Ten Things to accomplish in your 20's

This year has been, quite so far, a good year for me. Although there were moments of self-doubts, troubles and fears---Blessings were enough to shed some light on my darkening path and helped me seize unexpected opportunities :) 

As I turned 24 last January, I realized several things---the things I should be working on in my 20's, or let's just say I MUST accomplish right now because I'm already in my mid-20's :)

Now let me share with you my list of the things that you need to accomplish in your 20's. I hope that as you read you'll check yourself if you already done these things, still in the process, or haven't started yet. I personally believe that these stuff can help young adults, like me, to better face the challenges of a mature life.

Are you ready? :)

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# 1: LAND ON A STABLE JOB

If you're already into it, then that's good! But if not, better look for it now! And how will you know if the one you have now can be classified as a stable job? well, you can ask yourself questions like: (1) Is my salary enough for myself and the family I'm supporting? (2) Can I still save with the money I'm receiving right now? (3) Does this company I'm working with give me good benefits, like insurance, health card, etc.? (4) Will this company still survive after 10 to 20 years? (5) Will I receive a progressive salary and benefits? (6) Does this company provide me professional growth? 

Above are just some of the questions that will let you assess your stability. If your answer are mostly NO, you better take some actions. 

#2: ESTABLISH MATURE RELATIONSHIPS

Enjoyable relationships will keep you going for several years, but mature ones will let you surpass greater challenges in the decades to come. Seek for great friends with big hearts and open minds, the ones you can be with in times of overflowing happiness and even amidst of self-trouble. In terms of romantic relationships, start quitting the I-love-you-'coz-you're-hot, I'm-so-needy-give-me-your-attention and Let's-be-together-until-things-get-sour attitude in LOVE!

You can try to be more like a "giver" than a receiver of love. Look for a partner---not a display BF or GF, personal assistant, man of your dreams, hottest girl in town or the richest catch---because that's for kids, and you're no longer a child. The stronger the relationship you build, the better person you will be. A mature relationship bound with love, friendship and understanding will surely bring out the BEST in you. :)

#3: SPEND MORE TIME WITH YOUR FAMILY

Especially your PARENTS. You are not getting younger buddy and so are they! Don't waste the daily chances, greet them like, "How's it goin' old folks?" haha! Kiss them, hug them and make them feel that you love them to the moon and back! I assure you, those actions will mean more than any material thing that you can offer them. Spend some quality time with your family, go out and make some good memories---because after all you'll be seeing  less of them once you get married. :)

#4: IMPROVE YOURSELF

Actually, It's a battle against all of your imperfections. I know, I know, as the saying goes: "Your imperfections make yourself unique". However, there'll always be some room for improvement, which you should take advantage of. Assess yourself and look for the things that you don't quite like or have difficulties dealing with. I also have a handful of imperfections, physically, emotionally and socially. 

Before, I even cursed my hair because it's very unmanageable, in the same manner that I hated my nose because it's not pointed :( We all have our shares of self-hate. But every problem has a solution, so every imperfection can be perfected :) Just don't get too lousy in doing you homework! read, look for answers, try different solutions and you'll soon be on your quest to greatness! Believe me, once you've finally remedied all your wounds, you'll be more confident to face the world. :)

#5: PURSUE YOUR PASSION

The things that you love doing, are the things that will make you happy :) Don't settle for a job because you earn a lot from it, it must be because it is your passion and it makes you fulfilled. Sometimes, the comments / suggestions that we get from others plays a big role on our choices. We become conscious on the things that other people may say about us, that's why most of us tend to play safe. Just remember this: As long as you're not hurting anyone with the things that you want to do, then must continue doing it :) 

#6: TRAVEL AND BUILD GOOD MEMORIES

Now is the perfect time to take a road trip, go out-of-town and discover different places. As young adults, we tend to focus more on saving money to purchase the latest gadgets or buy the trendiest apparels. As we invest on material things, we forget to collect the most important aspect of life—memories. Once you travel, you’re building good memories with the people you are with. It doesn't matter if your trip is near or far, by land or air, and even by foot! As long as you are with your best buddies---you’ll definitely arrive at the best destination ever J

#7: ACCOMPLISH YOUR BUCKET LIST

As I take a look at my own bucket list, I’m a bit disappointed for not accomplishing even the first half of it?! *sigh* But I make a promise to fulfill them before I reach my 30’s! yay! J A bucket list contains the things, simple or complicated, that you want to achieve before you die. Wait a minute, that’s a bit rude! Well you can change the goal and make it “before you get married” or “before you get old”---that’s better! Your list may include simple things like planking in the middle of a street or something extreme, like skydiving! Whatever it is, as long as the things listed will make you happy and improve your self-esteem, you should go for it.

#8: START A SMALL BUSINESS

An extra work won’t hurt you and a little income will help a lot on improving your finances. You don’t need to dream big because a simple home-based store or online business is a pretty good start. I have ventured in two small businesses already, one is a home-based baking shop which offers cupcakes, brownies and other confections, and the other one is an online beauty store that sells Korean beauty products. 

To be honest, it was quite difficult to operate even a small business if you are working full-time. That’s why I already gave up my beauty store and take a break on my baking business as well. Now, I started accepting small orders of cupcakes and cakes from our neighbors, relatives and friends J If you are interested in putting-up a small business like mine, I would suggest that you focus first on the things that you love doing, something that you are interested with. From that I can assure you “success is OTW” J

#9: SAVE YOUR MONEY

I’ve been working for years now, and I must admit that I’m not really good at saving my earnings L  But as I grew older, I’m getting more concerned about the future and the importance of having ample money for future emergencies and later on for family life. Our world is full of temptations, and if you get deprived during your childhood years in terms of material things---you’ll surely get hooked on the shopaholic life of most working individuals. 

Basically, there’s no problem in spending your money by buying stuff that you need and of course want, besides, it’s your hard earned money! Well the problem comes in once you spend too much, then at the end of the day you’d find out that there’s not even a single cent inside your wallet.  I’ve experienced that very tough moment and believe me, it was hardL. Now, you may start saving by opening a savings account at the bank of your choice. You could also opt for the traditional technique of saving by using a piggy bank. After all, any method can be utilized as long as the desired result, which is to SAVE, is met J

#10: LIVE A HAPPY and HEALTHY LIFE

“You’ll reap what you sow” ---this line is actually true! The things that we do to ourselves today will affect our whole scheme in the years to come. If you eat right and exercise today, you’ll definitely not worry about your physical health in the next decades. If you involve yourself in pleasant relationships at present, for sure a healthy emotional and social being will be expected from you. If you are currently into intensive reading and graduate studies, there’s no doubt that you’ll enjoy an active mind even in the elderly stage. 

Being healthy must be holistic. You should live a healthy life, meaning a healthy mind, soul and body. Actually, being HAPPY is really the best medicine because it takes away all the strains in life that makes you age faster! It is also a preventive mechanism that could help you live a long and satisfying life. :)

ONE OF THE GOOD MEMORIES I must kiss goodbye :) Being a teacher to these kids completed the first four years of my 20's, and I'm extremely happy and proud of that.

Quite a long list huh?! :) Thank you for bearing with me 'til the end! I hope you've learned something from my list and hopefully apply them in your own lives :) Remember: Always be the best version of YOURSELF!

--Miss G.

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