What would you do differently if you were young this time? Asking as a 21M.
What I would change in my case:
- Engage with people, even if it’s awkward or you have something more fun and that takes less effort right now
- Get a basic understanding of personal finance (read a book or two)
- Don’t be content with the bare minimum. You’ll spend a lot of time working. Try to get as much as possible for yourself for every hour working.
But I think each person’s realities will vary a lot. For example, regarding the first bullet point, maybe you’re extraverted and already a social butterfly, in which case the advice doesn’t apply.
It’s not lile that. I have no regrets, it’s just that I am getting older. Shit hurts all the time or doesn’t work as well as it used to. I am tired and the weight of a lifetime of memories is starting to get heavy. I am the same guy I was at ~21. In thirty years you will be the same guy you are today, but younger people will look at you different. I skateboard, I surf, I snowboard, etc as I have for forty years, but now I am not a dude doing dude things, I am a curiosity or “an inspiration”. I can’t go to a concert or a club to enjoy myself as I always have because now I am the weird old guy in the club. Nevermind that I have been listening to “EDM” since the 80’s. It just sucks that I just can’t be me without it being weird.
As far as advice, you know what to do. Eat well (little to no proceased food, way less meat, more veggies, etc) exercise regularly, stay active, and drink lots of water. Also, play hard AND work hard for yourself.
I highly doubt you’re the same person that you were at 21! Well, maybe you are, but I’m not sure that’s universal.
Even as someone approaching 30 I look back and nearly don’t recognize the person I used to be. Sure I have the continuity and experience, but the way I act and think has changed dramatically, and for the better.
Time brings wisdom and I’d guess you’ve got more wisdom than I
I like the work Hard for yourself statement. As a 43 year old woman possibly dealing with a serious health issue (waiting on results) I wish I had worked harder for myself on prioritising my health over my work. Far too easy to put off dr appointments/dentist appointments/smears etc by rationalising that you can’t miss that meeting.
I see. I just feel a bit bad because I’ve spent the past few years living with my parents, without friends, stressing over university yet failing. And I’m really tempted to just say stuff it, move cities and actually live. My life has been so defficient in adventure up to now. I just can’t help but think that university, careers, office jobs etc. can wait when the (biological) clock is ticking.
Just keep prioritizing yourself, your well being and your future. You won’t regret investing in yourself. (Ugh, I sound like a mindfulness infomercial)
EDIT: When it comes to adventure time, not everything needs to be epic. A few years ago a friend I have known since highschool told me that one of the most significant moments in her life was just us sitting quietly on the beach. No conversation. We just sat and took the world in. Just, try not to sleepwalk through it all.
