Here is a quick list of honest lessons I learned in my 20s. Most come with a story— A success or failure that taught me something about how to interact with the world. Can you relate to any of these?
1.) Focus on a few things that matter. "More matter with less art."
2.) Rejection is a gift. But it's also just one person's opinion.
3.) Adults act like gremlins when money is on the table. Be the rational one,
4.) You can leave your job and change careers. There are no rules to this thing.
5.) Create. All the time. Who cares what people think. No one cares that much anyway.
6.) Life can be even more amazing than you can possibly imagine. Is there something you've always wanted to do? Do it.
7.) Don't spend your money on Target pillows. Reinvest in yourself. Take a course — learn a skill.
8.) Your friend groups are everything! Loneliness sucks your soul.
9.) More about friends, they don't have to be preppy always positive insane people. Just friends who support you and don't drag you down. Pretty simple.
10.) Start late. You'll lap people by taking the time to find something you love to do.
11.) See things exactly as they are. No need to build up a story in your head.
12.) Keep a budget. Always know what's going in and out of your wallet.
13.) Give empathy to others, but hold an equal amount for yourself.
14.) Relationships help you grow. So don't ruminate too much!
15.) Saying yes to one thing is saying no to something else.
16.) Learn a bunch of skills. Specialization is overrated.
17.) Get out in nature. Hike. Bike. Run. Seek awe.
18.) You become your habits. Good or bad.
19.) Journal — I can't stress that enough.
20.) Read to lead.