Essential Life Lessons for Your 20s

I wish I had done these life lessons in my 20s that I am going to share with you.

In your 20s, finding your purpose is not the biggest priority. There are other things to focus on to prepare you to get where you want to go.

Whether you want to be a multi-millionaire, climb the corporate ladder to be a CEO, or just want to be financially independent and retire early (FIRE).

Here's my essential and best life lessons if you're in your 20s - it's a crucial decade packed with opportunities, challenges, and key decisions that can shape your future.

1. Know your friends and know your enemy -

In my 20s, I used to think, that when you are nice to people, people in return will be nice to you. I wish I had known it earlier. Not everyone is your friend.

My old boss called these fake friends "sunshine friends". They are there when things are sunny on your side. When your life is like a thunderstorm, you won't see any of these so-called friends

You go to know who are your real friends.

Who are your friends you are hanging out with? What do you do with your friends? Are they helping you achieve financial freedom?

It is very important to establish who your friends are. They might be the ones that help you, and motivate you to be somebody you aspire to be.

Could they be the ones that pull you down like "crabs in the bucket mentality"? This metaphor illustrates how crabs when placed in a bucket, will pull each other down rather than allow any one of them to escape.

While it is perfectly natural to seek enjoyment and relaxation with friends after a long day at work, it is vital to remain vigilant about the influence they have on your mindset and ambitions.

While you may want to have a good time after work, it does not matter. Words they say, things your so-called friends may subconsciously bring you down.

Always be conscious and study who your friends are and who are not.

2. Learn How To Say No! -

I used to be called "Mr. Yes". I will say yes to almost anything and everything because I do not want to offend people. By saying yes to everything, you will attract people who will take advantage of you and worst will decide things on your behalf.

By learning to say "No" at the right time, gives you control and learn to take charge of your career, business, and life.

3. Do something you are passionate about -

If you do something that you have no interest in or are not passionate about, you will eventually quit, if not you will be miserable.

So start something you are passionate about share it with the world and make a living out of it.

4. Be patient, don't rush -

We live in a world that often glorifies speed and instant success. Real achievements take time. Achievements without a solid foundation will eventually crumble.

Don't be in a hurry to be successful. If you are single, do not hurry for any relationships. If you have not bought a house, don't rush.

My biggest mistake was I was always in a rush. I am always chasing. What I have learned is, the more you chase, the harder it is to achieve.

Here is a wise quote by a wise Daoist Master, Lao Tzu,

If you are depressed, you are living in the past.

If you are anxious, you are living in the future.

If you are at peace, you are living in the present.

When you rush, you will make mistakes, be it in relationships, investments, work, and business.

Embrace the present moment and allow yourself the grace to grow and evolve at your own pace.

Success is not a race; it is a journey that requires patience, reflection, and a willingness to learn from the experiences along the way.

But believe me, the less you chase the faster you get. In life don't chase, but attract what you want.

5. Create a positive routine -

Getting into a positive routine in your 20s isn't just important—it's key to building a successful and fulfilling life.

The sooner you start developing these habits, the better you'll be at handling whatever challenges and opportunities come your way.

I just wished I started it earlier. While I do positive things, I just did not create my positive activities as a routine.

Creating a positive routine involves engaging in activities that contribute to your well-being and personal growth, no matter how small they may seem at first.

These small, positive actions, when practiced consistently over time, can lead to significant and transformative changes in various aspects of your life.

By establishing a routine, you set a framework that helps you stay focused, motivated, and aligned with your long-term goals.

Your daily routine can include all sorts of activities that boost your physical, mental, and financial well-being.

For example, adding some exercise to your day—like jogging, biking, or doing yoga—can really boost your fitness and lift your spirits.

Plus, setting aside some time each day to read a book or learn something new can expand your knowledge, sharpen your thinking, and spark your creativity.

And don't forget to regularly put some of your earnings into savings or investments to help you achieve financial stability and growth, setting you up to build wealth over time.

Over time, as you consistently engage in these positive routines, you will notice that you become more skilled in your chosen activities, more informed about the world around you, physically fitter, and ultimately wealthier.

The cumulative effect of these small, daily choices can lead to a profound transformation in your life, setting you on a path toward achieving your dreams and aspirations.

By committing to a positive routine, you are not just investing in your present; you are laying the groundwork for a brighter, more successful future.

6. Learn The Art Of War -

The Art of War, is a life lesson you must learn if you are in your 20s. I just wish I had study deeper on this subject. I would have made fewer life mistakes.

You could either learn from the mistakes you have made or learn in advance what to do and not to do and prevent making mistakes.

In The Art Of War, Sun Tzu said,

He wins his battle by making no mistakes, making no mistakes is what establishes the certainty of victory, for it means conquering the enemy that is already defeated.

While having. a goal and direction in life is good. the Art Of War, teaches you how to get where you want to go.

It's not about fighting. The Art Of War is about teaching you to think, plan, be observant, make less mistakes, and most importantly strategy to achieve your goals.

The Art Of War, is the art of victory in your career, business and life.

Final Thoughts on the best life lessons for someone in their 20s.

I am already in my 50s. Let me tell you, it took me longer to be wealthy, fitter and healthier and living the life I want.

1. Know who are our friends. Keep your good friends and get rid of your fake friends.

2. Learn to say NO!

3. Be patient. Dont rush. Smell the flowers and enjoy your present moment. You can't chase opportunities, but you can watch for them.

4. Create a positive routine.

5. Most importantly, learn The Art Of War. A strategy takes you from where you are to where you want to be.

You need The Art Of War strategy to win.

Your answer is found in the Art Of War.

In The Art Of War, Sun Tzu says,

To fight and conquer in all your battles is not supreme excellence; Supreme excellence is to subdue the enemy without fighting.

Fighting and conquering takes a lot of hard work, energy, and resources. There are better ways in life to win your battle. 

MrArtOfWar.com teaches you the strategy to win in life, career, and business.