Chapter 1: The Reality of Your 20s

Your twenties serve as a crucial period for managing expectations. At 27, I once believed this decade would be the peak of my life. With university behind me, I anticipated a time filled with dreams coming true—more finances, freedom, and the chance to truly become who I wanted to be. Yet, the reality of choice comes with its own set of expectations and responsibilities.

These are six vital lessons I wish I had learned earlier:

1. You Are Your Own Savior

   I grew up with a fairy-tale mindset, influenced by numerous Disney films, which led me to believe that if I just wished hard enough, my dreams would come true. After three years of waiting and hoping, I learned a hard truth: no one is coming to save you. While it's easy to feel sorry for oneself, the reality is that most people are focused on their own lives. If you have aspirations, simply dreaming about them isn't enough. To achieve great things, you must take action.

2. You Can Be Anything, Not Everything

   How I wish I had received this advice when I was juggling multiple ambitions. If you find yourself trying to do too much, take a moment to evaluate what truly matters. Warren Buffet famously suggested writing down your top 25 goals, circling the top 5, and ignoring the rest. It's a painful but honest truth: you can achieve anything, but you can’t do it all at once. Make your choices wisely.

3. Passion Develops Over Time

   Could I envision a fulfilling life without writing? Absolutely not. Yet, three years ago, I would have claimed I had no passion for it. The truth is, passion is not something you stumble upon; it is cultivated. It begins with curiosity—a yearning to explore and experiment. Over time, as I invested my energy into writing, I became increasingly engaged. Six months in, I was intrigued; a year later, I was hooked; and now, after two and a half years, I am fully committed.

4. Staying Put is the Real Risk

   The greatest risk you can take is opting for complacency. Without careful consideration, you might find yourself stuck in a repetitive cycle for decades. If this doesn’t align with your desires, your lack of courage to take action will lead to a monotonous life. While remaining in your comfort zone is easy and predictable, is that truly the life you wish to lead? The most significant risk is choosing not to take any.

5. You Choose Your Pain

   Pain is unavoidable in life, but you have the power to choose which type you endure. Every decision you make will come with its own set of challenges. You may fail, feel embarrassed, or face setbacks—this is simply part of pursuing any goal. The silver lining is that you can select which pain is worthwhile based on the potential rewards that might follow.

6. Boredom Equals Unhappiness

   Please, don’t settle for a life of monotony. A recent remark struck a chord with me: boredom is the antithesis of happiness. When you find yourself in a routine that feels stagnant, it signals a need for new challenges. Reaching the summit of a mountain is exhilarating, but remaining there indefinitely can lead to discontent. You need new goals to pursue; the excitement lies in the journey and the rewards that come from both striving and achieving.

In the video "6 Things I Wish I Knew In My 20s," you’ll discover practical insights and advice that can help you navigate this transformative period.

Chapter 2: Gaining Wisdom Through Experience

The second video, "10 Pieces of Advice for Your 20s," offers valuable tips that can empower you to make the most of your twenties and beyond.