23 Pieces of Advice for 20-somethings

If you’re like me you love reading self-help novels, seeking wisdom from older generations, and you like scrolling through the endless unsolicited advice on social media. My 23rd birthday was last Thursday proud to say I finally made it to my “Jordan year”. This birthday I spent time reflecting on my life. I thought about the good, the bad, and the ugly. In reflection, I thought about the perspective I gained and the wisdom I unlocked from these experiences. As a result, I created a list of 23 pieces of general advice I would give to early 20- somethings looking to find themselves, unlock their career potential, and fall into their purpose.

1. Do not be afraid to take calculated risks. Example: Moving to a new city, ending relationships that no longer serve you, changing jobs, enrolling in school, starting a business.

2. If you’re struggling to find your tribe of like-minded individuals, I promise you there is a Facebook group for it. One of my favorite facebook groups is "Dallas Girl Gang" which is a group where you can network with like minded women in Dallas

3. Put the maximum amount in your 401k. This is a great investment tool and even better when you have company matching.

4. Put your mask on first (Literally and figuratively). Help yourself before you help others.

5. Set aside a rainy day fund. You never know what will happen so it is good to have a financial safety net.

6. Let go of friendships that no longer serve you. Let go of your friendships that are toxic, manipulative, one-sided

7. Collect business cards like Halloween candy. Your network is your net worth.

8. Understand that there is an expiration for everything: jobs, friendships, relationships, etc. Let go of things that no longer serve you. Your gut will let you know.

9. Stop being a people pleaser and set firm boundaries with others. Your time is valuable. If you're constantly feeling "used" or taken advantage of you probably haven't set clear boundaries.

10. Create a year in review document for 2021. This will documents your accomplishments, the places you have traveled, books you have read, and lessons learned so at the end of the year you have something to reflect on.

11. Keep your resume and LinkedIn profile up-to-date. You never know when you will have to make a job change so it is good to having everything interview ready.

12. Prioritize your mental health. Go to therapy, attend support groups, practice self care. Take mental health days, don't be ashamed if you take medication, and practice holistic health if that works for you.

13. Recognize that you are exactly where you need to be. Don't dwell in the past or get lost in the future. Be present.

14. Spend time with your loved ones and tell them you love them when you can. Do not take people for granted. Reflect on the last conversation you had with a loved one, was it positive?

15. Be able to answer “who are you” without stating what you do for a living. Work should not be your identity.

16. Invest in the stock market, cryptocurrency, and NTFS. Make sure your making long term investments so you can have your money make you money.

17. Determine what your non-negotiables are in your romantic and platonic relationships. Determine the things you need in relationships and then seek out ONLY those types of people.

18. Furnish your new apartment in phases, not all at once. You will break the bank trying to furnish the whole place at once. Start with the essentials like a mattress and a good bed frame.

19. Use your credit card for fixed expenses so you can rack up cash back. This will help build your credit history and allow you to rack up cash back which can be used towards your statement balance.

20. Do not neglect your gifts or your passionate projects. Continue to allot time in your schedule to do things that you enjoy and make you feel full.

21. Take pictures to record the moment but not too much so you miss the moment. You went to the concert to hear live music not to watch a recording of it when you come home.

22. Never stop learning and asking questions. Learning doesn't stop after graduation. Seek out resources to expand your perspective and build your business acumen.

23. Be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Growth is usually uncomfortable.

A lot of the advice I am sharing is because I failed in the past and had to learn the hard way. I think it is important to be open with your experiences so people can learn and avoid making the same mistakes as you. Out of all the pieces of advice I gave above, the one piece of advice I wish I knew sooner was

“Understand that there is an expiration for everything: jobs, friendships, relationships etc”.

I have held onto toxic jobs, friendships, and relationships far past their expiration date. My key learning from those experiences was that when you let go of toxicity it makes room for simplicity. If you quit your toxic job that will you to make room for a better one, if you let go of your toxic friendships it will allow you to spend time and energy to maintain your positive ones and build more, and if you let go of toxic relationships that will make room for love that you deserve.

Which piece of advice resonated the most with you?

Stay Creative,

Lauren

If you enjoyed this article, read “Four Side Hustles You Should Tap Into”.