What Are You Doing With Your 20s? Seven Lessons To Live A Regret-Free Life

BY ISAAC ASABOR*

Your 20s are frequently portrayed as the pinnacle of your life because they are the years when you feel full of energy, possibilities, and invincibility. However, as exciting as this decade can be, it is also fraught with uncertainty, pressure, and, if not handled carefully, regret. The decisions you make now will reverberate through your 30s and 40s, influencing the course of your life in ways you may not fully understand until much later.

After reaching that milestone myself, I have realised that there are some universal truths about navigating this formative decade. Here are seven lessons to remember that will help you avoid future regret.

The first of the seven lessons I learnt during that decade was that no one has everything figured out, and that is okay. After all, a relevant scripture, Psalm 57:2, states, “I cry out to God Most High, to God who fulfils His purpose for me.” This implies that understanding and fulfilment in life come solely from God, demonstrating that humans may not have everything figured out without divine intervention. Furthermore, John 1:18 states that no one has ever seen God, but Jesus, who is God, has made Him known, emphasising that true understanding of life and God is obtained through Him.

In fact, the idea that you must have everything figured out by your 20s is a myth. Social media frequently reinforces the illusion that everyone else has their lives perfectly planned, but the reality is far different. Nobody has all the answers, and that is perfectly normal. Do not put yourself under unnecessary stress by believing that everything should be set in stone. Rather, embrace the uncertainty and give yourself permission to experiment, fail, and learn.

Second, take your job seriously, but not yourself. The reason for the preceding advice is not farfetched: your work is your contribution to society, and you must perform to the best of your ability. However, while your work may define your career, it does not define who you are as an individual. In the same vein, strike a healthy balance by taking your responsibilities seriously while not being afraid to laugh at yourself. Life is too short to take too seriously, and a sense of humour can help you stay grounded.

Third, make an effort to travel. This is because the world is bigger than you realise. If you do not travel, you may perceive people from other tribes who live in your land as threats to your survival rather than as compatriots. It is no surprise that some educated people are now asking those who are not part of their tribe or ethnic group to leave their land. It is understandable that such people are educated, even to the university level, but travelling would have taught them to be more accommodating and less paranoid. Take advantage of any opportunities to travel you may have. Travel opens your mind, exposes you to new cultures, and broadens your perspective in ways that nothing else can. The experiences you have while travelling will last a lifetime, outlasting material possessions. You will never look back and say you travelled too much; only that you did not do enough.

Fourth, select your circle wisely. You are the mean of the five people you spend the most time with. This age-old adage serves as a reminder of the profound impact your social circle can have on your life. Surround yourself with people who inspire, challenge, and encourage you. The right company can help you grow, whereas the wrong one can hold you back. Choose carefully who you invest your time in. It is one of the most valuable currencies you own.

Similarly, invest in your health; your future self will thank you. Developing healthy habits now is an investment that will yield long-term benefits. Eating well and exercising regularly are not only good for your appearance; they also make you feel good, both physically and mentally. You only have one body, so taking care of it now will help you avoid a slew of problems later on. Do not leave it too late to start prioritising your health.

Also, try to master the art of communication. The reason for this viewpoint is not far-fetched, as good communication is a skill that will benefit you in all aspects of your life. The ability to express yourself clearly and effectively is valuable in both personal and professional situations. Take the time now to improve your communication skills, as they will serve you well for a lifetime.

Finally, do not suppress your emotions. We often avoid expressing our emotions for fear of being vulnerable or rejected. However, life is unpredictable, and you never know when you will have the opportunity to express your feelings. Do not bottle up your emotions, whether they are love, gratitude, or anger. Express them while you can; you will be glad you did.