Take advantage of your 20s to be proactive in being the best possible YOU

Your 20s are often considered the "formative years" of one's life. It is during this time that young people start to truly shape their personal, professional, and financial futures. Being proactive in developing new skills, cultivating a growth mindset, and establishing a financial safety net before turning 30 can lead to a fulfilling, successful life in your 30s and 40s. Today, we will discuss the reasons behind this approach and some tactics to help you make the most of your 20s.

1. Building New Skills: In an ever-evolving world, having a diverse skill set is invaluable. Your 20s are the perfect time to develop new skills and explore different interests, as it can lead to more fulfilling careers and personal growth.

Tactics for skill-building:

• Pursue online courses, certifications, or workshops to expand your knowledge and expertise in various fields.

• Attend networking events, conferences, or meetups to connect with professionals and learn from their experiences. Even looking back at your university or highschool community can help you seek out people you are familiar with and re-connect with them.

• Seek out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering opportunities to gain hands-on experience in the career you wish to pursue.

2. Cultivating a Growth Mindset: Developing a growth mindset in your 20s can help you navigate life's challenges more effectively, as it fosters resilience, adaptability, and a positive outlook.

Tactics for cultivating a growth mindset:

• Embrace challenges and view them as opportunities for growth, rather than obstacles. Not being afraid of experimenting and trying new things.

• Seek feedback from mentors or peers and apply it to improve your performance. Learn from everyone’s experiences and stories to avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your development!

• Practice self-reflection and set personal goals to fuel continuous improvement.

3. Establishing a Financial Safety Net: Financial security is essential for long-term success and stability. Building a safety net in your 20s can help you manage unforeseen expenses, invest in personal growth, and achieve long-term financial goals.

Tactics for creating a financial safety net:

• Develop a budget and track your expenses to identify areas where you can save.

• Build an emergency fund with at least 3-6 months' worth of living expenses. Australia’s average yearly income is around $40,000 - $55,000 so try and aim for at least $20,000 for your emergency fund, depending on your income level you may need to adjust proportionally.

• Start saving for retirement early by contributing additional funds to your Super account or taking part in a stock compensation scheme in your job/company.

• Eliminate high-interest debt and avoid accumulating new debt.

4. Embracing Personal Development: Investing in personal growth is crucial for achieving success and happiness in the long run. Your 20s are a fantastic time to explore your passions, develop self-awareness, and nurture relationships.

Tactics for personal development:

• Set aside time for self-care, hobbies, and interests to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Ideally across 3 aspects of your life: body, mind, and spirit.

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to manage stress and improve focus. Your thinking and how your mind thinks is key to handling greater challenges as you continue your personal development journey.

• Invest in relationships by nurturing existing connections and building new ones.

5. Adopting Lifelong Learning: Embracing a commitment to lifelong learning in your 20s can help you stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the ever-changing demands of the professional world. This approach not only enhances your career prospects but also contributes to your personal growth and fulfillment.

Tactics for adopting lifelong learning:

• Make reading a daily habit, exploring topics that interest you and expand your knowledge.

• Stay informed about industry trends and emerging technologies to maintain a competitive edge in your field.

• Join professional associations or online communities to engage with like-minded individuals and share insights.

• Consider attending seminars, workshops, or conferences to keep your skills and knowledge up-to-date.

Your 20s provide the perfect opportunity to lay a solid foundation for future success. By being proactive in developing new skills, fostering a growth mindset, establishing a financial safety net, and being a lifelong learner, you can set yourself up for a successful, fulfilling life in your 30s and 40s. Remember, just like investing - the earlier you start, the more time you have to build a strong foundation for the future.