Navigating Your Twenties | Youth Development | Mental Health

Twenties can be very stressful and overwhelming. It is a time to enjoy life, work on your dreams, work on yourself, and make huge adult decisions. It gets difficult when nothing is working out. At times you just feel like it's a waste of life and you do not really have much to do. Having to watch your peers enjoy life to the fullest and make the most of their twenties. Our journeys are all different but best believe the troubles you go through in this phase of your life will all come to pass. It's a period of self-discovery, personal growth, and the opportunity to lay the foundation for your future. Below are a few tips that can help you make the most of this decade: 

Set Clear Goals: What is it that you want to achieve in your twenties? Start by identifying what you want to achieve. It can be related to your career, education, relationships, or personal development. Having clear and realistic goals can give you a sense of direction. 

Invest in Education: We often hear people saying education is a waste of time and that it will be difficult for you to find a job once you're done with that qualification. It might be true but don't you want to develop critical thinking and decision-making skills? Best believe, education does shape our minds and level of thinking. Rather see it as a stepping stone to where you need to be in life. Invest in your knowledge and capabilities. 

Build a Strong Financial Foundation: If you're staying in a country like South Africa and you're unemployed, you know how difficult it is to keep track of your finances. Constantly thinking about your next move to secure income. Try to create a budget, save money, and avoid unnecessary debt. If possible try saving and investing your money, it will pay off in the long run. 

Explore Your Passions: Your twenties are an ideal time to explore your interests and hobbies. This can help you discover what truly excites you and what you're passionate about. 

Cultivate Healthy Relationships: Surround yourself with positive people who will support and uplift you. Invest your time in building and maintaining healthy relationships with family, friends, and mentors. In all honesty, you cannot do it all alone. Sometimes it just gets hard to even wake up in the morning. 

Take Care of Your Health: Your mental health and physical health should be a priority. Exercise, meditate, follow a balanced diet, and develop a self-care routine that can help you stay healthy and energized. 

Take Risks: Don't be scared to take risks, whether it's in your career, relationships, or personal pursuits. If you feel like it's going to be worth it then go for it. Just don't do it carelessly and always remember to put yourself first. 

Learn from Mistakes: It's okay to make mistakes. The key is to learn from them and use them as opportunities for growth. Learn to embrace them. 

Networking: Build a professional network and seek out mentors in your chosen field. Networking can open up career opportunities and provide valuable guidance. 

Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without even feeling bad about it. Establish boundaries in your personal and professional life. It's crucial for maintaining your well-being. 

Plan for the Future: It is important to live in the present but also consider long-term goals and plan for your future. Do not compare your life with what others are doing or achieving. Always be patient and be mindful of every season that you're in. Great things take time and you will achieve those goals.

It's never easy but we soldier on and just hope for the best. At times you just want to give up on everything and just stare at other people living and enjoying their lives to the fullest. Always remember that it's never too late to start again and reset. With patience and resilience, you can make the most of your twenties.