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| A much younger me |
The other day, someone asked me how old I was and I had to count in my head before I could answer. Ever since I got married I've forgotten my age, because nobody reminds me anymore about how I should hurry up and find someone before my biological clock stops ticking. Anyways, I am turning 33 this year. How time flies. Many people lament on how they wish they were in their twenties again, but not me. I hated my twenties. It was full of confusion, restlessness and fear. I am quite content where I am now. But I wish I knew the things I do now 10 years ago, when I was fresh out of uni. The things I did then, still makes me grimace. If I could have a good talk with myself when I was 23 years old, these are the things I would tell me.
1. Be professional at work
You aren't at uni anymore. People are less forgiving of your immaturity. Partying all night and going to work the next morning looking half asleep is NOT ok. Being late for work and surfing the net during working hours is NOT ok. Your tardiness and negative attitude will make a lasting affect on people who you will most likely meet again in the future.
2. Manage your money
I know when you first start earning money it seems like so much. But all those eating out and shopping adds up. You will soon find all your money gone with nothing saved up. Learn to budget and spend money on things that are worth it, instead of another cosmetic product you don't need. You don't deserve that overseas trip or that new gadget unless you've saved up for it.
3. Buy quality goods and shop less
Since we are on the topic of money, be a smart shopper. You don't need to buy everything that is trending at the moment. Think to yourself, 'Am I still going to use this stuff after 3 years?' before you buy that new outfit or shoes etc. Don't accumulate junk. Buy what you truly need that's of good quality, so you can enjoy it for years on end.
4. Embrace your singleness
Don't be so desperate to meet someone. First of all, it is not very attractive and actually quite scary when a guy meets a desperate woman. And you might end up starting a relationship with someone that you know is not compatible with you out of sheer loneliness. Go out there and experience new things. There are some things only single people can enjoy, so make the most out of your situation, instead of wasting time longing to be not single.
5. Meet new people
When you are single, you have the freedom to meet different kinds of people. You aren't constrained by a baby who needs to nap 2 times a day and be in bed by 7pm. So get out of your comfort zone and meet people from different backgrounds, cultures and age. There is always something to learn from people, whether you like them or not. Your life will become more fuller through these encounters.
6. Manage your time
When you are young, you want to do many things. You want to exercise, learn a new instrument or language, check out that new restaurant, hang out with friends, as well as, playing computer games, watching the latest movies and going clubbing. But you might just end up being too busy to do anything right. Keep a diary. Set realistic goals. Plan your days. Manage your time wisely and you might actually end up doing all the things on your 'Things to do in your twenties' list.
7. Read more
Make time to read more. They say if you read 50 books on a certain subject, you can become a professional in that field. Even if you just read novels, you can submerge yourself in a different world that you never knew existed. Grow wise and creative by reading more books.
8. Learn to cook
Cooking is a life skill. In fact, you're not even an adult if you don't know how to cook for yourself. You can't rely on your mum to cook meals for you forever. And eating out all the time only adds to your weight and credit card debt. There are plenty of videos on the web and great cooking books to help you learn basic cooking skills. Learn to cook more than instant noodles and scrambled eggs.
9. Volunteer
You have loads of energy and time. Use some of it to serve others. Through volunteer work, you will see that this world does not revolve around you. In fact, there is so much suffering and poverty in this world that you probably can't even imagine. There is always somebody worse of than you. So give them a helping hand.
10. Be humble
Your youth does not give you the excuse to sneer at those who are older. Listen more and be more accepting. Don't be so stubborn with your opinions. Although you'd like to think that you are, you aren't always right all the time.
What are some things you wish you'd known 10 years ago? Do share.
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