Through all of the confusion, it can be easy to make some really life-changing mistakes. Don’t let that happen to you. Take a look below at some of the worst mistakes people make in their 20s and find out how to avoid doing the same.
1. Relying On Education Alone
Photo Source We’ve all heard it before: “Get an education and you’ll go far in life.” So, we spend our 20s focused on college credits and getting good grades. If this sounds familiar, you might want to rethink your approach. A formal education can only help you to a certain extent. Believe me, you should be learning so many other important things right now. Travel, learn a new language, volunteer, do an internship. These are all things that will help you in the future and supplement the formal education you are now receiving. To figure out just what you would like to do, try reading some self-help books. Here’s a link to get you started: The 25 Best Self-Improvement Books To Read Before You Turn 25
2. Hanging On To A Partner Just Because You Want Them To Be Your Last
Photo Source Falling in love is one of the most amazing things we can experience in our lives. But forcing an unhealthy relationship is one of the most harmful. During your 20s, while you’re trying to “figure it all out”, you’ll probably be getting out there and meeting new people. Sometimes, you find your significant other in the process. But don’t hang on to a partner just because you want them to be your last. I say this, because I’ve been through it. I spent the better part of my 20s holding on to a relationship that wasn’t healthy because I didn’t realize who I was or what I needed in my life. Don’t do the same thing. Reevaluate your relationship from time to time to make sure it makes you happy. Stay alert for early warning signs like controlling behavior or violent arguments. Remember, it’s hard to find your soulmate while you’re still trying to figure out what you want out of life.
3. Neglecting Your Health
Photo Source Don’t neglect your health during your 20s. You’re so busy taking care of work, school, relationships, and socializing that it’s easy to forget to take care of your mental and physical health as well. It’s understandable. You’re so busy trying to pack as much into your days as possible, which is exactly what you should be doing. But don’t forget to make some time for your health, too. To help point you in the right direction, take a look at some of these articles on healthy living: 25 Simple Habits Anyone Can Take Up To Live A Healthy Life 7 Secrets of Healthy People
4. Taking Your Parents for Granted
Photo Source I know it doesn’t seem like a very likely scenario right now, but you will not always have your parents. Imagining life without one or both parents is difficult. Right now, any time you need help or feel stressed out, they are there for you. But, one day they will be gone. Of all of the mistakes mentioned, this is the most serious. I lost my mother in my 20s and it was one of those completely unexpected losses. We were talking on the phone after not seeing each other for a few weeks and we decided to do something together the next day. I woke up to a phone call telling me that she had passed away. You never get to go back and do it all over. Take advantage of the time you have with them now. Don’t take your parents for granted. In fact, as soon as you finish reading this article, give them a call. Make a coffee date or go catch a movie together. Spend your next vacation together. One day, you’ll look back on that time together and be grateful you had it. Featured photo credit: Unsplash via pexels.com
