Navigating your 20s can feel like a rollercoaster ride. This decade is often a mix of exhilarating highs and bewildering lows, marked by significant life changes and crucial decisions. If only there were a handbook to guide you through! Fortunately, wisdom from those who've been there can provide invaluable insights. Get ready to embrace these nuggets of wisdom and make the most out of this pivotal decade.

Observe What Not to Do

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Not just learn the right things from the right people; some of the best lessons in life come from observing what not to do from the wrong people. Cautionary tales don't work for everyone, but watching somebody's bad decisions unfold in real time was enough to spook many into being more responsible.

Play to Your Strengths

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Being 'smart' doesn’t mean you’ll thrive in scientific learning and work. Play to your strengths, not your expectations. Some of us always thought we were destined for great things, screwing up our expectations. Remember, being smart eases your path but isn't enough to get you to your destination. Hard work is still required.

It's All About Mindset

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There is no point in your life where you don’t have stress, problems, or struggles. It’s all a matter of mindset and how you deal with it that makes it easier. You have to be strong and figure it out. When the shit hits the fan, those who rely on escapism tend to freak out and shut down.

Don't Be Afraid to Be Alone

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Don’t be afraid of being alone; it's better than living with someone who makes you crazy. That tragic quote from Robin Williams always comes to mind: "The worst thing in life isn’t ending up alone; it’s ending up with people who make you feel alone." Sometimes, solitude is your best companion.

Learn to Cook

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Mastering a few decent meals now will save you a world of hassle later. Instant noodles and takeout might seem convenient, but they lose their charm quickly after the 300th time. Cooking not only boosts your health but also impresses friends and dates. Plus, there’s something deeply satisfying about preparing a meal from scratch.

Don't Let People Dictate Your Happiness

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Don't let your happiness depend solely on someone else. No one is responsible for it but you. Please don’t pass that responsibility onto others, whether family or kids. Your happiness is in your hands and is too precious to be outsourced.

Mental Health is Important

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Your mental health is just as important as your physical health. If you need a mental health day, take it. Money comes back, but pushing yourself until you mentally break will catch up to you. Learn to recognize when you need a break before it's too late.

Be Your Own Support

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Be the best wingman to your future self. Don’t want to put that shirt away now? Do it as a favor for your future self. Not interested in organizing documents? Do it because you love your future self and want to succeed. Your future self will thank you.

Finding the Right Partner

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The single most important decision in your life is who you pick as a partner. Your life partner can either be the teammate who helps you succeed or the person who destroys what you spent your life building. Choose wisely and use both your head and heart.

Treat Yourself Well

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Don't be too stingy, and treat yourself every once in a while. Sometimes, small treats can make a big difference in your overall happiness. Stashing some cash away here and there for something nice later can be a great practice. Balance is key.

Do Things on Your Own

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Start doing things on your own sooner; you'll enjoy it regardless of whether you go with someone or not. Stop waiting for participation and buy-in from others. Just do the dang thing. Solo adventures can be incredibly rewarding and freeing.

Start Investing

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Start investing now. Every dollar helps. Don't spend all your money on gadgets and gizmos. Future you will desperately need that cash for rent, coffee, and the occasional adulting meltdown. A little foresight goes a long way in financial health.

Give Your Best Look

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Always look your best! Wake up and glam up, even if you’re going to the post office. Most people are very superficial, and appearances do matter. Plus, looking your best and having a nice routine feels good. Confidence often follows a polished look.

Graduate with a Degree as Soon as Possible

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Graduate from college ASAP and start earning money. The college you graduate from matters when getting your first job, and your first job more or less set the trajectory of your career. Getting a head start on your career can make a significant difference.

Save Money

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Save and save early. Getting a paycheck is not an opportunity to buy everything you always wanted. It’s an opportunity to put as much money away as possible as a gift to future you. Save at least $50 from every paycheck, more if you can. Avoid buying useless stuff.

Prioritize Yourself

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We wish someone had told us to prioritize self-care and not to underestimate its importance amidst the hustle of early adulthood. Balancing work, relationships, and personal well-being is crucial for long-term happiness and success. Your health is your wealth.

Sleep Peacefully

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Sort out why you snore so badly—your sleep won't improve otherwise. That fatigue you feel daily isn't all in your head, metaphorically speaking. Better sleep leads to better days; you owe it to yourself to figure out what's going wrong.

Start Journaling

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If you don’t journal, start. If you ever hit a point in life where you’re wondering, "How’d I get here," those old entries become invaluable references. It's like having a conversation with your past self, providing insights and reflections.

Choose Happiness Over Money

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Seek happiness over money. Don’t get into debt if you can help it. Don’t compare yourself to others; you’re on your own timeline. Remember, your path is unique, and chasing material wealth often leads to emptiness.

Rely on Simple Fashion

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No fads. No fad beauty routines. No fad products. No fad fast fashion. You’ll just end up with a bunch of useless stuff around your apartment, most of which is not refundable. In other words, simplify your life and routine. Less clutter, more clarity.