There’s a plethora of things to do in your 20s, and that’s exactly what we’re diving into today. But don’t worry – this list is all about achievable goals everyone can tackle. No extravagant solo trips overseas!
My early 20s were one of the most confusing times of my life. It’s a decade filled with questions, uncertainty, and your grand entry to adulting.
But that’s the beauty of it. The journey becomes enjoyable when you embrace the idea that your 20s are for personal growth, figuring things out, and navigating the chaos.
Well, without further adieu, let’s dive into 20 things to do in your 20s for a regret-free life!
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Things To Do In Your 20s To Unlock Your Best Self
1. Find your purpose
I know, easier said than done. It took me close to 10 years to figure it out but I can say, at 27, I thankfully did.
It’s a personal journey. There are numerous guides out there (here included) on how to find your purpose but every journey is unique at the end of the day.
Some helpful guides include:
2. Have a goal plan
A goal without a plan is a pipe dream.
Map out your path to success step-by-step. Here is a quick summary:
- Define the goal.
- What are the milestones of the goal?
- Break down the habits and skills you need to achieve your aspiration.
- Show up every day.
The above steps are barely scratching the surface but unlike finding your purpose a goal planner can craft your blueprint.
A little self-promo: I am in the finishing stages of designing a 20+ page goal planner! And guys, it looks amazing. I will notify you here when I list it on my Etsy shop (become part of the family for exclusive freebies and discount codes).
3. Decide on your timeline
Life is unpredictable and through curveballs. However, it doesn’t hurt to have an estimated timeline in place.
What to include:
- Relationship milestones
- Estimated time of marriage
- When you want children, if at all
- Your long-term career goals
- Estimated age for buying a house
- Etc
4. Define your values and stand firm
You are unlikely to conform to peer pressure if you have steadfast morals and values.
Clarify your values, set boundaries, and never compromise. Values and morals span a broad spectrum – from fundamental principles to complex socio-political issues.
5. Become the most confident woman you know
Your 20s are all about finding yourself and becoming comfortable with who you are. Therefore, you’re entering your confidence era!
Confidence isn’t something you’re born with; it’s a skill you develop. You can build self-assurance by practicing certain habits like:
- Learning proper body language
- Never over-explaining
- Trusting your intuition
- Speaking up
6. Elevate your emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence (EI) is the ability to understand your own and others’ emotions. To improve your emotional intelligence, focus on developing the following skills:
- Open communication
- Self-awareness, and
- Empathy
I enhance my EI by understanding my loved ones and my own personality types. This gave me tremendous insight into understanding their reactions and handling disagreements for more fruitful outcomes.
7. Figure out how you manage stress
This one is the most unavoidable, among the things to do in your 20s. Your 20s are anxiety-inducing!
Discover how you best cope with stress – whether it’s by journaling or taking a break outside.
8. Work through past trauma
It’s time to make peace with your past traumas. The past belongs in the past. It took me years to overcome my high school experience and more. However, I can honestly say I have no grudges. My only focus is on the present and the future.
9. Learn to love yourself
A cliche is a cliche for a reason: there’s truth behind it.
“How can I do that, Steph?” Well, here are a few tips to get you started:
- Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses
- Celebrate your achievements
- Practice self-compassion
- Focus on positive self-talk
- Prioritize self-care
Let me know if you want a full guide on this!
10. Break bad habits
You will thank yourself later if you break your bad habits in your 20s.
List all your bad habits on one page and build a game plan to overcome them. They can include:
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
- Too much junk food
- Procrastinating
- Sleeping with makeup, etc
Download this free habit tracker template to keep you motivated during the process.
11. Build good habits
You have to do the opposite too.
Replace your bad habits with good ones. For instance, instead of smoking drink a glass of water.
Another way to build habits is to integrate them into your daily routine. I loathe exercising and seem to gain weight by just looking at a bag of chips – thanks, genetics! So, I started doing simple exercises like squats while making coffee (and I make a lot of coffee). It’s been working well for me!
12. Learn to say no
Such a short word but so hard to say sometimes.
Don’t compromise yourself by complying with everyone else (I cannot believe that English sentence came from my brain lol).
Here are a few points to learn to say no:
- Set boundaries
- Avoid over-explaining – a simple no is enough
- Respect your time
- Give alternatives
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13. Define your personal brand
Your name is your brand and everything you do reflects that brand.
I actually like this activity! You get to:
- Decide on your style
- Define your signature – like scent, lipstick, or color scheme
- Set the thing you are known for – mine is coffee (obviously)
The beauty is you can flip between styles as you’re discovering who and what you want to be.
Your traits are also associated with your brand – are you known to be spontaneous, kind, friendly, fun, or a little impulsive?
It’s a game of build-a-brand!
14. Say yes to experiences
Now, don’t go all willy-nilly and get yourself into dangerous situations.
Be open to new experiences. Basically, get out of your comfort zone, like:
- Accept invitations
- Try new experiences like visiting art galleries or a concert
- Build connections with new people, etc
15. Read self-improvement books
Life is a game and you need to level up.
One way to do it is by reading books on self-improvement or listening to podcasts. Learn new skills and develop the mindset for success.
16. Network
Get to know a variety of people.
Networking can create connections that can benefit you. Skill is crucial but knowing the right people can put you miles ahead in the game.
Attend industry events, connect with leaders through social media, and be helpful.
17. Find your clan
Strengthen and foster your important relationships.
You cannot go through life alone. People need people. Your circle doesn’t have to be big. My clan mainly consists of my family.
18. Invest in your future
I am no finance buff so I’ll keep these last points short.
Invest your money and get annuities. You can never prepare too early for retirement. Consult a financial advisor to find the right fit for you.
Other notable things worth getting are health insurance, funeral cover, car insurance, etc.
19. Create an emergency fund
You don’t need to spend all the money you make.
Create a proper budget and put an x amount of money into your savings monthly.
20. Get an end-of-life planner
An end-of-life planner is a personal binder to guide your family through the process after you pass away. Since life is unpredictable, this file can help ease the burden on your loved ones hardest during a difficult time.
An end-of-life planner typically consists of:
- Personal details
- Medical history
- Logins and passwords
- Banking details
- Letters
- Etc
I am in the process of designing one for Etsy. It will cover all the necessities. I’ll link it here once I list it.
Conclusion
And there you have it – 20 things to do in your 20s for a successful and regret-free life. Make this uncertain time a roadmap to a more fulfilling future.
Which ones are you going to incorporate into your life?
Don’t forget to become part of the family for exclusive access to my free resource library, stay updated on my latest posts, and be notified the moment my Etsy shop launches. Who knows, maybe exclusive discount codes might come your way…
Have a great day wherever you are in the world!
Love, Steph ♥
