What Actually Matters in Your 20s

I turned 23 recently, and it changed my perspective on life. It usually happens often when you reach a certain age. I wanted to become a teacher when I was 6, a doctor when I was 10, a physics professor when I was 14, and an entrepreneur when I turned 18.

People often start their sentences with “Get good grades and your life will be sorted." So I did as they said and excelled in my classes.

Then they changed to “Get into a good college and your life will be sorted." So I did. I entered one of the most prestigious universities in my country, but guess what? The confusion and dilemmas did not go away.

From the beginning of life, you are told what to do and how to be happy in your life.

Get good grades -> Stay out of trouble -> Get into a good university -> Get a job that pays well -> Start a family

Is this all that life is about?

Maybe I am not the smartest person to tell you what matters in your 20s because I have not lived them all yet—I'm still midway. But maybe I am the person who can tell you the truth without sugarcoating it. The blunt truth about how I will live the rest of my 20s

Embrace the Journey, Not the Destination

I know this is a weird age to be in. Some of your friends are already earning twice as much as you are right now. Some are getting married and having kids. Some are living their dream of travelling around the world.

In your eyes, everyone around you is doing better in life than you currently are—be it financially, spiritually, or emotionally. This just keeps making you doubt yourself.

You’ve had different problems in your life, and you’ve had to face them alone. Your twenties are not about proving anyone wrong; they’re about finding the things that make you happy. Embrace the twists and turns, the highs and lows, and the unexpected detours that shape your path.

So, instead of fixating on where you think you should be by a certain age, focus on the journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

Pursue Passion with Purpose

Let me tell you a secret. I have a degree in engineering. So after spending all my money on getting this degree, I should logically be pursuing engineering—working for organizations and quietly getting my money.

For some time after graduating, yes, I did that. But the way I was living was eating me away. Waking up before the sun rises, I travel 2 hours cross-country to reach my office, working with people who are twice my age and don’t like to talk. My professional life was making me cranky. I was unhappy.

So I left my job, pursued what I loved, started working on my solo projects, and connected with people globally. It was one of the toughest times as I was unemployed and searching for a job that made me happy.

If I had not left my job then, I wouldn’t have had the courage to leave it ever. Because then the bills would pile up, I would grow older and then have no real chance to change careers.

Your twenties are where you pursue your passions. Find the things you love and experiment as much as possible. You’re just out in the adult life—think of it as your second birth.

Make mistakes. Take chances. Do what you love.

Take Good Care of Yourself

Don't compromise your health.

That’s it. Your decisions and habits today shape the person you’re going to be. This is your time to make the most of your body and energy. Go out for runs. Pick a sport and play it frequently. Don’t just sit in front of your gaming setup or watch series all day (no matter how leisurely it may be).

Eat healthy and sleep early.

It’s easy to neglect your physical and mental health in the hustle and bustle of life, but your twenties are the perfect time to prioritize self-care. Start by nourishing your body with nutritious food, getting regular exercise, and making time for activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. Remember, taking care of yourself now will pay dividends in the long run.

Dreams Require Sacrifice

If you have big dreams, be prepared to make big sacrifices.

Success rarely comes easy, and achieving your goals will demand hard work, dedication, and perseverance. You’ll have to learn how to say NO.

Your friends will be out partying. Someone will call you to come out and spend it in a way that you don’t want to. Now I’m not saying to skip all social gatherings. I’m saying you should learn how to pick which gathering you want to go to.

It means putting in the hours, making sacrifices, and staying committed to your vision, even when the going gets tough. Remember, every sacrifice brings you one step closer to your dreams.

Live Like a Typical Bachelor

Make as many memories as you can, and it requires you to step out of your comfort zone. To put it in an even better way

Seek Discomfort

Before getting anything, ask yourself, "Do I need it or do I want it?”

The day you master answering this question truthfully, you're going to save so much time and money. Live on things that make your life easy, not comfortable. Step out with your friends, go to parties, and socialize, but never at an expense where your work or personal life suffers.

Don’t hesitate to make new friends and talk to more people. You’ll be surprised at how much you can learn from a diverse group of people.

Teach Yourself What Your School Didn’t Teach

Taxes, investing, and saving up money have got to be the keys to becoming financially sound. Start learning about them as soon as possible. I enrolled myself in classes that taught me how to invest in stocks and save my money smartly.

Your twenties will teach you that there are so many things that you should’ve learned a long time ago, but since no one else taught you, you’ll have to teach these things to yourself. You’ll have to put in the extra hours and make yourself smarter—never shy away from these opportunities.

Be hungry for knowledge and save money where you can.

People Will Change, Don’t Force It

As you are mitigating your twenties, you’ll notice that the behavior of some people around you is changing. Sometimes it is a good change; sometimes it reeks of trouble.

You’ll notice that a buddy is distancing themself from you, or your views simply no longer coincide. Know that it is no one's fault. They are also evolving with time and finding themselves. Everyone is on a journey of their own, and you cannot compel others to stay the same. You have to develop too.

It’s painful because you’re growing away from individuals you believed would play a huge role in your future, and finding solid friends again might seem like exceedingly hard. It takes a lot more work to see and spend time with friends, and at times you will learn they’re not willing to put in the effort.

You cannot expect others to take care of you as you take care of them. With time, you will find the folks that stay with you and are delighted to create a place for you in your life.

Know You’re Enough

Maybe nothing matters in your twenties. Maybe everything does. Maybe you’ll uncover the answers early. Maybe you’ve figured it all out already.

There is no proper way you may live your life, but there is only one thing that never changes: recognize your worth and know you’re enough.

In case no one has informed you yet, you’re not meant to have it all figured out. It’s acceptable if you’re taking time to pave your route. Take this opportunity to discover what you want from your life and do it without fearing any social constraints.