20 Things Every Twenty Something Should Do

1. Become comfortable with change, because “change is the only constant in life.”

2.On that note, initiate change by eliminating as many negative aspects of your life as possible.  That includes dissolving toxic relationships and cutting out negative habits from your daily life.  Yes, that does include the occasional, so-called harmless, “social cigarette.”

3. In addition to ditching bad habits, you really should stop saying the word “like.”  You, like, make yourself, like, sound like an uneducated valley girl and you like, don’t sound, like, that smart and you like, tend to go on and on like a run on sentence.  People will pay more attention to the words you are saying if they’re not plagued with verbal fillers.

4. Learn to say, and be okay with saying NO.  You don’t always have to put yourself out in order to help another person.  It’s okay to be selfish sometimes, especially at this point in your life.

5.Audit your social media presence.  Now, more than ever employers will Google prospects for jobs and even go as far as to check your Facebook.  Those harmless party photos from college may come back to haunt you.  You tend to make yourself look worse, when you’re trying to make yourself look cool or desirable.  Just be yourself!

6. Take a job in the food service or retail industry.  You will be greatly humbled by the experience and develop an appreciation for the people who serve you.

7. No matter what job you have, save money!  Its always nice to have a cushion money to fall back on in case of emergencies, you never know when you may suddenly need a good amount of money.

8. …Saving money also comes in handy when your favorite musical artists come to town.  Every twenty something should go to a concert at least once if not once a month!  There is just something so enchanting about being surrounded by thousands of people all singing along to your favorite song.

9. Hike a 14er.  Conquering a fourteen thousand foot mountain will make you feel physically and emotionally powerful.  Standing atop a mountain summit is an indescribable feeling that is paired nicely with a great view.

10. Read all the books off of a reading list.  It truly is more of an accomplishment than it sounds, whether it is a “100 Books Everyone Should Person Should Read” or “20 Books you should Read in your 20’s.”  Hopefully it will help get you or keep you in the habit of reading!

11. On that note, you should also start a blog!  The best thing to keep in mind when starting a blog is to write what you know.  If you know a lot about a particular TV show, write about that!  It doesn’t have to be a deep, thought provoking blog as long as you find it interesting chances are at least someone else will to!

12. In addition to writing more, you should revamp your resume!  Resumes should be specific to the job you are apply to so make sure that you have a strong template to work off of and always keep the alternative versions you make.  Also be sure to always keep your cover letters and label them according to what their purpose was, it will definitely save time in the future.

13. Develop a work philosophy.  It can be as simple as, “I believe that in order to be successful; one must be confident, have passion, ensure a positive attitude, and exhibit a strong work ethic,” as long as it represents your actual beliefs about work.  Don’t be afraid to include thoughts about how you want to live your personal life in developing your work philosophy.

14. You should be actively looking for a job, but you shouldn’t be killing yourself over it.  You may feel more confident in your job search and in actual interviews if you take inventory of your strongest skills and personal accomplishes.  In doing so consider skills that enrich your career or your community

15. Consider how to “brand yourself.”  Think about skills and hobbies you have that you can capitalize on. 

16. After developing your work philosophy, taking inventory of your skills, and considering branding yourself, you’ll be ready to reintroduce yourself to networking.  Ditch the stereotypes you have about it and change your way of thinking.  Thinking it more of building genuine and reciprocal relationships with someone.  However don’t assume that they have to immediately be able to do something for you to be in your network, relationships are much more than taking from the other person.

17. If you’re male or female consider some of your political and social beliefs.  You don’t have to know who you are but thinking about deeper issues can lead you to parts of yourself you didn’t know existed.  In doing so learn what the term “Feminism” actually means.  Whether you’re a man or a woman it is important

18. Take charge of your health.  Doctors and dentists suck no matter what age you are.  But now that your parents aren’t making appointments for you, you need to have at least one check up and one teeth cleaning a year if not every six months.  You’ll be thankful one day if your routine check up catches something early.   Although, hopefully it will just be a reassurance and a reminder to be thankful for your health.

19. Even though it may be scary your health includes your sexual health.  Getting tested is always nerve-racking even if you’re not experiences symptoms.  However, you definitely need to get tested in between sexual partners no matter what.  It is a responsibility for both you and your partner to keep each other safe.

20. Make peace with any family members you may have bad blood with.  You’re born with your family; even if you don’t speak with them they will always be with you.  There is no guarantee you’ll always agree with them, but they are biologically connected to you and bad blood is never good.