20 Life Lessons I Learned Before My 20’s

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I never considered 20 to be a mile-stone, but it’s recently hit me that I have learnt so much throughout my teens and that 20 really is a huge turning point. Once you hit 20 you’re no longer a teenager. Not only does this mean you can’t sing Wheatus’ ‘Teenage Dirtbag’ with conviction, but it also means you’ve probably got more responsibilities and maybe, just maybe, you’re a little bit wiser. These life lessons are crucial.

When I sat down and thought about, there are so many life-changing lessons I have learnt during he last part of my teen years that will ultimately help me succeed as a person throughout my 20’s. Check out these major life lessons.

1- Don’t be someone you think you ought to be

Sometimes its hard to be yourself, especially throughout your teen years when you are influenced so much by other people. However, it is so important to try and be yourself as much as possible. There is no use looking or acting a certain way because you think you have to be a certain way, because all this does is makes you unhappy and probably makes you even more confused about who you really are as a person.

2- Step out of your comfort zone

Often stepping out of your comfort zone can be extremely scary, however, stepping out of your comfort zone unleashes a whole world of new potential.

3- The friends you had in high school probably won’t be your friends forever

I know this one sounds a little bit sad, but its true. The group you hung out with in high-school won’t be the same out of high school. Sure, you’ll have a few close friends from highs-school but the chances of your group staying all together and being the same is unlikely, and you know what? This is okay. The friends you lose will be friends you don’t need and the friends you keep will ultimately be your friends for life.

4- Things don’t always work out and that is OK

Often if something doesn’t work out then its for the best- these things happen for a reason.

5- Self-love is actually pretty cool

I used to think that people that loved themselves were just conceited, however, I have learnt to be that this is not the case. It is so important to love yourself and be proud of who you are.

6- Family is important

Your family is so important and often are the people that keep you grounded. Make peace with them and cherish the moments you have with them.

7- You don’t need to save everything you earn

You’re young. Don’t worry about saving every little penny you get, because you’re young and you’re not supposed to have millions in the bank.

8- Stop caring what other people think

Stop caring so much about what you think other people think of you and I guarantee it will feel as though a weight has been lifted off of your shoulders. We often spend way too much time and energy worrying about what other people think about us, when really, the only opinion that matters is your own.

9- Embrace your failure

Success is built on failure, and if you don’t succeed at something this time, try again and learn from your mistakes.

10- Don’t compare yourself to others

This goes for looks, way of life etc. Stop comparing yourself to others because you can only be yourself in this life.

11- Never be afraid to go out and get what you want

Sometimes if you take risks they do pay off. It can be scary to go out there and fight for what you want, whether this be a dream job or whatever it may be, but if you never try you’ll never know. Don’t be afraid to go and get what you want!

12- Don’t make rash decisions because you are angry or upset

Chances are, you’ll regret the decision made.

13- A night in does not make you lame

Sometimes you just need an early night in- this doesn’t make you lame. You don’t have to go out spend a lot of money, have a big night out if you don’t want to.

14- It isn’t rude to say NO

You don’t have to do something if you don’t want to. You are allowed to say no and it isn’t rude. This is one of the best life lessons to learn.

15- It’s never to late for a change

Whether this change be in yourself, in your career path, or whatever it may be. It is never too late and you are never too old.

16- Be yourself completely

I’m sure you’ve heard this one before but, it is so true so I’m just going to say it anyways: Be yourself because everyone else is taken.

17- You are stronger and braver than you think

You are stronger than you think you are. Heartbreaks will occur, friendships will be lost and life will be tough BUT you can get through it all.

18- It is important to exercise

We all hate it at first and yes I will admit I have been one in the past to avoid it at all costs, however it is so important to take care of yourself and that does include exercising regularly. The benefits are incredible and you will be thankful to yourself later down the track.

19- Be honest and upfront

No use in lying or covering stuff up because the truth always comes out in the end. Also, honesty is just the best policy.

20- Money spent on travelling is NOT money wasted

The experiences, the things you see and the people you meet are all priceless. Although it may cost you a fair bit of money, in the long run you will be richer in knowledge, be overall happier and feel enlightened. This is one of my favorite life lessons I’ve learned.