Seeing 20:20: Twenty Things To Do In Your 20s!

18 might be the age you grow up legally. But it’s only once you finish uni and start work that you really start feeling like an adult.

Here are 20 things to do during your first decade as a self-sufficient citizen.

Learn as much as you can

Even after you’ve graduated, embrace learning new things. Getting a job will of course teach you new skills – to a limited extent. Still, continue to expand your mind by reading books, going to exhibitions and experiencing new cultures.

Travel the world

Whether you go backpacking around the world or go for long weekends away in Europe – do it! Experience new places and see what’s out there. You’ll miss your jet-setting days when you’re three kids and mortgage down.

Be your own boss

Pursue that business idea you had, no matter how crazy it may seem. Believe in yourself. If you can dream it, you can give it a go!

Get rid of toxic friends

There’s a huge difference between real friendships and friendships that are convenient. Sometimes you find yourself still maintaining friendships with people because you’ve known them since you were 12 but you don’t actually know why. If mates aren’t contributing anything positive to your life, what’s the point?

Drop the pretence. Save your energy for the good stuff.

Start saving money

Try to save some pennies monthly – even if it’s just a little bit. You’ll be glad you did so some day.

Don’t be scared to ask

If you don’t ask, you don’t get. Whether it’s something you want in your career or personal life, stop um-ing and ah-ing. Go for it.

Face your fears

Conquering our fears is always a good thing. Do that skydive, pick up that hairy spider, jump in that pool. Do it now and you’ll have no regrets later.

Stop being so hard on yourself

Life is hard enough without being hard on yourself too. Be kind to yourself. Avoid being critical and stressing over small mistakes. No matter how old you get, you’ll always be learning and improving, so don’t expect to have it all figured out already.

Take care of your body

Eat good food, drink enough water, exercise regularly and get your sleep in. Partying and socialising is all good and well, but don’t neglect yourself.

Go camping

Spend a night under the stars, ditch the phone and just enjoy the nature around you.

Stop looking for love

Sometimes, when everyone around you is dating or in long-term relationships, you can feel pressured to be doing the same thing. Don’t force yourself to be with someone just for the sake of it. Focus on yourself, your goals and your hobbies. When it’s meant to be, it will be.

Don’t be a sheep

Understand that it’s perfectly okay to not like what everyone else likes. It’s okay to disagree with people and call them out when they’re wrong. Whether it’s a friend or a family member, don’t conform to other people’s views for the sake of it.

Don’t worry about what people think

As long as you’re not hurting anyone then wear what you want, say what you want and do what you want.

Learn to cook

Now is the time to experiment and cook up a storm in the kitchen. You’ll always need to eat, so you might as well learn how to make something decent.

Stand up for yourself

Don’t let people walk all over you. You have your own morals and values which you should stand up for no matter what.

Treat yourself to something expensive

Don’t be doing this every month BUT allow yourself a couple of splurges a year.

Drop the negative habits

Whether it’s smoking, binge-drinking, overeating, under-eating or worrying too much…

Stop.

Life is too short for any form of negativity.

Don’t worry about the haters

Not everyone is going to like you or be happy when you succeed. Don’t worry about these people and keep on doing your thang.

Don’t be jealous

Don’t become a hater yourself! Applaud other people’s success and be inspired.

Don’t listen to anyone and everyone

Only take advice from people who you respect and who have the same ideals as you. Remember: your life is your own. If you don’t live it the way you want now, you never will.

Haleema Khokhar also known as Kimi (a college nickname that stayed) is a journalism graduate working in the world of marketing and freelance writing. She loves animals, dance and a strong cup of tea. Check out her website and Twitter at @MyImpression_ you can also check out her personal Twitter at @KimiKhokhar 

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