Today, I spent the afternoon flipping through my journal entries from 2016 and highlighting some valuable tips, realizations, and lessons that apply to my life right now (and probably always will). Scroll down for the full list!
20 Life Lessons from a 20-Something Adult Child
(Warning: this is a lot of common sense stuff…)
1) Say “yes” more.
- I’m not the type of person who is always up for anything, but I think it’s a wonderful trait to have. I’d like to be a bit more open to new opportunities, and I’m continuing to do things that push me out of my comfort zone (albeit rather slowly).
2) It’s not always beneficial to avoid conflict.
- Facing conflict preps you for similar situations that might arise in the future. Not to mention, it builds character.
3) Stop comparing yourself to others. (Classic!)
- Work on yourself and focus on your journey only. It’s never fun to have an inferiority complex or even a superiority complex. Learn to be happy for others, and continue “watering your own lawn” (as my pastor would say).
4) Don’t misplace your identity.
- When you start tying your identity to your accomplishments, remember that you are more than your status, achievements, etc. (or lack there of).
- It’s great to be surrounded by loved ones, whether they be family or friends. It’s dangerous, however, to plant your identity in other people. Get to know who you are. Cherish the people you love, but cherish yourself too! (Which brings me to my next point).
5) Embrace who you are.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself. Don’t apologize for who you are (unless you’re an a-hole). Be compassionate to yourself, just as you are compassionate to others.
6) Don’t place your worth in what others think about you.
7) Be PRESENT.
- I think Craig Ferguson once said in a podcast, “Being present is the best way to live.” And I definitely agree. “Be present” has kind of been my mantra as of late, and I think there’s a lot to be said about it. The more you live in the present, the less you regret the past. And by “live” I mean really engaging in whoever or whatever is in front of you, instead of thinking about how your situation could be different. Try your best to enjoy the present and the company of those who are with you in that moment. Take the focus off yourself.
8) (Related point) Try not to approach new relationships with so many expectations.
- Be present in your interactions and as genuine as possible. Let relationships develop organically.
9) Be grateful. (Classic!)
- This is something I’ve been really trying my best to do every day. Let us not take anything for granted.
10) Success is meaningless if you have no one to share it with (and if I add this parenthetical, does it mean I still ended the sentence with a preposition?).
11) Try living a more outward-focused life.
- (Now that I’ve stressed the importance of loving yourself…)
12) Be more generous with your time.
- Whether it be through volunteering or everyday interactions with family and friends. Live a life of abundance, not lack.
- Challenge to self: Rather than always considering interactions with strangers/acquaintances as one-offs, why not get to know these individuals?
13) Give love.
- Choose to love over being loved.
14) Take responsibility for your decisions. Take responsibility for your actions.
- This is a crucial part of growing up and maturing as an “adult.” I’m still figuring out what that word really means, but I know that I’m at a point in my life where if I want to see changes in my health, confidence, career, etc., I have to stop blaming others and realize that I am in charge of my decisions.
15) Learn to let things go.
- You probably have no control over them anyway.
16) Practice patience.
- Train yourself not to let anger or negative judgement be your first reaction.
17) Be forgiving of others. Nobody’s perfect.
18) Don’t let one negative aspect of your experience define your overall experience.
19) It’s tempting to take the “easy” way out, but that will never help you grow.
20) Stop looking for the “perfect job.”
- Figure out what you want. A job won’t figure that out for you.
- And on the flip side, don’t put too much pressure on yourself for not knowing exactly what your “passion” or your “one true calling” is. As Philip Wang once said, “I didn’t chase my passion, but I became passionate about what I chased.”
…Alright. That’s all I have for this list of 20 random life lessons from a 20-something adult child. Let me know what lessons you’ve learned in your twenties in the comments below. I’d love to hear them all!
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