Young adults
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
Spend your time wisely.
Time is your most important asset; you cannot buy it or get it back, and it is running out.
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Focus on your mental health by seeing a therapist.
The longer you wait, the more you suffer, and the harder ingrained beliefs and patterns are to adjust.
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Follow your own instincts and desires instead of trying to live up to the expectations of family, friends, or strangers.
Staying true to yourself attracts genuine people.
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Stop comparing yourself to others and focus on growing beyond your past self.
Comparison is the thief of joy; you will never be happy because there will always be someone bigger, smarter, stronger, or richer.
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- Do not compare your life or successes to others.2
Take risks and try new things even if they are scary, because failing is necessary for learning and better than not trying at all.
Failure is the mother of success; without it, you cannot learn.
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- Try new things and embrace failure to learn from it rather than fearing judgment.1
- Accept that mistakes and failures are essential steps to success; learn from them to fail forward.1
Believe people based on what they show you through their actions, not just their words.
Words mean one tenth of someone’s actions.
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Look after your older self.
Life passes quickly and your future self will thank you.
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Learn a new language.
It enriches your life.
one person who lived it
Do not dwell on past mistakes as you grow into your 20s and 30s.
Dwelling on them simply slows down the future.
one person who lived it
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Always speak the truth to others and yourself.
It brings freedom.
one person who lived it
Regularly ask yourself 'What would love do?' to guide choices toward your highest self.
It helps align choices with your highest self.
one person who lived it
Start thinking about traveling early; it may be uncomfortable but is worth it long term.
it'll be worth it long term
- It's abit uncomfortable
one person who lived it
Stop spending money to impress others.
No one will care.
one person who lived it
Step out of your comfort zone by discussing things with people in real life, as this is where growth happens.
Your uncomfortable zone is where you grow.
one person who lived it
Embrace the freedom of youth while you have it.
One day you will not have as much freedom.
one person who lived it
Build a 'movie star' physique rather than a bodybuilder look to benefit your whole life.
It will benefit you for your whole life.
one person who lived it
Use time for self-reflection, reading, and studying podcasts or lectures to grow.
To grow.
one person who lived it
Quit a job that is damaging your mental well-being before the situation becomes too severe.
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If you have outgrown relationships with friends, lovers, employers, or family, do not feel obligated to continue them; let go of those that are bad for you or not working out.
As you get older, it is okay to let some friendships go.
one person who lived it
Do not compare your current situation to others, as even those who appear to have it together likely feel they are doing things wrong.
People often feel uncertain about their own lives despite appearances.
one person who lived it
Make short- and long-term plans to guide daily action.
Knowing where you are going helps you take action every day.
one person who lived it
Write things down in a notebook to compensate for unreliable memory.
It helps close the loop on life and work tasks.
one person who lived it
Buy practical cars like a Honda Civic or Toyota Corolla instead of luxury vehicles.
You could save $100,000 over your lifetime by avoiding the extra cost of vehicles like BMWs, Audis, or giant trucks.
one person who lived it
Pace yourself and avoid overdoing partying, working, or exercising because life is long.
Life is long.
one person who lived it
Set a travel goal, execute it, and repeat this process over and over.
To avoid becoming stagnant and comfortable.
one person who lived it
Practice mindfulness by monitoring your thoughts and emotions to gain more self-control.
It gives more self control
one person who lived it
Try everything, including sports, activities, and competitions.
One person reported that not signing up for these was their biggest regret from early twenties
- Based on one person's experience
one person who lived it
Get serious about your goals, start saving and investing if you can, volunteer or donate to your community, and take vacations to new places.
one person who lived it
Practice habits consistently, as they multiply exponentially over time.
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If you find yourself spending money and time on social activities just to feel accepted, redirect that energy toward your studies, family, and building real friendships.
one person who lived it