Your 20’s are a scary time. You’re trying to figure out your future, while still being pretty uncertain about your present. You’re learning who you are and what’s important to you. There is so much to decide and pursue, from career goals to relationships.
No matter how overwhelming these years are, your 20’s should not be wasted. Yes, adjusting to adulthood is hard but living with regrets is harder. Even though there’s already a lot on your to do list, these are 15 things you must do to make the most of your 20’s:
- Travel
This can be whatever you want. It could be as simple as taking a bunch of weekend road trips, or more extravagantly flying around the world every chance you get. Don’t leave travelling for later in life. You’ll get married, have kids and build a career that may not cater to a wandering spirit. Sure, you can travel when you’re retired and it will be wonderful, but your adventure needs to start today.
- Read
It doesn’t matter what you read, just do it. Read novels, read a history textbook, read a newspaper, it doesn’t matter. Just make a decision to read more than ever before and absorb more of the world around you through literature.
- Dedicate Yourself To Finding Your Passion
I don’t necessarily mean finding your career, but I don’t not mean your career, either. It’s up to you what you do with your passion once you discover it. You may find it easily and you might not, but now is a great time to start searching. You’re an adult but you’re still young. You have a whole life ahead of you to pursue your dreams, so why not start figuring out what those dreams are now?
- Make Concrete Steps Towards Your Goals
Whether they’re education, career, relationship, personal, or family oriented, find out what you want in life and go after it. Dream big, but don’t forget to focus on taking strides towards things that are attainable. It’s a great feeling to achieve your dreams and your 20’s are square one for making things happen.
- Review Your Friendships
There is no need for any extra drama and stress during this time in your life. The fact is, if someone isn’t a true friend, they’re going to end up out of your life eventually. So, do yourself and favor, weed out the people who aren’t really there for you now, so that you can build solid relationships with the people who really matter.
- Date
Dating looks different for everyone. Maybe you want to casually date a bit or you’re looking to settle down, but whatever you do, start doing it now. Get out there and meet people with the mindset that you deserve a partner who is willing and ready to take on the world with you. Figure out what you’re looking for and don’t be scared to pursue it.
- Buy New Clothes
Revamp your wardrobe, seriously. I’m not saying that you necessarily have to toss out your cute “Girls Just Want To Have Fun” graphic tee, but it is definitely time to incorporate more. You need to make sure you’re ready for career opportunities, “big girl dates,” and that you have clothes that make you feel like the “you” that you’re becoming in this new stage of life.
- Start Adding Up What You Spend On Going Out
Sorry, but you had to know at least one point was going to be a practical one, where I urge you to become a real adult just a bit more… Whenever you go out and get a little crazy, keep your receipts. Add up what you’re spending on partying in a month. Do with that information what you will. All I’m saying is that you’ll be a lot happier looking at a new fancy bag than an empty bottle of vodka.
- Get A Pet
I mean, only do it if you’re a person who actually enjoys animals and are confident in your ability to keep them alive, but for real, it’s a great idea. This one is two-fold; first, animals teach you a lot of responsibility. That’s why parents like to give into your puppy demands even though we all know that never worked out and our mom took care of them for us anyways. The second benefit, is that animals are amazing companions. There are going to be a lot of hard days in this phase of our lives and having someone to come home to is invaluable.
- Move Out
The economy is tough, jobs are scarce, and change is scary, but seriously, get the hell out of your parent’s basement. Figure it out. Take a job, any job and find a place, any place. Independence is healthy! You need to start building something for yourself, and having a place to call your own is such a critical step in making this happen.
- See Your Doctor
And no, it doesn’t count if your mom makes the appointment for you. Taking care of yourself means… well, taking care of yourself. Have a check up with your doctor to make sure you’re healthy. It’s the one part of “adulting” we really shouldn’t be skipping out on and you’ll be glad you did.
- Create
Everyone is different. For me, my art is writing. I have to write to keep myself going from one day to the next. Your 20’s are stressful, exciting, scary, and everything in between. Finding a creative outlet is a gift you not only give yourself, but the rest of the world. If you’re not sure what to try, take a look at a fun DIY Pinterest board for a little inspiration. No matter what it is that you love to do, pour yourself into in during this time in your life and create something spectacular.
- Have Fun
Seriously guys, I’m not saying the future won’t be great, but one thing I know for sure is that your 20’s are a big time in your life. You’re starting to demand and earn respect, sort out your emotions and ideas, and it’s still socially acceptable to get a little insane from time to time at a party. Enjoy it.
- Binge Watch TV
You’ll be surprised how much time you actually have on your hands right now. I know it all feels crazy, but generally speaking, your 20’s are your last years of being able to be free and maybe a little selfish. So take advantage of it! Watch all your favorite shows and get emotionally involved in the lives of fictional characters, no one will judge.
- Buy Home Decor
The movie posters from your dorm room just aren’t cutting it anymore. Find a home furnishing store you like and go nuts. Picture frames, canvas art, decorative lamps, vases, sculptures, and throw pillows. I’d personally recommend Bed, Bath, and Beyond or Indigo. They always have stylish, affordable home decor you’ll love. Make your home a reflection of yourself and you’ll be surprised how much happier you feel there.
Every chapter of your life has so much to offer and it’d be a shame to waste any time at all. Your 20’s are such a special time in your life that is often ruined by expectations, judgements, and just plain being overwhelmed. Don’t let that happen to you, enjoy every little thing this decade of your life has to offer.
Featured image via Yuri Adriel on Pexels
