5 Things We Would Tell 20-Year-Old Selves
Rather than lamenting about getting older, we should celebrate the fact that with age comes wisdom. The more time the brain has to collect information, the better a person can learn from past mistakes and avoid making new, or at least the same ones.
It’s all too easy to look back and say, “if I’d only known then what I know now,” but the experience is the best lesson. Nevertheless, here are five messages we would share with our 20-year-old selves.
Maintaining physical health matters
For many, being in your 20s is a time filled with late nights, fast food, and a lack of exercise. The prioritisation toward good physical health isn’t as prevalent because you’re more naturally energetic and often have a quicker metabolism. However, as you age, this run of good luck starts to expire, and all of the bad habits catch up in your appearance and, more importantly, how you feel.
The first rule of self-care isn’t glamorous, but it’s the most important: take care of your physical health. Maintaining a healthy eating routine, regular exercise, and a good night’s sleep can do wonders for the body and mind. These basics keep people grounded when they experience high stress or anxiety and battle illness.
Eliminate stressors (and restore good energy)
To maintain physical health, eliminating stressors should also be a priority. Though not everything is automatically disposable, it’s wise to evaluate relationships and things in life causing stress closely. It could start as simply as becoming more organised.
Decluttering gets rid of all the extraneous things that don’t matter. This could mean everything from old clothes that no longer fit to old friendships that no longer feel valuable. It clears space to invite new, positive relationships and experiences.
Once stressors have been eliminated, restoration of sound energy can be invited in. This could involve activities focusing on relaxation and preserving mental health, such as meditation practice, self-affirmations, yoga, and therapy.
Learn to say no
The fear of missing out is intense as a 20-year-old. It’s a time for exploring and experiencing new things, so saying yes to all invitations seems right. However, this all-in mentality can quickly lead to burnout.
We would tell our younger selves that it’s ok to take a break now and then. It’s ok to say no if something isn’t your responsibility or doesn’t excite you. It’s best to set clear boundaries of what is and is not acceptable and how you’ll manage your time to promote the life you want to live.
Focus on building professional relationships
The internet has been a game changer for networking since our 20s. Connecting with people through online channels like LinkedIn, Twitter, and email is much easier. However, whether building professional relationships in-person or online, authenticity is critical.
You can proactively become a voice of authority, extend mentorship to others, and create networking events and opportunities. Like any other relationship, building a solid professional circle requires a balance of giving and taking to curate a space of support.
Believe in yourself
Doubt can seep in at any age, but insecurities are common in your 20s because you’re still figuring things out. In today’s media-driven age, it’s even easier to feel this set in because of the comparisons of success. It’s essential to build strong self-confidence and believe in yourself.
Yes, there will be rejections and losses, mistakes and regrets. That’s all part of life and doesn’t change the fact that you are meant to do great things.
Anytime insecurities creep up, focus on at least three things you like about yourself. Read professional development books that speak to you, and skip the ones that don’t! Change the world by being kind to yourself.
