Things You Need To Stop Doing In Your 20s

Written by Jon Negroni

1. Stop caring more about approval than earning it.

There’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel validated for your hard
work. The problem is when you spend more time searching for a pat
on the back than going out and giving people a reason to recognize
you.

2. Stop being thankless.

Being ungrateful, unappreciative, or however else you want to say it,

is the same as being selfish. Sure, you’d never admit that you’re an
overall selfish person, but you may be oblivious to all of the goodwill
thrown your way. Take moments to recognize the people in your life
that are responsible for your happiness.

3. Stop comparing yourself to everyone else.

There are two sides to this. On the one hand, it’s essential for you to
let yourself be motivated by the success of others. That is what will
push and inspire you to accomplish more for your own life. The dark
side to this is envy. Your 20’s are a time when you must learn how to
be content with your limitations and accomplishments, putting aside
the pettiness of envy.

4. Stop being lazy.

If you really want to stop being lazy and start being more
productive, remove the things from your life that are keeping you
lazy. Our generation is unique. We have a wealth of technology and
endless distractions at our fingertips, but we’re lazier than ever with
gifts that should be making us happy, not inactive. It’s time to
prioritize.

5. Stop being busy.

Sometimes, being lazy doesn’t look like laziness. It can look like
you’re busy. Instead of working, creating, and contributing, you’re
settling for an infinite array of tasks that will keep you distracted until
you get from point A to point B. Start making time for the things that
matter.

6. Stop being narcissistic.

Get over yourself. Let people get to know the real you, not a fake
image you’ve put up for yourself through selfies and clever Tweets.

7. Stop blaming others.

The buck stops with you now. You’re not a kid anymore, so it’s time
to own up to your own failings. Your lot in life may not be 100% your
doing, but your attitude is.

8. Stop putting things off.

Don’t let the prime of your life slip you by. Start taking advantage of
the adventures life won’t give you a second chance on before settling
down. Go for the dream job. Move somewhere you’ve never heard of.
It won’t be long before you lose your chance.

9. Stop thinking you’re invincible.

I love taking stupid risks too, but it’s time to take care of yourself. Go
to the doctor, avoid dangerous stunts and stop forcing everyone
around you to worry constantly about you.

10. Stop relying on your parents so much.

This is easier said than done, but it’s time. You’ll make mistakes, feel
trapped, and it won’t always be fun. But you’ll be amazed at how
strong you really are.

11. Stop being disagreeable.

When someone offers a viewpoint different from yours, don’t do
everything in your power to prove you’re perfect. Start understanding
that there are people in this world who are smarter than you and will
disagree with you. Embrace them as opportunities for growth, not
ways for you to win an empty argument.

12. Stop treating your job as a daycare.

I’ve come across a lot of 20 somethings who believe the point of their
job is to collect a paycheck and move on. They’re then shocked when
they get overlooked for promotions, raises, or keeping that job. Don’t
let your work be average or “good enough.” Provide value for the
people who employ you.

13. Stop letting fear and uncertainty stop you.

Fear isn’t really a choice. It’s a door that we can choose to either
walk through or walk away from. In most cases, it’s never going to be
easier to walk through later on, so let it go. Don’t let yourself become
full of regret.

14. Stop being cheap.

There’s value to a minimal lifestyle, and frugality isn’t something to

trend away from. But you should also let yourself spend money on
the things you truly want, within reason. Buy the nicer clothes once in
a while. Buy food that is good for you. Saving money is vital, but so is
investing in the things that make you happy.