6 Things you should do in your twenties

You have just started your professional career. Your twenties are an important time for you to create the foundation for the rest of your life. In reality, this learning period is not really that long. Let’s explore some ways that you can use this valuable time to gain basic skills and create a path for your life afterward to follow.

1. Make big mistakes

“I made an inexcusable mistake and I want to quit”. “I don’t think this job is for me”. You will probably have thoughts along these lines when you are working. However, your experience as a member of society and view of the world is still limited. Although there are few people that have others learning from them during this time, this point is equally applicable to them. Even if you make a big mistake in your twenties, you are likely to be forgiven if you “learn from your mistakes”. Make sure to reflect on your errors and improve your skills for future success.

2. Find a mentor

A mentor is an instructor that you can respect. Try thinking of someone you admire and aspire to be like. While examining what kind of things that person does and ideas that they have, try approaching them for advice. Don’t give up even if this person is from outside your company. Try going about your business while maintaining a relationship with this person. Just by doing this, you will notice some big results for yourself.

3. Have a lot of firsts

Since you started your career, how many firsts have you had? You might remember your first year as a frantic period full of new things every day. As the years and experience build, it is a reality that some parts of your life will fall into routine. If you feel like “every day is boring”, it might be time to take a step outside your status quo. Without limiting yourself to things directly related to work, try visiting a new country or moving to a new house. Try skydiving or something similar that you can’t imagine yourself doing and expanding your views. You could find work or personal connections in new, unforeseen places.

4. Instead of money, accumulate experience

People that set out to save money for their future and manage to accomplish it have impressive management skills. However, investing in your own self development without regret is the recommended option. For example, consider the loss of not buying a book that you really want in order to save money or not going out to a party with your superiors, postponing qualifications until after you are financially comfortable. Although your twenties are an “unripe time”, it is because of this reason in particular that you have so many chances to learn. To refrain from gathering experience and knowledge in this important period in order to save money is regrettable.  In your twenties, take advantage of your intellectual curiosity without suppressing your desire to know more, and secure your future wealth.

5. Understand first-class things

When you hear “first class” what do you imagine? Service at a high-class, three-star restaurant, the way a large corporation’s president works, a painting by a worldly, famous artist. These are all “first class”. The things respected by many people are always the result of trial and error. By experiencing first class things, you can set for yourself a high, concrete goal. Understand the other side of first-class service, first-class work and first-class creations and think about what kind of things you can do to achieve them in reality. With this in mind, you might find new challenges for yourself.

6. Build a lot of relationships

Young and old, male and female; no one can avoid human connections. As you mature in your twenties, it’s necessary to think again about the importance of human relationships. For example, examine your relationship with your family. Ask your parents for stories about work, or when they were young. If they had the same troubles and dreams as you, you should be able to get some good advice. There is persuasive power in the objective opinion of a friend who knows you really well, so by building up a variety of relationships you can better understand your own character and have a chance to think about your priorities in life. Through relating to other people you can come to develop a vision of what kind of career you would like to have, and what kind of life you would like to lead.

Your twenties are your opportunity to do the things you want to do. When you get to a position where you have managerial responsibilities, you can no longer think only about yourself.  Imagine your career plan and life goals, and take advantage of the many opportunities to learn in your twenties without being afraid of mistakes.