6 Micro Strategies to Help You Maximize Your 20s
It’s often the simple stuff that can help you through tough times.
If you’re in your 20s, there’s a lot you’re going through. You’re out of university, you’re in your first few years of work and at the prime time of your health. You’re still discovering how the world is because the last 20 years were all about being confined in the walls of your home, school, and college — and the rules made by these institutions.
You may feel a little lost right now, a little flaky about where you want to be, and confused because you’re bombarded with thoughts like “is this where I want to be” or “am I going the right way”… and that's normal. It’s okay to feel shaky, and it's okay to not be okay.
“May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.” — Nelson Mandela
This journey isn't easy but it doesn’t need to be troublesome either. Check out these micro-strategies to help you pave your way better.
1. Understanding yourself better
We’re a distracted generation and are losing touch with ourselves. It’s never too late to work inward, and you can start right away. Understanding yourself is more important than knowing what your friends are up to or celeb weddings. Once you hack this, you will find it easier to find your calling and understanding your emotions better.
Personally, being mindful of the content I consume, regular meditation and frequent writing have helped me look inwards like never before.
2. Prioritising your health
My friend is 24 and got high blood pressure. He doesn’t exercise, drinks frequently and has an erratic sleep schedule. When the blood pressure issue got serious, he started playing tennis. Please don’t push your body to an extent that something goes down and work on preventing this scenario instead. Prioritise your mental and physical wellbeing, it’ll pay off in every sphere of your life.
3. Weighing your opportunity costs
In grade 11, I learnt what opportunity cost means. Little did I know that this will be a rare occasion where I carry my classroom lesson with me forever.
According to Investopedia,
Opportunity costs represent the potential benefits an individual, investor, or business misses out on when choosing one alternative over another. The idea of opportunity costs is a major concept in economics.
Because by definition they are unseen, opportunity costs can be easily overlooked if one is not careful. Understanding the potential missed opportunities foregone by choosing one investment over another allows for better decision-making.
For e.g. you have a party at 8 pm and also have to work on finishing household errands. So the opportunity cost of going to a party is not completing the errands on your to-do list.
This theory helps me often with decision making. Next time you’re stuck and have to choose one thing over another, weigh your opportunity costs.
4. Making time for things you like
It baffles me how most of us forget our hobbies because we’re grown-ups. Not doing things you love isn’t a very grown-up thing to do… Your 20s make you juggle between lots of things, but try to make time and space for things that make your soul feel ignited. It’s what makes you you. Spending more time doing things you enjoy helps you reawaken and deepen your creativity and builds confidence.
I got back to writing regularly after many years, and now I can’t go two days without writing because that’s when I feel the happiest. Just do something you enjoy for a few minutes a day and you’ll be surprised how naturally you’ll make time for it thereafter.
5. Practicing solitude
You’re between all these decisions of your first job, serious relationships, marriage, expenses, and other monumental stuff. It’s a lot to take in, for sure. Because you’re so occupied with them, spend some time alone and see where your head takes you amidst these thoughts. Explore where it takes you…for what you know… it’ll draw a fun journey you never imagined!
“We carry inside us the wonders we seek outside us.” — Rumi
6. Take micro-risks
High risks can mean high returns, but they’re also high risks.
Taking a risk that makes you broke isn’t the wisest choice, so take micro-risks instead. Invest a little, have a little side hustle, take on a short fitness plan to test your body. Take small steps to test the waters instead of jumping into the ocean.
Personally, a high risk for me would have been to quit my job and do something I enjoy.
Instead, I worked on my writing side hustle, got clients to test waters (and financial stability), and then resigned once I figured out I won’t be broke and won’t have to work for 12h a day to sustain myself.
Conclusion
“Ideally, you want to end up specializing in being you.” — Naval Ravikant
Your 20s are full of revolutionary decisions, but they also expose you to groundbreaking opportunities and decisions if you allow yourself to explore. Here are some things we discussed helping you reach there:
- Understand yourself better
- Prioritise your health
- Weigh your opportunity costs
- Make time for things you like
- Practice solitude
- Take micro-risks
Oh, don’t forget to have a lot of fun because each day is the youngest you’ll ever be.
If you liked this, you might enjoy:
