Life is like the seasons, my mum used to tell me. In our 20s, we are in our springtime, but as we approach our 40s, we are entering autumn. It’s a fact of life that we will all die one day. However, thanks to advances in medical and healthcare technology, we’re living longer than ever before. The idea of living for today, or “YOLO” as some people say, can be a threat rather than a well-meaning adage. If you’re in your 20s or 30s and feeling aimless, this article can help you gain some perspective on the things to invest your energy in.
1. Plan for Retirement
The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago, but the second-best time is now. It’s never too early to start preparing for retirement. Saving up your money into some steady-growing funds and locking it away for retirement will help you get ready for your future. Even if you’re just starting out with an entry-level wage, saving something is always better than saving nothing. Just make sure to keep your retirement funds somewhere you can’t touch them, like a cookie jar on a high shelf.
2. Prioritize Sleep
As we enter the “wonderful” life of working, it can be tempting to spend our leisure time after work on social media or partying late into the night. However, sleeping should be a priority. It helps with brain function and prepares us to take on new challenges. Pulling all-nighters won’t help us achieve our dreams; instead, it can lead to burnout in the long run. So let’s catch some Zzzs and wake up feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
3. Let Go of Negative People
We all have friends from different stages in our lives, but some may not be good for us. It’s important to reassess friendships from time to time and let go of those who do us no good. As adults, we’re not immune to peer pressure, and the wrong crowd can lead us towards bad choices. If you want to improve as a person, surround yourself with people you want to be like and have some respect for your future self.
4. Keep Learning
Learning doesn’t stop after high school or university; it starts as soon as we step out into society. It’s important to stay competitive by continuously learning and building up our skills. Rather than attending meaningless mixer parties, use your time to develop your skills and become a more employable person. Don’t let society eliminate you from the competition.
5. Communicate and Network
Communication is like a key that unlocks puzzles. Being a good communicator can help us get things done more quickly. It’s a common misconception that communication skills belong only to outgoing and extroverted people, but introverts can be great communicators too. Effective communication is about having the right words to say at the right time, and silence can be a powerful tool when used correctly.
In conclusion, this list is my personal arsenal to keep me going through my 20s, and I hope it can be helpful to those who are going through a difficult patch in life. Even if you’re just starting out in your 40s, it’s never too late to implement these suggestions and improve your life. Remember, life is like the seasons, and we should make the most of each one.
