Top 10 Lessons Learned

My 20s — A Ramen-Fueled Rollercoaster to Self-Discovery

Shashank Thakur
ILLUMINATION
3 min readJun 11, 2024

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Top 10 Lessons Learned
Photo by Pulkit Pithva on Unsplash

My 20s: a whirlwind of emotions, late-night adventures, and enough ramen noodles to fuel a small nation. It was a decade of immense growth, sprinkled with its fair share of stumbles. Looking back, here are the 10 lessons that stand out the most:

  1. Failure is Fertilizer: I used to be terrified of messing up. But guess what? Everyone fails. The key is to see it as a learning experience, a chance to adjust your approach and grow. Some of my biggest breakthroughs came after what felt like epic failures at the time.
  2. Friendships are Fuel: My 20s were a rollercoaster of navigating new cities, jobs, and relationships. But through it all, my friends were my constant source of support and laughter. Invest in good friends, the ones who challenge you, celebrate your wins and pick you up when you fall.
  3. Follow Your Curiosity (Not Just the Money): Fresh out of college, the pressure to land a “good” job was intense. But I soon realized that chasing a fat paycheck wasn’t enough. Find a career that ignites your curiosity, even if it takes a few detours.
  4. You Don’t Need Permission to Be You: My 20s were a time of self-discovery. There were countless moments where I felt like I didn’t quite fit in. But here’s the secret: You don’t have to! Embrace your quirks and interests, the things that make you unique. The right people will appreciate the authenticity of you.
  5. Travel is Education: While my bank account may not have always been happy, some of the best lessons I learned came from exploring new cultures. Travel broadens your horizons, challenges your assumptions, and creates memories that last a lifetime.
  6. Prioritize Your Health: Fueled by late-night study sessions and questionable food choices, I neglected my health in my early 20s. But listen to your body! Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is the foundation for everything else in life.
  7. Learn to Say No (Gracefully): People are great at asking for favors, but it’s okay to say no. Saying no to things that drain your time and energy allows you to focus on what truly matters.
  8. Forgive Yourself (and Others): We all make mistakes. Holding onto grudges, including those towards yourself, is a heavy burden. Learn to forgive, move on, and remember, everyone is a work in progress.
  9. Invest in Yourself: Whether it’s a new skill, a travel experience, or a good book, invest in yourself. These investments pay off in unexpected ways, shaping you into the person you want to be.
  10. Life is a Journey, Not a Destination: There’s no one-size-fits-all path to success. Enjoy the ride, embrace the unexpected turns, and learn from every experience. Your 20s are a time to explore, experiment, and figure out who you are and what you want.

Conclusion

My 20s may be over, but the lessons I learned continue to shape my life. Remember, it’s never too late to embrace these lessons, no matter what stage of life you’re in. So, keep learning, keep growing, and keep making the most of this wild adventure we call life!

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