5 Habits I Wish I’d Started in My 20s

If I Could Time-Travel, I’d Tell My Younger Self This

Ever wish you could go back and give your 20-year-old self a pep talk? I sure do. Your 20s are this crazy mash-up of freedom, screw-ups, and figuring out who you are. Looking back, there are a few habits I really wish I’d gotten into sooner — stuff that would’ve set me up better for life. The cool part? It’s never too late to start. Here are five habits I regret not picking up back then.

1. Investing Early (Even If It’s Just Pocket Change)

Man, if I could hop in a time machine, I’d shake my younger self and say, “Start investing NOW — even if it’s just a little!”

Why Compound Interest Is Basically Magic

Ever heard of compound interest? It’s like free money that snowballs over time. Start in your 20s, and by your 50s, you’ve got a comfy nest egg. Wait too long, and you’re kicking yourself for missing out on all that growth.

How Tiny Investments Add Up

Picture this: you stash $50 a month into an index fund with an 8% return. In 30 years, that’s over $75,000. Not bad for skipping a couple of takeout coffees, right? I used to think investing was only for people with big bucks, so I kept putting it off. Turns out, even small amounts go a long way.

Don’t Wait Like I Did

My mistake? Thinking I needed a pile of cash to get started. Nope. Start with whatever you’ve got — your future self will high-five you for it.

2. Taking Care of My Body (Before It Started Complaining)

Your body’s pretty chill in your 20s — it doesn’t yell at you for late nights or junk food. But trust me, it keeps score.

Fitness Isn’t Just for Gym Rats

You don’t need to be a marathon runner or live on salads. Just move a little every day and eat more real food than processed stuff. It’s not about six-pack abs — it’s about feeling good and keeping up your energy as the years roll by.

Small Steps That Pay Off Big

Here’s what I wish I’d done:

• Walk 10,000 steps a day (it’s easier than it sounds).
• Lift some weights or do push-ups a couple times a week.
• Swap chips for an apple or some nuts sometimes.

Your metabolism slows down later, so starting early keeps you ahead of the game.

3. Reading Every Day (Even Just a Bit)

I used to think reading was for homework or bookworms. Then I noticed the coolest, smartest people I know never stop learning.

Knowledge Grows Like Cash

Reading’s like investing for your brain. Even 10 pages a day adds up to over 12 books a year. That’s a ton of new ideas rattling around in your head!

Why Books Beat Endless Scrolling

Books open your mind, spark better conversations, and teach you stuff TikTok never will. They’re way more fun than refreshing your feed for the hundredth time.

Books I Wish I’d Cracked Open Sooner

• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel (money lessons that actually click).
• Atomic Habits by James Clear (small tweaks, massive wins).
• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson (real talk, no fluff).

4. Building Real Friendships (Not Just a Big Contact List)

In your 20s, it’s tempting to rack up friends like you’re collecting Pokémon cards. But honestly, a few ride-or-die pals beat a huge crew any day.

Networking’s Fine, But Connection’s Better

etworking’s useful, sure, but deep friendships are what hold you up when life gets rough. Put effort into people who’ll stick around, not just the party crowd.

Quality Beats Quantity

You don’t need 50 friends. A tight handful who’d answer a late-night call? That’s gold.

• How to Keep Them Close
• Shoot a quick text now and then.
• Show up for the big stuff — good days and bad.

Say “thanks” or “you’re awesome” once in a while. It means more than you think.

5. Learning to Say No (Without the Guilt Trip)

I used to say yes to everything — extra work, random plans, you name it — thinking it’d open doors. Spoiler: it just wore me out.

Boundaries Are Your Secret Weapon

Saying no isn’t mean — it’s smart. It saves your time and energy for stuff you actually care about. Overdoing it just leads to burnout, and that’s no fun.

How No Makes Room for Yes

When you ditch the things that drag you down, you’ve got space for what lights you up. It’s like clearing out your closet for the good stuff.

How to Get Started

Next time someone asks you for something, take a sec. Does it fit your goals? If not, try, “Thanks, but I’m good.” It gets easier, I promise.

It’s Not Too Late to Start

Your 20s are a launchpad, but here’s the truth: these habits can change your life whenever you pick them up. Investing, staying active, reading, building real connections, and saying no — they’ll pay off big time, no matter your age. So why not kick things off today?

FAQs

1. How do I start investing with hardly any cash?

Start small — think $20 a month. Apps like Groww or Zerodha make it a breeze. It’s like planting a seed for later.

2. What’s an easy way to get into reading?

Aim for 10 pages a day. Pick something you’re into, or try audiobooks while you’re on the go.

3. How do I keep friendships alive as life gets busier?

Make time — call, hang out, check in. Real friends need a little effort to stay tight.

4. How do I say no without feeling like a jerk?

It’s not selfish — it’s self-care. Keep it simple: “Can’t swing it, but thanks for asking!”

5. How do I stick with new habits?

Start tiny, track what you do, and think long-term. Slow and steady wins every time.