In your 20s, the biggest issues for some may revolve around Netflix, going-out plans, and sometimes grades. For others, it may be graduation, post grad jobs, and more future planning. It’s an awkward time where there seems to be time for anything, but life is surely passing us all by. You’re told to start eating healthy, work out a little more, and consider presenting yourself better on social media. Yet, there seems to be a few things often forgotten about that actually do matter. So, let me tell you a few things you really should be doing in your 20s that no one else will nag you about.
Stop Comparing Yourself to Others
In a perfect world, you would see the success that others achieve and it may motivate you to find success of your own. Being inspired by the success of others is healthy and can lead you to do bigger and better things than you ever imagined.
However, reality sucks and the darker side of comparing yourself to others is where many of us end up. When you start to compare yourself to others, envy and pettiness begin to creep into your life. Trust me, nothing is worse than comparing yourself to someone you think is better than you. When you allow yourself to believe you’re not as great, you begin to act less of the awesome human being you truly are. So, stop living your life comparing yourself to your peers. Stop being a follower, and start living your own life – your way. It’s more important to worry about your own character because at the end of the day, how you feel about yourself is all that matters.
Start a Skincare Regimen
A skincare what? Honey, I will preach this until the day I die – a skincare regimen is *cue sassy hand clapping* EVERYTHING. There is one organ of the body that you can never truly replace and that is your skin (that’s why we are left with scars whenever our skin is damaged). In your 20s, your skin begins to change and it requires real care. This means washing your face every night before bed and utilizing anti-aging products like sunscreen and eye cream on a daily basis! And ladies, pleasepleaseplease wash your makeup brushes. It’s often than not forgotten about, but those brushes harbor nasty bacteria that causes breakouts and infections (ew). Healthy, clean skin is something people actually notice, so start taking care of yours today. Check out this list of products recommended for your 20s skincare regimen – the hysterical commentary on Allure’s end is just the cherry on top.
Begin to Build Your Professional Wardrobe
The 20s are the worst because there’s a part of you that wants to buy the trendy crop tops, the comfy sweats, and cut-off, distressed shorts. Meanwhile, the real world is just around the corner and you’re seriously slacking in professional wear. Let me be the first to tell you that slowly spending your time or money investing in professional pieces is not one you’ll regret. A part of adulting is building your professional wardrobe with sleek, classic cuts and prints. Luckily, staple business pieces like button-ups, chic dresses, and trousers never go out of style. You don’t want to be the one wearing a “pencil” skirt you use for nights out as a last resort for your big interview or event. For you first timers, hit up Banana Republic, Express, or your favorite department store! First impressions last forever, so start investing in professional pieces and walk into your next interview looking like a total #ladyboss.
Travel, Travel, Travel
You weren’t born to just exist, pay bills and die. College is not forever and unfortunately, these are considered the best times of your life. Go. Make. It. Count. I don’t mean book a trip you can’t afford to some tropical paradise. Take a roadtrip and see something new. Hell, get your friends into a car and even travel to the other side of the river – if it’s farther than downtown 3rd street, you’re doing something new, amiright? Life is full of opportunities that are too often missed. We get comfortable and we get lazy, wasting our precious time “relaxing” by enjoying doing almost nothing. Start really enjoying yourself and spend your hard earned money to have new experiences. Make memories. Make this time count.
From one collegiette to another, these tips are beneficial. I’ve made all the mistakes and I’m telling you how to avoid it all now. Take a deep breath, consider some changes, and slay your 20s. #HCXO
All gifs courtesy of Giphy.com