25 lessons I learned at 25
work, financial, and life lessons to make your life better
Hello friends!
I recently turned 25 🥳🍰 All I can say is, the frontal lobe is finally lobing (and developed…hopefully)!
I created a list below of the 25 lessons I learned at 25 from a work, financial, and life lens. This is partly as a means of self-reflection but also for you to benefit and take away some of these learnings. So, let’s get into it!
It’s better to be the best at something rather than go into a career field just because it’s most popular or “desirable.” For example, at some point in late high school/early college, I felt a level of peer pressure to study computer science because it’s the “hot” field, but I knew it wasn’t something I would excel at.
Don’t just follow your passion. Instead, find the intersection between what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and what the market needs
In the workplace, it’s not enough just to do good work, but it’s equally (or even more) important to make sure your work gets seen (aka visibility)
I don’t think the notion of “work-life balance” really exists. I have so much I want to do and accomplish in my life. It becomes a sort of lifestyle where you’re constantly working towards something.
I think we underestimate how much we can do in a year. After one day or one week, usually I don’t feel like I made much progress. But when I look back at the last year, wow.
A lot of people worry about what other people will think of them if they do something that isn’t “normalized.” For me, when I started posting content online, the thought of “what would people think of me?” definitely crossed my mind. And I have received my fair share of negative comments. However, I realized quickly that the types of people who project negativity onto you are usually unhappy or jealous. A successful person wouldn’t project hate on you (and they don’t have the time for such menial tasks).
Once you realize that everyone’s biggest worry is themselves, it’s very freeing
The biggest expense over your lifetime is taxes, so learn how to optimize lowering your tax burden
It’s more important than ever to not rely on solely one income stream. Consider learning about how to make your money make you more money (i.e., HYSA, investing in the stock market) or creating a side hustle. My 9 to 5 job funds my lifestyle and retirement savings, and all the money from my side business goes directly into savings and investments
One of the most important aspects of financial literacy I’ve learned is to “pay yourself first.” This means putting away money for your future self, then spending.
Compound interest is extremely powerful (especially when it comes to investing). Albert Einstein once said, “He who understands it, earns it…he who doesn’t…pays it.”
I learned that it’s unnecessary to point out your insecurities to others — it draws more unnecessary attention. I mean this more in a “public” way (especially when it comes to sharing online to strangers and acquaintances). But I talk to my family and close friends about these things if I feel strongly about it
Sometimes it’s better to move in silence, and share your wins once you accomplish them
It’s okay if your friends are only around for a season or chapter of your life. People can change a lot, and it’s natural if your interests or views with a particular person don’t align anymore in a different phase of life
When the window of opportunity opens up, seize it. There have been so many instances when opportunities have popped up that I could have never anticipated. Take the opportunity when it’s in front of you!
It’s better to take messy action than wait to be perfect
By saying no or walking away, you create more energy to accept a better opportunity coming your way
You might not see progress today, but small efforts today will compound to something big over time
The youngest you’ll ever be is now. Don’t wait until tomorrow or “someday”
Your time and your energy are your most precious resources. Spend them wisely on the people and things that bring you back energy, not drains it
It’s important to learn how to say “no.” Take care of yourself and your priorities before taking care of others
Everyone’s on their own timeline—you’re not “behind.” Comparison’s the thief of joy
Wear sunscreen everyday!
As a constantly online person, I’ve been putting time limits on my social media apps to prevent myself from doom scrolling for *too* long, and it’s done wonders for my mental health. Highly recommend!
If someone truly wants to spend time with you, you won’t feel the need to “ask” for their attention. When I was in my teens and early twenties, I spent so much energy trying to retain validation from certain people when I knew those relationships weren’t serving me or the other person anymore. I learned it’s okay to let go.
As always, thank you for reading! Let me know in the comments if you resonate with any of these 💖
Until next time,
Lillian
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