Life Lessons You Learn in Your 20s That You Should Never Forget!

There comes a day in your life when you say goodbye to one decade to welcome another. And as a young adult, there’s nothing that looks more daunting than turning 30. If you ask me, I don’t think turning 30 is such a dreadful thing; sure, you get a few more gray hairs, there’s a lot more responsibility on your shoulders, and life is not just about hanging out with friends, but even then, it’s the decade that brings a lot of self-reflection into your life.

As a twenty-something, we have fewer responsibilities, fewer worries, and a lot more time for fun. In your twenties, you begin your career, hang out with your friends whenever you can, hold onto people you shouldn’t have, travel the world, fall in love, get your heart broken, and whatnot.

As a twenty-something, I have made a few mistakes in my life and learned new lessons that I wish would stay with me as I welcome my 30s in a couple more years.

And if you’ve made mistakes too, then know that it’s not just you. Being in your twenties, to me, means the adult version of toddler years. I know it doesn’t make sense, but stay with me.

As a young toddler, a child begins to understand life around them, make mistakes, fall, cry their hearts out, learn new things, and new skills, and overall learn how to be human. Just like that, an adult in their twenties begins to understand life a little more seriously, make hundreds of mistakes, fall and cry, learn new skills, unlock new potential, and overall learns to stand on their own feet. It’s scary and no one knows what they are doing.

Every day, you learn a new life lesson when you’re in your 20s, or rather especially when you’re in your 20s! It’s the age when you can stumble, fall, cry, and move on. But most of us don’t look at our 20s as a lesson. I’ve seen people look back on their 20s with disdain and regret.

And that prompted me to impart some important life lessons I learned (and still learning) in my 20s that you should learn from too.

So, without further ado, let’s take a look at the life lessons you learn in your 20s and how to embrace them well into your next decade too.

30 Life Lessons to Learn in Your 20s

1. Embrace Uncertainties

One thing you need to learn in your 20s is that life never goes according to plan. So, embrace the uncertainties in your life because they allow you to adapt and find beauty (and even opportunities) in the least expected ways.

2. Self-Discovery Never Stops

Your twenties are for self-discovery so give yourself the space and mindset to learn more about yourself every day. This is a journey that continues throughout your life. All you need to do is keep exploring your passions, values, and beliefs, and never stop.

3. Failure is Natural

Another lesson to learn in your 20s is that failure is a stepping stone and a natural part of life and progress. It doesn’t mean that you will never succeed again, but it’s a chance for you to grow, learn, and carve a new path for yourself toward success.

4. Quality in Relationships Matter More

Falling in love in your 20s is an experience that you mustn’t miss, however, know that it’s better to invest time in cultivating meaningful relationships and friendships as well as other social connections that lift you and make your life more positive. Quality over quantity is key here.

5. Travel is an Experience That Shouldn’t be Missed

Never miss an opportunity to explore new places and travel as far as you can. Traveling will expose you to diverse cultures, new perspectives, and enriching experiences that will open your eye to the world in a way you never imagined.

6. Financial Literacy Can Save You

This is important! Learn to manage your finances early. This step will help you secure your future or at least set the foundation for one. Budget your expenses, save your income, and invest in good (and financially safe) investments.

7. Set Boundaries Now to Avoid Regret Later

Set boundaries in your twenties to avoid getting mentally burned out later. Setting boundaries and saying “No” when needed can empower you to prioritize your well-being and focus on what matters most. This goes for all relationships in your life – from family relationships to friends and from romantic relationships to professional ones.

8. Learning Never Stops

I learned an important lesson in my 20s and that is to never stop learning. Learn, read, and keep going. Learning never stops – whether it’s formal education or self-education – continue to learn. Get a secondary degree, a professional certificate, or if nothing else, invest in some books and keep reading, keep your mind engaged.

9. Mistakes Will Be Made

Know that whatever you do, mistakes will be made, so do nothing more than embrace those mistakes as opportunities for learning and growth. Each mistake or misstep is a chance for you to learn and improve yourself. So, allow some room for mistakes in your 20s and beyond.

10. Alone Time is a Luxury

Learn to spend some alone time. The alone time now will improve your self-reflection, and introspection, and will allow a deeper understanding of yourself – your desires, needs, thoughts, feelings, and more. Alone time is an important part of your self-care too and make sure you add this activity to your self-care list now.

11. Networking Opens Doors

Another important life lesson to learn in your 20s is that building strong networks will open new doors for you. Having strong social networks will introduce you to new people, new opportunities, new mentors, and new collaborations that will only help you grow into a better person.

12. Accept And Let Go

Never hold onto grudges. Accept others’ actions and then let them go. Holding onto them will only increase the burden on your shoulders and weigh you down. Forgive and let go, only then you can free yourself from such negativity and move on in your life.

13. Elders Share Wisdom, Soak it Up

I lost my grandmother when I was in my teens and my grandfather when I was in my 20s. The only thing I regret about that is that I didn’t spend too much time with my grandparents. I did learn a lot from my grandfather and that made me write this point down. Listen to those around you who have more life experiences than you. They have the wisdom to offer that you never know you might need.

14. Be Curious, It’s a Virtue

Never regret being curious. It’s a virtue. Cultivate curiosity as it keeps life interesting. Ask questions, as much as you can, seek new experiences as much as you can, and always – always – keep an open mind. You never know when you get to learn something new!

15. Patience truly is a Precious Skill

Life is unpredictable but the one skill that keeps life interesting is patience. I know, you might be wondering “It doesn’t make sense” but trust me, success can never be rushed, and never can the life you live. Patience allows you to appreciate the little moments in life and progress over time.

16. Joy is in Simple Moments

Life’s greatest joy isn’t in the big moments, but in the small ones that come from the littlest moments. A good book you read, the perfect sunset you gazed at, and the boisterous laughter you shared with your loved ones – that makes life counts, so allow yourself to indulge a little in life’s simple moments.

17. Self-Love is Must

Embrace who you are – flaws and all. Allow room for self-love in your life as it will create the foundation for confidence, happiness, and fulfilling relationships. This is a lesson I learned the hard way, so avoid going down the same path as me and embrace self-love and self-care today.

18. Work on Finding Your Life’s Purpose

Sometimes, there will be times when you won’t know what to do in your life, but it’s OK. Give yourself some time to figure out what it is that matters to you the most or makes you happier. Finding your true purpose in life might not be easy but it’s the right time to get a kick start on finding it!

19. Work Hard Now to Be Worry-Free Tomorrow

My late uncle used to tell me that if you work hard now, then later in life you will enjoy a luxurious and worry-free life. I was too young to heed his words, but now I realize that it was wisdom that he passed on to me.

The step to achieving your dreams is in front of you and to reach them you need to work hard. Don’t let others scare you away or your failures stop you.

20. Never Neglect Family

Before you’ll realize your carefree 20s will be gone and responsible 30s will come, leaving you little to no time for your family. You might not want to be with your parents now but don’t lose contact with them.

Even if they were mean to you or never understood you the way you wanted them to, they love you as no one else would, so do not neglect them.

21. Health Is Wealth

Even if you’re busy, take time to eat good food. It’s not all about necessities either, but it’s about enjoying the little things in life, and food counts. Do not skip your meals, go hungry, or live on instant ramen. Practice eating healthy food and keep yourself fit.

22. Learn to Cook For Yourself

This reminds me of another lesson to learn in your 20s; learn to cook! Not instant noodles! Cooking is not just a fancy skill but a survival one. When you live away from home, it can be hard to get home-cooked meals and I get it- eating out might be less expensive, but in the long run, it’ll take a toll on your financial health, so learn to cook now to save money (and homesickness).

23. Put Needs Before Wants

We all have wants that we want to be fulfilled but our wants always make us neglect our needs. I have learned in my 20s to put my needs before my wants. There isn’t a thing as too few clothes, shoes, and whatnot. Buy what you need first and if there is enough left in your budget, then give attention to your wants.

24. Find Your Expression

Find the best way to express yourself in your 20s. It’s the best time to explore different avenues and see what expression is best for you. I found writing and voice journaling the best, but you need to figure out what suits you. Venting out, painting, dancing, music, and more are all options you can explore.

25. Create a Routine And Stick to It

Lessons from my 20s taught me to create a routine and stick to it. If you sleep well, you’ll work well. If you’re on time, then you’ll have more time to do other things. Set a routine that suits you and still gives you time for yourself.

26. Goal Setting Can Be Helpful

Your twenties are the best time of your life to figure out your goals in life. No one knows what they want in their 20s, but we can take some time to figure it out, right? Learn to set goals now to avoid existential or midlife crises later in your life.

27. Fall in Love, Even If it Ends Up in a Heartbreak

Love is never easy, at least for me, and yet my lesson to impart to you is that fall in love. It’s the best experience you can have. You’ll fall in love and your heart might be broken too. Let it be. Heartbreak can be an experience too and will probably help you grow your relationship with yourself!

28. Forgiveness is a Virtue to Never Forget

If someone commits a slight against you, forgive them. If you commit a slight against someone, learn to apologize. The world will not end if you seek forgiveness. It’ll only make you feel lighter and brighter.

29. Your Happiness is in Your Hands

I’ve often been told that I need to find love in my 20s because my happiness depends on it. However, a lesson I learned in my 20s is that I don’t need others to be happy. My happiness is in my hands and my hands alone. Don’t look for happiness elsewhere, just look within and you’ll find your peace.

30. Learn to Live Intentionally

Lastly, a life lesson to learn in your 20s is that live your life intentionally. Be present in each moment. Pay attention to your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings. Be mindful of what you do, eat, wear, or even talk to. Life cannot be lived on autopilot; you need to be there to live it well.

“Life is a succession of lessons which must be lived to be understood.” – Helen Keller

Your 20s is that chapter of your life where you lay the foundation of your future. These 30 life lessons will be there to help you embark on your greatest challenges with confidence and strength, and if you heed them – then they’ll stay with you for years to come.

Remember that learning never stops and your 20s are just the beginning of your adventurous journey called life. Your 20s are a time of having fun, learning new things, meeting new people, and most importantly – living well.

I hope these life lessons I learned in my 20s will also help you in your journey. Let me know if you have more lessons to share with us in the comments below.

Take Care and Live Well!