10 things that I did right in my 20s

Internet is full of lists about things to do before you turn 30,40,50 etc. I have read a fair share of such articles and was always amazed by the variety of human experiences. When I look back to my 20s, I feel that I have done something right as each experience has taught me something valuable. So sharing whatever I have learned in my 20s.

1. Being jobless — I graduated in the year 2009 when almost all the industries were hit by recession. As someone who belongs to a lower middle class family without any salaried person, this was extremely difficult. I had to take up an odd job just to support my family. I realized that no matter how hard you study or work, there are things that are out of your control. Only thing to do in such phases is to survive and may be slowly light will enter your life. So if you are someone affected by this pandemic, just hang in there.
2. Taking ownership of life — I am the eldest in my family. So taking ownership comes naturally to me. In fact my motto in life is “If my life is screwed up because of my foolish decisions alone, I will die as a less bitter person”. Indian parents will try to interfere in each and every aspect of life. So if you don’t set the boundaries initially, you will have to live a life that your parents has chosen for you. If you are okay with that, I doubt you will ever be able to take responsibility for your life.
3. Making and maintaining meaningful connections — It is impossible to keep every person you meet in your life. So you need to weed out people from time to time. This might sound selfish. But remember, you are the sum total of all the people you interact with. Also have a diversified portfolio of friends . It is extremely important to have friends who belong to different religion, caste, age groups, gender etc. This is what really widens your world view.
4. Being aware of what you do not want in life — As an average person, I am not aware of what I truly want in my life. So for people like me, it is important to recognize what we don’t want in your life. This is something that we learn from being stuck in bad jobs, dysfunctional relationships etc. But remember to get out of such situations as early as possible.
5. It’s okay if your job is not your passion — I used to think that life should be meaningful and my steady job is not providing the meaning I am searching for. Sometimes working a 9–5 job and giving away a part of your salary to those who are trying to make this world a better place, is meaningful too. The world needs all sorts of people. It is great if you are having a steady income from following your passion. If you are not in that stage yet, please do not throw away what ever you have right now. We live in a world full of possibilities and you can work on things that are important to you in your spare time. Slowly and steadily you can build your empire.
6. Read as if your life depends on it — I have always been a reader. We will never be able to go to all the places we want to see and meet all the people we want to meet. But books instantly take us to all these things. It sharpens your imagination, makes you learn about different cultures, gives you a unique perspective and above all makes you empathetic.
7. Travel and be still — As someone who is very introverted, travel has made me get out of my comfort zone because survival demands that. I have traveled alone and with friends and each experience is different. Travel as cheap as possible and gracefully accept the kindness on the way. Each experience on the road has made me more kind and appreciate the goodness in people.
8. Love fiercely — Even if you are loving the wrong person, do it with your whole heart. I got burnt many times. But each time I am amazed by the depth of my emotions. We live in a culture where love is just an emotion. But it is not. Always remember, love is as love does.
9. Live alone — When I was in my late 20s, I got an opportunity to travel to China and stay there for an year. Living in a strange country with a very different culture where I don’t even know the native language has made me embrace the uniqueness in each and every culture. Coming home to myself and taking charge of my life in every aspect has made me a very independent person.
10. Work your ass off — It is not always ideal. But your 20s is the base for your rest of your life. If you work hard and acquire niche skills, you will be rewarded.

We all make our own mistakes. It doesn’t matter how much you read, think deeply and try to make wise decisions. In my experience what matters is that you learn from the mistakes and march on. As they say, there is a silver lining in every cloud. Believe that.