Advice: 10 Things Everyone Should Know by 25

When you turn age 25, you realize that life is not what you once imagined it was. When you were in college, nothing can be too challenging: when you study hard, you can get a solid grade. If not, screw it, you can just do better in other classes and make it up somehow. You feel that you are quite in control of your life, because everything is pretty much organized. You attend classes, work part-time or intern, major in any study you like, make new friends, hang out with new friends, etc. However, when you reach 25, you start feeling a little unstable in life. Bad things can happen unexpectedly, your long-term plan doesn’t really work well, and life doesn't flow the way you want it to be. You may start to learn that nothing comes easily, and you need to make some kind of effort and form your own strategies to get what you want.

Image caption: obaz.com

For my young blog readers who will turn age 25 soon, I compiled a list of 10 things that every man and woman should know by 25.

1. Don't compare yourself to other people.

Every human being is different. You are unique. It doesn’t matter if your mom’s friend is super hot, smart, dates a billionaire, has a dream job, or lives in a high-end apartment. Comparing you to your friend would only make you feel inferior and depressed.

2. Find a “secret” mentor.

Your secret mentor could be Steve Jobs, Warren Buffet, Hillary Clinton, or anyone you admire. Your secret mentor will live “inside” your heart and teach you how to live the life you want. Your mentor will encourage you to work harder towards your goal, develop good habits, and surround yourself with good friends. Analyze how they lived their life and learn from them!

3. Learn how to have fun.

If you spent all your time studying, it’s a sign that you need to go out there and have some FUN! Go clubbing with friends, try bungee jumping, date all kinds of people, fall in love at first sight…there are lots of ways to have fun!

4. Live in another country.

If you’ve only lived in one country so far, it’s time to get out of your comfort zone and live somewhere else, at least for a few months. Living in another country will broaden your perspective. It’s also a ton of fun!

5. Meet people outside your social circle.

If you are a type of person who hangs out only with a certain group of people, it’s time for you to expand your social circle! Making friends with all kinds of people will make you become a more open-minded, sociable person!

6. Fall in love passionately.

I’m not saying you should fall in love “often” but when you do, you should do so with all your heart. Loving and caring for someone enthusiastically is one of the best experiences and memories you can have in life.

7. Become Mr./Ms. Independent!

Are you still relying on your parents or friends to help you make good decisions? You need to try making decisions and choices by yourself so that you can develop a good judgmental skill. You can’t rely on others forever!

8. Keep in touch with old friends

You will be constantly making new friends at college, social events, work, pretty much anywhere you go. But you still need to stay in touch with a few good old friends! Good friendships can last forever and truly enrich your life.

9. Try something new. Take risks.

I strongly encourage you to try something completely new, like starting your own small venture, doing a random internship, travelling to a third world country, and so on. It will make your life much more exciting!

10. Do not be afraid of failure.

This doesn’t apply only to entrepreneurs. It’s okay to fail. In fact, you will make lots of mistakes in life. If you find yourself in a slump, don’t get too emotional or frustrated. Learn to overcome obstacles quickly. Improve your mental strength, and you will be able to stay mentally strong in all circumstances.