Now that I’m not as young and carefree as I was in my 20s anymore, there’s a couple of things I wish I’d have knew back then- things that would make me less anxious and uptight, and things I haven’t done as often that would have repercussion for me in the older age- like now.
Nobody scrutinise every tiny detail that you do
Stop feeling so anxious all the time! Nobody is watching you like a hawk, dissect your every move and analyse it like the stock market. Nobody’s perfect, neither can you please every living thing on this earth. If they are upset about you just being yourself- too bad for them.
Don’t seek validation from the outside, make peace of your doings from the inside
What you think about your own doing is more important that what others think. Just like the story of The Man, the Boy and the Donkey– “Please all, and you will please none.” Instead of seeking approving nods from the others, ask yourself how do you feel about it. If you feel just fine- proceed. What others say are just merely noise.
Stop judging and preaching
One of the reason for being this way is because you are insecure within. Stop looking outwards- start looking inwards and reexamine what needs to be improve or altered.
You can blame everyone else for everything, but that’s still not gonna get you anywhere
So stop focusing on blaming, starting planning and executing.
20s is not too old, not succeeding in your 20s does not mean failure for your rest of your life
I know every Chinese new year gatherings, your relatives are going to ask how are you doing, then take the chance to humbly brag how much better their children are (than you), and that’s not gonna make you feel great. Don’t let them discourage you, you are not there not doesn’t mean you will never get there- ask Jon Hamm, Lincoln or JK Rowling.
It’s okay even if you are still exploring around to find out what your passions are, finding the right path is more important.
Rome is not build in a day, neither is your success
Stop measuring the rate of your success year by year, month by month. Progression will not always be a linear graph. So stop counting, just continue doing what you are doing in the right direction.
Don’t blame the seniors for not being as sharp and alert as the you
All of us wants to be bright, observant, attentive, but unfortunately (1) it’s not last forever, and (2) sometimes you tried your best to be but still your mind can just get away from you. And, it doesn’t get better with age. In fact, it goes the opposite direction. So don’t keep thinking they don’t try hard enough. They do, so it won’t hurt anyone to give them a little patience and the benefit of the doubt.
Build good financial habits
I know it’s the time to enjoy life when you just gain your freedom as a young adult, but it’s doesn’t hurt to save a tiny piece of cake from your monthly income to prep for the future. Learn about savings, investment etc. Trust me- it’s way better than panicking when you reach the big 3.
Your beauty is not going to last forever if you continue to take it for granted
It’s not pretty when the crow’s feet start appearing. A little care a day goes a long way. Start early, you’ll thank me later.
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Well, there you go- those are the random advices I wish I knew when I was younger. But what’s done is done, so if you stumble into this post while you are still young, hope you may find some of them helpful.