Whether it’s advice on love, career, or personal growth, there are always nuggets of wisdom that we wish we could go back and share with ourselves. In this article, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things we wish we would have known at 20.
Not All Relationships Are Worth Preserving
Hindsight is 20/20, and when you’re young, it’s certainly tempting to hang onto every relationship, even if it means sacrificing your well-being. However, just as plants need pruning to grow, so, too, must a healthy individual evaluate their relationships for toxicity.
It’s Ok Not to Be Ok
It’s always better to seek professional help if you feel you need it. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness; in fact, it’s a sign of strength.
Being able to recognize that you are not “doing good” isn’t easy, but learning how to identify internal thought processes and harmful rumination patterns can help you develop a better sense of well-being.
You Are Enough
The most important life lesson you can learn at an early age is that you are worth it. Many young people spend their time comparing themselves to others and feeling inadequate when the truth is that no two people are alike, and as such, everyone has intrinsic worth.
You Can Chase Your Dreams
Similarly, learning to pursue your dreams regardless of what people tell you is a valuable skill to have at 20. You are your own worst critic, but you can also be your greatest ally.
Believe in your capacity to change, to grow.
Today is the Most Important Day
It’s easy to get stuck in the past and get weighed down by the pressure of growing up and transitioning into adulthood, but you should never forget to enjoy the day. Enjoy each moment because you never know what tomorrow will bring. Try new things and experiences, and never be afraid to put yourself out there in the moment.
You Don’t Have to Sweat the Little Things
The little things in life can stress you out all too much. It’s so easy to spend all your energy focusing on making everybody else happy that you forget to see the bigger picture.
Don’t get too busy trying to keep others’ spirits up, and make sure you spend time working on yourself and appreciating the moment rather than living in a constant state of stress.
Life Isn’t a Race
It’s ok not to be as far along as you thought you’d be by now. Everyone takes things at different paces, and even if you’re a bit behind by conventional standards, that doesn’t mean you have to rush.
You Can Do Hard Things
There may be things in life that you think, “I’ll never be able to do that,” but the truth is that you can do hard things. Anything you set your mind to is accomplishable with practice and discipline.
Health Is Important
Physical health is extremely important since it can affect many aspects of your life. Living in a state of discomfort or unhappiness through lack of exercise or poor discipline can and will affect your mood. It’s your responsibility to take your health into your own hands and work towards your goals. Trust us. It’ll serve you well in the future.
Life Moves On
Especially when you’re young, phases of life can feel like an eternity, leaving you wondering when you’ll ever be able to move on.
Don’t wish away your youth, or you’ll find yourself wishing it back in the future.
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