I don’t know about you, but I feel like my 20’s are flying by, and I want to make sure I do the decade justice! Did I go into the right career? Did I worry about the right things? Have I achieved what I set out to achieve? I believe the best way to prepare for those questions and answer them to the best of our abilities is to make sure we invest in what really matters. I do not mean invest in materialistic objects, very much the opposite. These 10 things are what I think we should be investing our time in…
1. Networking
If you form a solid network of people around you, you are exposed to more opportunities and potential for success in both your career and in your personal life. Go to events, talk to strangers, build relationships, go outside your comfort zone. After all, it is not what you know, but who you know. One of my favourite quotes is by Karan Jaiswani who says, ‘your 20’s are all about utilizing your today and structuring your future’.
2. Reading
There is nothing more productive than taking the time to read. Read whatever you can get your hands on – the news, fiction, non-fiction, career advice, self-help books, magazines – anything! The more you know and understand about people around you, the more easily and successfully you can navigate those very things. Education through reading is an invaluable resource that you are never going to regret having.
3. Wellbeing
Investing time into taking care of your mind should not be forgotten. Stimulate it, challenge it, be conscious of what you’re exposing it to daily, and take care of yourself. The mind, like anything else, has the characteristics of a muscle – you use it, or you lose it. And as long as you are using it, it will remain fit and healthy. I have found a short meditation each day has really helped me to become more mindful.
4. Skills
While the advice to ‘follow your dreams’ is something I feel very strongly about and agree with, my granddad always urged me to master and control a variety of skills that can be used to benefit me within the field I am most passionate about. So again, read up on things, book an online webinar, go to a networking event – anything that will add a new skill to your CV is worth the time and energy. I absolutely love learning new things and would be lost without books and the internet!
5. Habits
The hardest part of creating good habits is getting started, but once you are able to master them, they will have an undeniably positive impact on your day-to-day life. Another favourite quote of mine is, ‘once a habit is established, it lasts for a life time’. I have finally got myself into the habit of having hot water and lemon when I wake up, instead of starting my day with caffeine. It is a much healthier option for the body, and I definitely feel much better for it.
6. Relationships
Now is the time to drop the mediocre friends and make time for those who are really going to stick around and be positive influences in your life. As you mature, so should your relationships, so you don’t have to waste time on people who will be harmful rather than helpful in your pursuit of your future goals. When I was younger I always wanted to have a big friendship group – but now I am so grateful to have a handful of great friends that I can share my time with.
7. Eating Well
Spend time planning meals, learning healthy recipes and regularly taking into consideration what you are putting in your mouth. Even it if takes a little more time and effort, your future self will thank you when you find yourself maintaining your energy levels and a healthy body as you age. Drink lots of water, eat plenty of wonderful fruits and vegetables but also enjoy a good pizza and bottle of prosecco. Like my mum has always taught me – everything in moderation!
8. Finances
Sit down and figure out how you are spending your money, what you are spending it on and what your outgoings are each month. Set up a savings account for the future or a joint savings account with your partner for holidays or a flat. Put money aside but still treat yourself and live life to the fullest. And another piece of advice my mum always gave me – always put a little money aside for a rainy day.
9. Travelling
Travelling is so important to me and definitely something I do and will continue to invest my time and money in. In your 20’s, you are inquisitive and full of energy and it is great to experience new cultures and countries. You will learn things that you can take with you and apply to your life back at home. For me, travelling rejuvenates me, it is a time to escape my fast-paced life back in London and relax, unwind and worship the sunshine (and eat lots of different and wonderful cuisines!)
10. Planning
Finally, it’s easy to get caught up in everything going on throughout your 20’s, and people often forget to actually sit back and contemplate what it is they really want out of life. I love this quote from Tonya Turpin who advises us to ‘actively, and with intent, become aware of the world and everything it holds, not just the outside world, but also the one in your head – be curious and question everything’. Make time to figure out what you love, and map out a plan of how to go and get it!
Olivia x