulfilling life.