Your 20s are an amazing time of life. That’s why it pains me to see that many flounder in the deep end. Frankly, many of us are doing things they shouldn’t.
The truth is that the foundation you build in your 20s will shape the rest of your life. Studies back this up: 80 percent of life’s most defining moments happen before the age 35, researchers have found. Here are five things you should stop doing:
1.) STOP LOOKING FOR EVERYONE’S APPROVAL.
Some call you part of the “Me Me Me Generation.” Truthfully, many 20-somethings are plagued with the need for constant approval. Everyone around you doesn’t have to approve of you. Sure, validation makes you feel good. But when this becomes your end goal, you arbitrarily change yourself in order to please everyone. Some people will like you. Some will dislike you. Keep doing what you were called to do.
Your self-worth is not based on your social media “likes.”
Take a breather. It’s OK if you didn’t break 100 likes. Double or triple digit “likes” do not make you enough. You are more than a social media profile.
Don’t allow people to tell you that you’re not capable because you’re young.
1 Timothy 4:12 said it best: “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” One classic example: William Wilberforce. At the age of 21 and while still a student, Wilberforce was elected a Member of Parliament.
Don’t allow others to determine your future.
Don’t let others tell you what you can or can’t do especially when it comes to accomplishing your biggest dreams. Shoot for the stars. Don’t sell yourself short. The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, usually end up changing it. Think Steve Jobs!
Don’t play the comparison game.
Oscar Wilde was right: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes with someone else’s highlight reel. You are handcrafted and custom-made by a perfect Creator.
2.) STOP SETTLING FOR THE EASY WAY—IT WON’T TAKE YOU WHERE YOU WANT.
Don’t be lazy.
Everyone knows being lazy has negative consequences. But why you do you keep being lazy? No one has become successful by being lazy. Take ownership. Take initiative. Put in the hard work. Show up early.
Work in pursuit of your calling, not just money.
Don’t fall into the trap of the American Dream. Most people end up becoming a slave to money. Rather, embrace your vocational calling and become the best at what you are called to do. Money will likely follow.
Leave your comfort zone.
Show me someone who never leaves their comfort zone and I’ll show you someone immersed in mediocrity. Nothing great happens in the comfort zone. It’s where dreams go to die. Stretch yourself. Experiment and explore. The more you engage in calculated risks, the more you’ll learn about yourself and how to succeed.
Don’t play victim.
Have you ever said this to yourself? “I honestly am the victim in this situation!” Being a victim is the viewpoint that something is being done to you. Being responsible is not about whether or not you were victimized but your outlook on the situation. You can choose to take the responsible point of view. This will create the incredible liberty for you to move forward in your life and create boundless opportunities.
3.) STOP THINKING THE LIFE YOU WANT WILL COME WITHOUT INTENTIONALITY.
Don’t be passive.