20 Things Every Man Wishes He Could Tell His 20-Year-Old Self
Life Lessons For Our Younger Selves
Your 20s are a complicated period of life. At this age, many of us are uncertain, still trying to establish a path for ourselves while coping with the new pressures of adult life. As we grow up, we gain new perspectives and wisdom that we all wish we could bestow on our younger selves. Here are 20 things every man wishes he could tell his 20-year-old self.
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1. Start Saving Early
Don't spend your whole paycheck. Get in the habit of putting a little aside. If you can start building financial security in your 20s, your future self will thank you.
2. Prioritize Your Health
Forming healthy habits early will help you continue doing the things you love well into your later years. The habits you make will stick with you for life.
3. Don't Rush Into Relationships
The first time you fall in love, you'll feel like putting you whole self into that relationship. Try to take a step back from time to time and make sure it's what you really want before jumping into deep commitments.
4. Learn How To Say No
No is a powerful word. It takes guts and a certain level of self-awareness to turn people down with confidence. Get used to using it.
5. Money Isn't Everything
There's a lot of pressure on men to be financially successful. While it's good to be stable, it's also important to focus on experiences over money, especially while you're young.
6. Find Your Passion
There's always a lot of pressure to go the safe route when it comes to your career. However, finding what your passionate about and focusing on that instead will make you happier in the long run.
7. Success Comes In Many Forms
Success doesn't have to be monetary. Being successful means that you're living the life you want, whether that's focusing on having a family, spending time on the things that give you meaning, or finding your freedom.
8. The Best Things Don't Come Easy
The best things in life don't come easy. Don't be lazy and expect things to come to you: make them happen for yourself by persevering and putting in the work.
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9. Have Patience
The best things in life don't come easy, and nor do they come quickly. Be patient, have faith, and don't give up on your dreams just because they're taking too long to come to fruition.
10. Don't Waste Time Comparing Yourself To Others
Don't fall into the trap of thinking the grass is greener on the other side, never being content with what you have. Self-improvment is a positive goal if you're trying to improve for yourself, not if you're trying to be like someone else.
11. Not Everyone Will Like You
The sooner you understand that not everyone will like you, the sooner you can start living authentically. It's liberating to not have to please everyone all the time.
12. Anger Doesn't Get You Anywhere
For a lot of men, emotions manifest themselves into anger. However, the sooner you can control your temper, the better you'll be. Don't underestimate the power of being able to thoughtfully and calmly express yourself even in the most heated moments.
13. Life Is Full of Ups And Downs
It isn't going to be fun and games all the time. You'll have challenges, stresses, and tragedies to overcome. Think of life as a series of waves, with their highs and lows, and have faith that another high is on its way.
14. Seize The Day
Don't let life pass you by. Seize every moment of every day as much as possible and cherish the little things. You'll be surprised how fast it all goes.
15. Don't Worry About What Other People Think
You'll definitely be judged about something or another in life, but your path is your own. Don't waver just because of what other people think.
16. Always Be Learning
Never stagnate in your life or in your work. Whether it's a new language, skill, or job role, always pushing yourself will make you a more well-rounded and interesting man.
17. Keep An Open Mind
Don't be so stuck in your ways. Embracing all what life has to offer will allow you to live more fully.
18. Embrace Opportunities
The opportunities that get thrown at you in your 20s might not be there in your 40s so embrace them. Stay curious and try things that are out of your comfort zone.
19. Have Fun While You're Young
As you get older, you'll have more responsibilities, so embrace fun. Don't take yourself or life too seriously.
20. It's Not A Linear Path
Contrary to what some people might lead you to believe, life isn't a linear path. There are many side streets and there's nothing wrong with taking detours or changing direction altogether.
