Unless you were born with a trust fund, at the beginning of this decade, you will be focused on figuring things out. This is your fun phase. At the same time, you are learning to stand on your own two feet without the influence of your parents, make your own decisions, and live with the benefits and consequences of those decisions. Hormones and hungers of many kinds rule at this stage of life: “hate to be bored” hunger, sensual hunger, love hunger, and a natural “desire to be liked” hunger, among others.
The goal of the day is to find a way to fund the fun.
You will crash into walls because this is the rookie mistake decade. You don’t know what you don’t know but you don’t know that.
Some hard realities began to take shape: You have to work to live. Working means securing some kind of education or training to obtain the opportunity to work. That takes work in and of itself.
If you were fortunate to have someone to guide you as you grew up, you understand the importance of having a bank account, how to use credit, why you should save money, and what you should save money for.
Yet, there is still so much to learn. Depending on whether you feel optimistic or not about your future, you might feel a bit overwhelmed and forever “late” to arrive at your goals.
ESSENTIAL ADVICE FOR WOMEN IN THEIR 20s:
1 – Invest in Education
Continue to learn and invest in your education either through formal schooling, experiences, or self-directed learning. Knowledge is a powerful tool that can open doors and empower you in various aspects of life.
2 – Prioritize Mental and Physical Health
Take care of your mental and physical well-being. Develop healthy habits, including regular exercise, proper nutrition, and sufficient sleep. Make time for activities that bring you joy and help alleviate stress.
REMEMBER: Self-care is not selfish.
3 – Build Strong Relationships
Cultivate meaningful relationships with friends, family, and mentors. Surround yourself with positive influences who support and encourage your personal growth. Learn to set boundaries and prioritize relationships that contribute positively to your life.
Some relationships have an expiration date. Learn to recognize those relationships and let them go.
4 – Financial Literacy
Develop a basic understanding of personal finance. Learn about budgeting, saving, investing, and managing debt. Establish financial goals and work towards building a secure financial future.
5 – Embrace Independence and Support
Take the initiative to make your own decisions but resist feeling like you have to do everything. You are never alone. Every woman must learn when we must stand and we should sit with support. This will empower you to navigate life more confidently.
6 – Explore Career Paths
Explore different career paths and find work that aligns with your passions and skills. Don’t be afraid to take risks or change directions if you discover new interests. Seek out mentors and networking opportunities in your chosen field.
You can change directions whenever you desire. You are never “stuck” with a past decision.
7 – Cultivate Confidence
It can be hard to believe in yourself and your abilities at this stage. Embrace challenges as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. You are more powerful at accomplishing your goals than you may realize.
8 – Advocate for Yourself
Learn to assert yourself and communicate effectively. Advocate for your needs, rights, and aspirations. Developing strong communication skills will serve you well in personal and professional relationships.
Never argue with someone who is bent on judging you. Let your actions speak louder than your words.
9 – Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. Give yourself the same grace you would give a trusted friend. Understand that making mistakes is a natural part of life, and use them as opportunities to learn and grow. Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small.
You are doing the best that you can. That is enough.
10 – Contribute to the Community
Find ways to contribute to your community and the world around you. Engage in volunteer work or participate in activities that promote positive social change. Being part of something larger than yourself can bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
CONCLUSION
Remember, life is a journey. You are on your unique path. Try not to worry too much about getting everything right, “being too late”, or missing an opportunity. It’s all an experiment while you learn who you are and what you want. If you are “successful” in this decade, you will transform into a completely different person—a woman ready to tackle the challenges ahead with curiosity and courage.
FOR MORE SUPPORT
There are a few key books and our recommended confidence course that can assist you in your journey of personal growth, covering a range of topics from self-discovery and empowerment to relationships and career development.
