Twenty-somethings are busier than ever and there are so many options to fill the time. Your early twenties are an odd time of transitions, whether it be out of college or out of your parents' home and definitely into uncharted waters. Finally growing up, entering the hard-core "adulting" stage, and figuring out the parts and people of your life to focus on is daunting. These thoughts have helped me keep my head on a little bit straighter.
1. Do I spend my time doing things I value?
Value is not synonymous with enjoyment or fun or work. Value is what makes us feel like we have done something worthwhile.
2. Who sees my social media, and am I proud of what they see?
Employers, future bosses, potential significant others, and younger family will all be able to see a lot of your online presence, either now or in the future. If you saw your Facebook, Insta, Twitter, etc. as any of these people, what would you think?
3. What is my next step(s) versus my life goal(s)?
We get so caught up in thinking about where we want to be in life that we forget that the path isn't one big jump. Have a general life goal (that you accept to be fluid) and aim for it in tiny steps, every day. Some steps are bigger, but few steps are irreversible or held to a specific time and order.
4. What do I truly enjoy?
It's not necessarily what makes you feel good in the moment.
5. What type of person do I strive to be?
And am I acting in a way that moves me closer to that person?
6. Each individual has his or her own path, and it's OK if the road gets a bit twisted.
7. Make the most of your time with others, because that time is limited.
Be mindful of who is slowly drifting out of your life, and who you allow in. Yeah, we all take different courses, but that doesn't mean that you completely disconnect from people as you move. A simple message every now and then, and genuinely trying to meet up when possible can make the difference between someone you know and someone you knew.
8. Make the most of whatever you do, because you only get one shot.
9. What kind of people do I want (and need) in my life?
10. Am I learning things now that I will need to know later?
Cooking, banking, parking in a city...
11. What's going on when my headphones are in?
Pay attention to what you're missing. Even if you look up and make eye-contact, people treat you as though you're zoned out when you have headphones in. Use this wisely, and think about the message you're sending.
12. Just because it didn't work out like you thought it would is not necessarily a bad thing.
Applicable to every facet of life.
13. People are generally willing to help you.
14. ....But don't assume #13 is true.
15. How can I help those younger than me and what can I learn from them?
16. What type of music do I listen to?
Music changes your mood, which affects your attitude, that leads to actions.
17. What do I read?
What we put into our heads affects you more than is realized in the moment.
18. My upbringing deeply affected my beliefs, habits and success, but do I want to follow that path the rest of my life?
It's important to know you are not just blindly following a lifestyle that is no longer you, and to change if that is the case. Understanding your beliefs and choices as an independent individual is essential.
19. Asking questions is not embarrassing, and those who do will get further.
20. The most unexpected questions often bring the most interesting answers.
We get to know people with the normal questions: Favorite color? Hometown? School?
But really get to know people with: What do you believe and why do you believe it? Where do you go when you just need a break? What's something you would have done differently and how would that change you today? Asking "why" will take you miles in any conversation.
21. It's usually not as bad as I thought it would be.
22. It's usually not as good as I thought it would be.
23. Make note of what works and what doesn't. More importantly, think about why.
24. Find people I want to emulate, and connect with them.
25. What is my definition of successful?
This changes and applies to more than careers and relationships.
