As I reflect on where I am in my life right now, I feel I’m making my life easier because I’ve learned from my experiences, and they’ve made me a bit smarter and wiser. Would you agree the same applies for you? I surely do hope so. We did some insecure and immature things when we were in our 20s right?! I mean we were just living life! Had we only did it better or “this way” man oh man! Let me share 6 things I wish I did in my 20s.
1. Manage Your Time
Back in the day, boy did I stress myself out procrastinating and waiting until the last minute to get somewhere or get something done. I just knew I would still be on time or have enough time to prep for whatever I had to deliver. I was the definition of insane. You know...doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. For example, I lived in an apartment building that was literally connected to where I worked, and I planned to be on time every day. I mean I had no commute issue excuses like everyone else, yet I was late every single day because every day I got up just in time but not really; so, I was always late by a few minutes. Boy am I lucky I didn't get fired. Let’s not even talk about the school assignments that got done just in time. Can you say STRESSED?! YES! That’s exactly what I was.
Today, I can’t stand being late and doing things just in time. I get anxiety just thinking about what I have to get done instead of just getting it done. So now I’ve trained myself that when I think of something I need to do, if I’m not pressed for time, then I do it right away. I won’t say it isn't failproof, as I have my moments, but for the most part it works because I just tell myself You thought of it so now you have to do it and so I begin! Writing my priorities for the day is a must as well so that I get what’s most important done for the day. This is being productive and not a busy body!
Tip: Manage your time. You’re not overwhelmed, you’re unorganized.
Wake up earlier
Create to-do lists
Set deadlines
Stick to your schedule
2. Stop Looking for A New Thing
When something doesn't work right away, we’re usually ready to move on to the next thing/quit. Sometimes that makes sense and other times that’s too premature if you haven’t given it time. There is always a lesson in what you experience. So, give it a try by giving it more time. For example, changing certain habits/behaviors takes time. You’re not going to change overnight. New habits have to be repeated over and over, over time to stick, so give them time and trust me, you’ll change if you stick with it longer.
Tip: Stop looking for a new thing. Make something out of your current situation first.
A new job
A new city
A new partner
3. Focus on One Thing
You know that saying “Jack-of-all trades, master of none.” We try to do so much all at once instead of focusing on one thing at a time and getting really good at it. And that “thing” is relative to what you as an individual want to get good/better at. If you want to get better at not hitting the snooze button so you get up when you’re supposed to exercise to improve/maintain your health, then it can be as simple as that or it can be more about developing a certain skill and sticking with just it. I’ve gotten good at running. I do it regularly during the week and have improved my performance and weight management and that is because it has been my focus. Now I can try something new so I’ve started taking a rowing class which will further improve my endurance given the heavy cardio. It will also contribute to managing my blood pressure as running has.
Tip: Focus on one thing
Everyone wants results, but nobody wants to stay focused.
The gap between your current life and the life you want is called focus.
Focus 100% on one thing, instead of doing things with 20% focus each.
4. Make Gradual Improvements
I remember when I hated to write. It was because I was scared that I wouldn’t be able to properly formulate my thoughts to send the intentions that were within my message/story. Every time I thought instead of just getting started by simply writing whatever I was feeling needed to come out of my head and on to the paper/screen, all I was doing was keeping myself stuck. I do still have this challenge today but not as much as I used to. Whenever I just start is when I produce something I’m satisfied with. In anything you do, just start small and it will get bigger and better with time.
Tip: Make gradual improvements. You can’t get to level 10 with level 1 habits.
Start by reading one page
Start by writing one paragraph
Start by doing one workout
Start today
Then focus on getting 1% better every day.
Minor/incremental improvements over time lead to big change. One of my favorite sayings I learned was when I was going through my coaching certification program. I did a session lesson on acknowledgment. It was to have my clients appreciate how far they had come in my program by acknowledging the small changes they were making that were building up to their transformation, over time. The saying is small hinges swing big doors.
5. Stop Chasing Motivation
I’ve learned over time that having to be self-motivated to get anything done is simply BS!! Motivation doesn’t just happen because you want it to and when it doesn’t, what do you do? Nothing? Some do. Well, you don’t get very far in reaching your goals/desired state in life if that’s the case. You can’t blame it on your lack of motivation. You’ve got to blame it on your lack of discipline. If you want to do something, then honor what you say you’re going to do for you. How can you expect someone else to trust that you’re going to do what you say you will for them, if you won’t even do what you say you will for yourself? Developing accountability and discipline is what moves you forward in life to get to your desired state. Asking for help along the way also shows how bad you want it.
Tip: Stop chasing motivation. Your motivation is not the problem. It’s your discipline that’s holding you back.
Stay consistent
Meet your own deadlines
Find an accountability partner
Long-term discipline and consistency are far more important than short-term intensity.
6. Find Your Purpose
Everyone on this Earth was created to find and serve their purpose. I found mine which is helping women over 40 transform to live their best life by coaching them to better habits, improved health, and fierce confidence. I also write and speak on this. These things are my passion and my purpose because I have lived my own transformation and I’m still on my journey of continued grow as I’m still becoming! Some still need help finding their purpose and I encourage them to seek help to discover it. It’s never too late!
Tip: Find your purpose
Without direction or a clear plan, it’s hard to live a fulfilled life.
Everything in life comes easier once you find your purpose and get clarity on what’s next.
If there is anything I've shared resonated with you or you have blog topic recommendations, then I welcome you to leave a comment below or reach out to me for a free consultation to get help in an area of your life or a change/transformation you want to begin this year! Click here to book an appointment Work With Me | Life Chapters Coaching
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