Image from WeHeartIt.comUR PEACE OF MIND: 5 Things You Need to Be Doing in Your 20’s
Written by Alanna Gardner, MFT
The further along I get in my 20’s the more I recognize one thing: the 20’s are a helluva growing period. In your 20’s, real life steps in. Changes in yourself as well as your circumstances start to happen so fast and so often, that it’s hard to get a moment to really grasp what’s going on. Despite all of the changes going on in your life, here are 5 Things You Need to Be Doing in Your 20’s:
1. Letting Go of Societal Expectations
Your 20’s are the start of a lifetime of reflection… and by reflection I mean reflecting on all the things you “should’ve” accomplished by now but haven’t. Most of us aren’t where we thought we’d be in life. We aren’t married with 2 kids and a house, a lot of us don’t have a fulfilling dream job, and quite frankly some of us don’t even know what we want to do tomorrow. But the blessing in disguise of not having achieved all of the things on your “before I turn 30” list is that you get the chance to see if you actually want to do those things or if it’s society pressuring you to accomplish certain wants. As millennials, we have to recognize that most of the expectations society expects us to meet are ridiculous and unrealistic for where we’re at right now. Save yourself some distress and evaluate if your goals are what you want or if you’re just feeding into societal pressures.
2. Discovering & Growing Your Passion(s)
Do you have an overwhelming desire to do something but never took the time to hone in on it? Now is the time to do it! Are you into art? Take classes! Are you passionate about fitness? Become a certified trainer! Are you on the other end of the spectrum and are unsure about what you’re passionate about? The best teacher is experience, so go out and experience life instead of thinking about it. Here is a past Urban Realist post on finding your passion.
3. Learning How to Effectively Communicate with Others
Whether it’s your family, friends, lovers or coworkers; now is the time to really figure out how to effectively communicate with others. Learn how to voice your opinion respectfully while still being heard. Explain to people how you want to be treated or how things make you feel. Don’t avoid conflicts; they’re teachable moments. The most important part of this is to learn how to listen and understand others as well; don’t be afraid to be accountable when people communicate things to you as well. Incorporate this tidbit into your life and watch your relationships blossom across the board.
4. Recognizing Your Worth
One of the best things you can do for yourself , is learning your value. Know what type of person you are and what you add to the lives of those around you. When you know your worth, it changes your perspective. You know who and what to allow into your life. You’ll find yourself making better choices, removing yourself out of situations that don’t benefit you. You’ll start going after things you deserve to have- like better jobs, circumstances and relationships.
5. Learning How To Budget Your Time & Money
Even if you don’t have a lot of time and money, it’s important to learn how to correctly manage these things now while you have the freedom to do so. Figure out how to use your time effectively so your not wasting it. Budget your money so you’re able to pay your bills and still have money leftover to enjoy life’s luxuries. Make time and money management your best friends and you just might end up with more of both.
What are some lesson’s you’ve learned during your 20’s? comment and post below! TheUrbanRealist.com would love to hear from you!
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