Accomplish this before 30

Age 30 is glamorized and portrayed as the best years on ads, movies, social media and books because it is. In your early twenties, you are living life like there is no tomorrow, you just crossed the milestone 21 years and exploring all the things you have not done. As you approach twenty five, you are assessing your life and the decisions you’ve made thus far. You may or may not landed a job you enjoy, you may be navigating finding a new job, starting a business or a new career, deciding to start a family or move in with your significant other. You are basically finding were to plant your roots for a good foundation.

It’s never to late to start but quitting before starting makes you a loser.

I am currently thirty-two and I’ve learned life lessons in my twenties that I’ve cherished and it has inspired me to be more comfortable with myself and prepare me for the next decade.

8 things I wish I knew in my 20s:

1. Not everyone will like you! Everyone does not like the same soda, coffee or tea. If you are a person that want to be liked by everyone, you’re deceiving yourself. I’ve spend time fostering relationships knowing deep down this person or these people do not want the best for me and they rejoiced when there are complications in your life. No man or woman is an island, we are social beings therefore we need friends. Find a group of friends with common interest that complete your skills or personality gaps.

PEOPLE learn by example, observing and spending time with your friends that have traits that you wish to obtain. My friend, Dana is an awesome listener, she will spend hours listening to everyone then chime in after all is said, she doesn’t interrupt or think about her response while someone is talking; She genuinely listens. A skill I wish I possessed. Building an inner circle is one of the keys to becoming successful. There are many books on influencing people and winning people over.

2. It’s okay to make mistakes- Everyone makes mistakes in life…a child, teenage , adult or senior. Robert Kiyosaki said, ‘There are no mistakes in life, just learning opportunities.’ This is the most crucial aspect of making a mistake. Don’t beat yourself up, use it as a learning opportunity and strive never make the same mistake twice. Focus on betterment rather than live in regret!

3. It’s okay to say NO- if you have anxiety about saying yes or you’re not entirely comfortable with saying yes — don’t force yourself. Be true to yourself. It’s okay to say no or say not at this time or I’ll pass, probably next time. People will respect you when you are true to your own feelings.

4. Build financial intelligence- educate yourself on building your credit score and strategies for building wealth. You need to learn how to:

Generate income (passive, portfolio or earned), prepare and save on your taxes, build a business plan and start a business.

5. Stay tune with changes or events happening in the external environment- staying abreast to current news and developments via podcast, YouTube, cable TV or press release will get you one step ahead. Currently there is a cargo ship stuck in the Suez Canal; it is blocking all cargo ships in both directions from passing. This event is causing, billions of dollars’ worth of essential cargo and perishable products to become backlogged on the hundreds of vessels. It’s impact — - increase pricing, scarcity of essential items and stock pricing may increase or decrease. You can use this information to grab opportunities that may not have otherwise be available. Just remember when Covid19 hit and the opportunities in the stock market. Some people sold their entertainment shares and brought essential products shares that made them $$$!

6. Self care is mandatory- Scheduling time for yourself and for your development is the best investment. Your mind is a powerful tool, take time to build mental muscles as well as physical muscles. Exercising is proven to promote healthier minds and bodies. Let this become a habit rather than a ‘good to do’.

7. Spend less time worrying — about things you cannot change but invest time in things you can change.

If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail.

All things will work out once you do the necessary preparation. Thinking positive thoughts will generate positive results and vice versa. You become your thoughts so by pondering and meditating on all things good; your situation will work out. You will achieve clarity on the actions necessary to resolve any situations.

By following the 8 essential factors in your 20s- you will be on the fast track to becoming a successful and happier person. Live your best life…NOW!

Jolene