What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?

​The concerns of young adults in their 20s today are different from our concerns when we were in our 20s. Generation Z is the demographic born between 1995 and 2015. They are born knowing that terrorism exists and financial crises seem to be commonplace. Gen Zed youngsters are born with technology and social media constantly watching, sharing, and judging their every move.
 
Compared to us, life in our 20s was much simpler. There were fewer comparisons and less pressure from society. In our recent podcast with Tanya Meeesmann, Founder and CEO of FUEL (Girl Shaped Flames) we discussed the advice we would give our 20-year-old self. Knowing what we know now, it’s great to look back and share what we’ve learned to young people today.
 
Stay balanced
 
With all the information and advice you will receive, you have to stay balanced. The key to doing this is by having a perspective and maintaining objectivity. Break down the situation first before you react or go crazy. Be objective as much as you can so you can make decisions rationally. Talk things through with people you trust so you can get as much perspective as you can.
 
Pay attention to things around you
 
Understand other people’s reactions to successfully navigate things and relationships. Look at things from their point of view. Put yourself in their shoes. Paying attention is more than just listening. The more you understand people and their motivations and reactions, the more you will understand how the world works.
 
Tact Learning
 
This simply means the passing on of information from older and more knowledgeable people to younger people like you. Learn as much as you can from people who know more than you do. Respect what you can learn from your seniors. Listen and observe the work ethic of others.  Learning from seasoned professionals will prepare you to be the best version of yourself.
 
Seek advice, help, and support
 
Reach out. Surround yourself with people that support and motivate you. Have your tribe around you. Find consistency on who you ask for advice. Make sure you seek counsel from people you trust—the ones who truly understand the intricacies of your situation. Don’t ask everyone for advice because you will get too many opinions. 
 
Relax a little bit more
 
Don’t be guilty or hard on yourself when you fail. Be gentle on yourself first so you can have more empathy for others. Don’t dwell too much on the failure. Let go quickly and move on. Be gentle when others commit mistakes as well. You’re all on a learning journey. 
 
You can experience a lot in your 20s
 
Ten years is a long time in your 20s. You may have seven different careers in that span of time. Focus on happiness. Do what makes you happy. Time is so precious to be wasted on things that don’t make you happy. Don’t limit yourself to a list of things to do. 
 
It’s going to be absolutely fine
 
Don’t freak out. You’ll be absolutely fine. Take the pressure off yourself. Don’t be scared of missing out or not accomplishing everything within your 20s. Calm down. Life doesn’t end in your 20s. You will be okay even if you do things at your own pace. 
 
Be proactive in taking care of yourself
 
Every alcoholic drink and cigarette you take will come back to bite you. Be more proactive in taking care of your physical and mental wellness. Treat yourself with respect and kindness. You are precious and you should be taking care of yourself.
 
You’re gonna fail and it’s okay
 
Embrace failure because you’re going to learn so much from it. Everything is going to be a lesson. They are detours that will bring you back to where you want to be. Don’t fear failure because they are lessons in disguise. 
 
Being in your 20s is an amazing season of life. Embrace it with courage and joy. Learn as much as you can and savor the journey. You will only go through it once so you might as well enjoy every minute of it!
 
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