September 20, 2018
Dear Liz,
What are some important things I should focus on in my early 20’s?
-Young Beauty
Dear Young Beauty,
Although you would like to think there is one right answer, life really isn’t like that. Everyone chooses different paths and that does not mean one is better than the other.
Have you ever seen that quote that says, “screw the traditional timeline of when you should accomplish things.” Like you should be graduated by 22, married by age 25, and own a home by age 30. When I was in high school I had a timeline in my head and let me tell you I was way off.
To help put things into perspective I want to compare two different paths, mine & my husband’s.
In my experience, I went off to college right after I graduated high school. After I graduated I went straight into my Masters program and all while having a part-time job.Once I received my Masters I went on to getting a full-time job. I learned so much from my experiences as a college student and as a full-time worker that I feel shaped who I am today. All those skills I gained from that chapter in my life, I use now as a blogger!
In my husband’s experience, he went straight to the working field after high school . I remember at the time I wanted him to go to college because I thought that was the only path. He gained so much experience from working and he is such an intelligent business man. He didn’t need college and that wasn’t what was right for him.
Two completely different paths but we both were very passionate about what we did, we we’re ambitious, and most importantly we were go-getters. Or should I say ARE, present tense…we are go-getters.
My advice to you:
1. Whatever you decide to do, be passionate, and do something. When I say something, I mean to say it’s better to try something then to not do anything. Don’t be afraid of doing something your family or friends may not approve of either. Just do it for you boo!! Whether it be working or college either way you build valuable experiences you can use later on in life.
2. Do not focus on a timeline of accomplishments. Everything should be at your own pace and don’t be worried by others accomplishments. What is meant for you will always be for you. Set goals with timelines. The easiest way to accomplish something you want is to set small realistic goals for yourself. Make sure to be as specific as possible like 3-6-9 month goals. Of course you can always plan long term but its the process to get there that’s the most important.
3. Save your Money!! You are never too young to start saving. Also, if you’re like well I’m almost 30 and I haven’t started. Again, you can start saving at any age, its never to late. There are several apps that you can use to help saving easier. Digit, Qapital, and Acorns are a few apps that can make saving a piece of cake! You can download them in the iTunes app store!
4. Never stop learning or educating yourself. This goes for anyone and literally any age. You never get to a point where you are like, “You know what I just like know way too much.” There is so many ways to learn things these days that the resources are endless, you just have to want it bad enough to go find it.
5. If you can travel, then TRAVEL!! It’s always fun to travel when you’re young because you get to experience a whole new place and culture. But if you can’t travel, not to worry you have your whole life ahead of you.
Honestly, your 20’s are filled with so many people telling you what you should or shouldn’t do. I wanted this post to be the complete opposite. Regardless of what you do, you gain new experiences and you just have to own it!
This is your life and what you do with it is your prerogative. Be bold, be brave, and most importantly don’t be afraid to fail!!
As usual, thank you for stopping by!
XOXO,
Liz-Laugh-Love
