12 Mistakes You Should Try to Avoid Making in Your 20s
They say 30 is the new 20 and 20 is the new hell. They don't actually say that second part, but, as a 20-year-old, I can say it's entirely accurate. Long story short, your 20s are hard!
Yea it is! There's like a zillion mistakes to be made. And while you obviously can't avoid them all (you're only human!), try your best to avoid making these mistakes.
1. Spending money like there's no tomorrow
WOOHOO! You got a paycheck! Congratulations. Now, put some of those hard-earned dollars into a savings account. Spend money on essentials like food and water. Obviously treat yourself every now and then, but don't waste your money on that $300 face peel. It's just not worth it. Who do you think you are?! Kim Kardashian?
Spoiler alert: you're not.
2. Hunting for a soul mate
People can't be hunted like deer. Going out on a Saturday night with the intention of finding your soulmate will leave you like
You may fall in love. You may not. But stop trying to. Love tends to find us when we least expect it.
3. Casting your dreams aside
Stop making excuses as to why you're not pursuing fashion, or singing, or medical school, or whatever the heck your passion is! THIS. IS. YOUR. TIME. Make the most of it!
Because if you don't, then no one else will.
4. Forgetting your family
Yes, you're in the real world. But that doesn't mean you can't call your parents or siblings every few days. During this tumultuous decade, you'll need them more than you know.
Lilo gets it.
5. Settling in your job
If you're in a job where you can't grow intellectually, what the heck are you doing there? Obviously, we gotta make that cash, but if you feel like you're not being challenged, then you need to change jobs OR find ways to challenge yourself within your current situation. Never let your brain settle.
6. Hanging onto toxic people
Bad boyfriend? Selfish friend? Snotty coworker? You don't need such people in your life. Surround yourself with humans that inspire you to be the best you can be, that love you for you, that can have as much fun hitting the bars as watching Netflix, as long as they're with you.
7. Not taking responsibility
I get it. The world is hard. But that can't be your excuse for everything. We all mess up. Smart people own up to those instances and learn from them!
All hail the word of Brit Brit.
8. Forgetting to take care of your body
I'm not saying you need to spend 2 hours in the gym every day (unless you're into that kind of thing). But physical health is important. Investing in it now can help you avoid problems later in life. Stay active. Eat healthy foods more often than junk foods. See your gynecologist.
Sometimes, weird is good y'all!
9. Cool your Starbucks jets
Those Starbucks receipts add up, and before you know it, you've spent 2 months rent at Starbucks. Don't get me wrong. I basically pray at the holy coffeeshop and will drink its luscious liquid until the day I die.
But keep your caffeine spending in check. Making coffee or tea at home isn't the worst thing in the world.
10. Neglecting your student loans
Loans SUCK! There's no other way to say it. But don't let the interest compound on an already high payment. Chip away at these as fast as you can. You'll be glad you're not dealing with these in your 40s.
11. Dating the hot guy just because he's hot
It's hard not to want to hook up with the hot dude.
He's dreamy, right? But what if I told you this dude is a secret killer? OK, OK! I'm being dramatic. But like, don't judge someone based on appearance, and definitely don't date just for looks. If he's hot, great! But is he nice?! That's the question that actually matters.
12. Wearing crocs
I saw this dude in LA the other day wearing crocs. He looked to be about 27. I went up to him and said, "You do realize you're wearing trash on your feet, right?" Seriously. I know they're not as popular these days. But, just in case you didn't know, NEVER. EVER. WEAR. CROCS.
