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Today I turn 30. I’ve been thinking about this day for a long time. I’ve accomplished so much more than I ever imagined in my 20’s. My biggest life events occurred in my 20’s. I graduated from college and grad school. I got my first full time job and now work for my dream company. I moved across the country. I married my best friend. I adopted Nutmeg. I traveled to 10 countries and 24 states, including a cross country road trip. I bought my first home. I found compassion and love for myself through facing some of my biggest fears. I’m really proud of myself.
This is the perfect time to reflect on what I’ve learned in the last decade. I came up with 20 life lessons I learned in my 20’s. Also, I want to ask you to reflect and let me know: what are the most valuable life lessons you’ve learned in the past decade?
1. DON’T GIVE UP
Life is really hard.
2. DON’T MAKE EXCUSES
Apologize: we need to own up to our mistakes and genuinely apologize. Making excuses shows that we don’t feel bad for our actions and doesn’t resolve anything.
3. EVERYTHING HAPPENS FOR A REASON
You didn’t get that job because it wasn’t right for you and there is something better out there for you. Your relationship didn’t work out because this person wasn’t right for you. Everything happens so you can become the person you are meant to be.
4. LEARN ABOUT PERSONAL FINANCE & START SAVING
Trust me: this one is important.
5. MONEY SPENT ON TRAVEL IS NEVER WASTED
6. DON’T MAKE PERMANENT DECISIONS ON TEMPORARY EMOTIONS
I’m sure you’ve heard this before and it took me a long time to realize how important it is to wait to react when your emotions are running wild.
7. SLEEP IS IMPORTANT
Our emotional wellbeing is heavily influenced by how well we slept the night before. Getting quality sleep is hard. I struggle with insomnia and I’m constantly trying different things to improve my sleep hygiene.
8. PEOPLE CHANGE
We are constantly changing and that’s a good thing! We change so much in our 20’s. It’s ok to let relationships go that no longer serve you. It’s in both of your best interest.
9. STOP THE COMPARISON GAME
It’s just going to make you feel awful. Focus on yourself and your accomplishments.
10. LITTLE CHANGES MAKE A BIG DIFFERENCE
Small steps will get you to your goals. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to accomplish too much in a short amount of time.
11. YOU DON’T NEED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP
Experiment and pursue different passions. It’s ok to change jobs and career fields.
12. EVERYONE IS ON A DIFFERENT TIMELINE
Don’t feel pressured to keep up with the Jones.
13. YOU’LL NEVER KNOW WHAT OTHER PEOPLE ARE THINKING
Stop trying to guess what other people are thinking and focus on yourself. You’ll never truly know and you can only control your own actions.
14. PROGRESS OVER PERFECTION
We’re never going to be perfect and if we were, the world would be a boring place.
15. COMMUNICATION IS EVERYTHING
It is the most important thing in every relationship: friends, family, significant others, and work.
16. DON’T TAKE THINGS TOO PERSONALLY
People do and say things that are a reflection of themselves.
17. THINGS WON’T MAKE YOU HAPPY
Less is more.
18. START TODAY
Jump on your goals today otherwise you might not actually start tomorrow.
19. LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE
20. THE BEST IS YET TO COME
Those are the 20 life lessons I learned in my 20’s. What are your big life lessons from the past decade?
