I spent the last month reflecting on my twenties, and more specifically, the ages of 20 through 25, when I finally escaped a mountain of trouble and started college.
The result is this list of things I wish I had known then or believed in more back then.
If you’re just starting out in life, this list might help.
If you’re later in life and nearing retirement, it might help, too.
What I Wish I Knew When I Was 20 Years Old
- Limited time and money are obstacles easily overcome with long days, hard work, and a clear vision.
- People will die unexpectedly. Stay connected. Don’t assume there is a tomorrow.
- Every pound you add to your body will be ten times more difficult to remove.
- Every problem has a lifespan shorter than your own.
- Have sex more often.
- Move fast and without fear. Seize opportunities and experiment often.
- Never allow police officers to interrogate you without an attorney present.
- Don’t be ashamed of life circumstances beyond your control.
- Peppermint schnapps is not an acceptable substitute for mouthwash.
- Regular oil changes are good, long-term investments.
- Take more photographs.
- Travel is easier than you think and worth every penny. Do it more.
- Brie tastes surprisingly good.
- Dance more often.
- Most people are not intentionally terrible. They are frightened, wounded, or hurting. Offer grace relentlessly.
- Driving fast and foolishly does not make you look cool.
- How you argue matters more than winning the argument.
- Listening to an audiobook is not a waste of time.
- Never marginalize your dreams because they seem impossible. Possibility is always around the corner.
- Being known for kindness is more important than being known for cleverness.
- It’s better to look stupid than not to ask a question.
- Humility and gratitude can never be overdone.
- When the opportunity for a threesome arises, take it.
- Assume nothing. Doing so is an act of aggressive stupidity.
- Your life will be determined far more by the things you try than by the things you’re good at. Expertise can come later.
- Do the frightening thing sooner.
- Your career won’t make sense while you’re living it. A linear, predictable path isn’t for everyone. That’s okay. Great, even.
- You will someday miss versions of your life that currently annoy you.
- Compound interest applies to almost everything: money, exercise, writing, friendships, reputation, skill. Leverage it now.
- Make things before you’re ready. “Ready” is frequently just fear in disguise.
- Save evidence of your life. Things that seem disposable become artifacts surprisingly quickly.
- A ridiculous amount of life comes down to showing up. So always show up. You can sleep when you’re dead
