If You Don’t Want To Tank Your Twenties, Then Avoid These Common Pitfalls At All Costs

Being in your twenties can be simultaneously exhilarating and terrifying.
On the one hand, the decade is such a defining period of our lives. Our brains finally finish their last significant growth spurt, and our personalities mature to match our adult age. We also break out of our parent’s houses, start building our careers, and tend to meet our forever partners.
In fact, did you know that more than fifty percent of Americans are either married, dating, or living with their future partner by the age of thirty? Wild, I know.
While all of these changes can be extremely exciting and motivating, though, they can also feel completely paralyzing. I mean, when have you ever had to worry about healthcare coverage before, take out renters or homeowners insurance, or look into retirement plans?
During your twenties, there is also so much wondering about what you “should” be doing. And it makes sense– because this is the time when the people you grew up with are starting to embark on wildly different paths.
One of your high school peers might be a finance associate living large on Wall Street. At the same time, another one of your friends might be traveling the world while others are tying the knot or even popping out babies.
Looking to other people for guidance on your own path, though, is just one of the many ways you can ruin this golden decade of risk-taking, growth, and development. So, let’s break down some of the other ways that you can tank your twenties.
1. Refusing To Take Risks
When I called your twenties the golden decade of your life, I was not kidding. First of all, you finally have all of the freedom that you wished for as a child. You can do literally anything you want, whenever you want.

mary_markevich – stock.adobe.com – illustrative purposes only, not the actual person
At the same token, though, you are free of all the restraining responsibilities that might prevent such spontaneity in the future. I’m talking about mortgage payments, marriage, children, and more.
So, this should be the wildest and most adventurous time of your life. If you have always wanted to move to a new city, do it. If you want to travel the world, do it. If you hope to go back to school or try out a brand new career path, do it! Don’t leave your twenties full of regret.
2. Not Breaking Out Of Your Shell
This point is two-fold. First, let’s focus on people. Too often, after we return from college, we also return to our same friend groups from when we were teens. And a lot of the time, these friendships are still great, don’t get me wrong.
But your twenties are also the perfect time to branch out and start surrounding yourself with new people.
Finding friends who come from different backgrounds or who have different interests can expose you to new opportunities, hobbies, and experiences. Plus, this can be seriously inspiring for those who are looking to break out of the same-old-same-old and start their own really unique lives.
Similarly, you have to break out of your own personal shell or “comfort zone.” Dreaming big is one great thing, but actually making those dreams happen is an entirely different ballgame.
Push yourself to try new things and engage in activities or experiences that might have scared you in the past– or maybe still do. This is one of the best ways to grow yourself as a person and learn how to navigate challenges.
3. Pushing Your Career To The Wayside
I know, with all of this “take risks” and “try new things” talk, this career point might seem like a downer. But its importance cannot be understated. You should use your twenties to find a career that works for you and save up as much money as you can.
Yes, it is completely normal to still be figuring out what you enjoy and how you want to make money at this age. But, if you are in this boat, you should still focus on taking incremental steps toward that goal– not avoiding it out of fear or uncertainty.
On the flip side, if you have already found a career path that you are happy with, make the most of your early years on the job. Of course, it can be exhilarating to finally see your bank account rise to unprecedented levels, and you may feel more inclined than ever to take that trip to Europe or dine in the finest of restaurants.
But, just because you maybe don’t have a mortgage or a family yet does not mean you shouldn’t prepare for those things– if that is where you see your life headed. Your twenties are when you arguably have the most disposable income and the fewest bills ever.
So, start storing that cash away. Put it into a high-yield savings account or begin contributing toward your retirement. Then, when it comes time to purchase a home or settle down with your partner, you will not be left scrambling and crying over the thousands of dollars you blew on clothes or food.
4. Trying To Justify Your Choices
If you are in your twenties right now, then you are arguably a part of a generation with the most unprecedented and unique opportunities. So, if you constantly have to justify your choices to your parents or other family members, it is so not worth it.
Instead, try your hardest to avoid any naysayers and do what you know is best for you. Plunge into that emerging industry or chase that goal that older generations cannot really wrap their heads around. You don’t have to justify why; just seek support from those who care about you regardless.
5. Refusing To Accept When You’re Wrong
Sure, we love to say that our twenties are a time for learning and growth. But, the hard part of this reality is accepting that because we are still growing, we are going to be wrong sometimes. And obviously, being wrong is the worst feeling.
No one ever enjoys admitting they were wrong about something– whether that be a relationship or a life decision.
But, if you start to practice some humility and gratitude for the lessons these challenges are teaching you, then accepting that you messed up will become a whole lot easier.
Plus, as you admit your wrongs and take responsibility for them, you will gain a ton of respect and appreciation from those around you.
6. Doing Things You Feel “Obligated” To
When you are young, you are given tons of opportunities in every sector of your life. And while saying “yes” can expose you to new people and experiences, it is also important to learn how to say “no” when you really want to.
Stop taking on responsibilities or agreeing to do things that you know are not for you. Avoid following the pack and saying “yes” just because you feel obligated or pressured to do what your friends or parents think you should be doing.
By forging your own path and staying true to your own journey, you will save yourself a lot of time and mental health burnout.
7. Comparing Yourself To Others
It’s time to leave the social media cr*p behind. I know we are all addicted to one app or another, and social platforms can honestly be a great way to learn new things and keep up with friends and family.
But, if you are still getting pulled down the same “comparison” rabbit hole, then maybe you need to take a break or cut social media out of your life entirely.
I don’t mean to scare you, but our twenties are the prime of our lives. Appreciate your beauty, your accomplishments, and your interests now.
In a few decades, you don’t want to wake up and regret how much time you wasted wishing you looked like someone else or had what someone else had when, the entire time, you already were everything you needed all along.
8. Being Afraid Of Being Alone
This final pitfall is a real way to tank your twenties, and it applies to so many areas of our lives.
It is natural to feel lonely, yet we despise that feeling– because, as humans, we also want to have company and forge relationships. If you are just sticking with a friend group or staying in a romantic relationship because you are afraid of being on your own, though, then you are doing yourself a total disservice.
Seriously, leave! If a friendship or relationship used to bring you joy, but now you are just comfortable, get the heck out of there. Likewise, don’t begrudgingly stay in your hometown or put off traveling if you are afraid to do it alone.
Being independent is not as bad as it seems. In fact, sometimes navigating life alone for a little while is the only way to truly figure out who you are and what you really want deep down.
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