12 Tips On How To Kick Ass At Being A 20-Something

1. It’s okay not to know what to do with your life right now.

We’re often expected to know what we want to do with our lives by the time we finish college. But guess what? After four or five years in college, struggling to pass my course, I’ve learned that it’s absolutely okay to be lost and confused.

Being in your twenties is all about self-exploration. These are the years where you’re going to make a lot of mistakes, and you will learn from them. Both your achievements and failures will lead you to the path you’ve always wanted.

2. The world doesn’t revolve around you.

This is a bitter pill to swallow for millennials. But as early as now, learn to drop your ego. There are 7 billion people in this world and none of them revolves around you. The world doesn’t owe you anything.

Don’t let self-entitlement get the best of you.

3. Money isn’t everything, but it’s an essential.

In the wise words of Britney Spears, “You better work, bitch!” Money, when used wisely, can help you sustain your wants and needs.

4. Work hard AND smart. Don’t take the shortcut.

“Don’t work hard, work smart” is the worst advice ever. Why can’t you do both? Work hard in achieving your goals and be smart with your decision-making.

5. Learn how to cook and drive.

a.k.a. Never stop learning.

Thanks to technology, there’s no more excuse not to learn something. But if there are two things I believe every person needs to learn is how to cook and drive.

6. Get a driver’s license and a passport.

Be a boy/girl scout! You’ll never know when you need to drive a drunk friend home or receive a spontaneous opportunity for you to travel.

7. Travel or move as much as possible.

When you travel in your twenties, you’ll see the world in a different light. You’ll be more respectful of other cultures and race, and more open-minded.

8. Let go of negative and toxic people, and feelings.

Negative and toxic people will always weigh you down. These people are always craving for chaos. Their negativity is also contagious.

Let go.

9. Life is unfair. Deal with it.

If life gives you lemons, always remember that there’s something better waiting for you.

10. ​Be humble. Be kind.

Regardless of your ethnicity, gender and social status in life, I’m a firm believer that humility and kindness will take you to places.

11. Have a 5-year plan.

This contradicts the first item on the article but hear me out. I believe that the best way to figure out what you want in life is to set a goal. Ask yourself these questions:

• What do I see myself doing in the next 5 years?
• What do I enjoy the most doing?
• How am I going to achieve that goal?
• Once you’ve determined your goals, create action plans and set timeline. This plan will serve as a guide.

P.S. Don’t be afraid to throw away a 5-year plan if a better opportunity arises.

12. Don’t idle around.

It’s a given that many 20-somethings are still figuring out what they want to do in life. But that doesn’t mean one should stay at home all day and wait for the Universe to give a sign.

Learn something new. Cultivate your interests. Meet people. This is your twenties. Take advantage of your prime youth!