Written by Ashley Lopez

Are you in your early twenties and trying to manage your newly found “adult life”? If so, I am going to spill some tea: tips on navigating through your early twenties.

Hi everyone, welcome back to Ashley Spills. Ashley, here. You can check out my other posts here. Today I am diving into all things early- and mid-20s. Below are the top eleven things I learned in my early twenties that I wish I knew before.

If you cannot afford it, don’t buy it.

When I got my first credit card I swiped it like Swiper from Dora The Explorer, baby. It took me a long time before I realized I should not use it unless I can pay it off that month. Building credit is important, but only use your credit card if your checking account has more than the amount your purchasing. Also, set up an automatic payment cycle on your credit card.

If you’re already drunk, STOP drinking.

Turning 21 means drinking more than you should because you’re just having too much fun and officially legal (in the US)! Honey, if you’re already buzzing, stop drinking. The hangover is not worth it and no blackout is worth losing memories over.

If you don’t know what the hell you’re doing with your life THAT IS OKAY.

After 27 years of life and 999 careers later, I finally know in what direction my life is going. You don’t have to have it all figured out. Stop setting a timeline for yourself and just embrace what is happening. This will help bring adventure and excitement to your life.

Learn to spend time ALONE.

Period. Don’t rely on your friends, family, or partner to make you feel whole. Learn to be alone and enjoy it. Accepting who you are comes with feeling satisfied with your own company.

Don’t be afraid to say no in your twenties.

I’m 27 and still have a hard time with this. If I had said no at least half of the times I wanted to, who knows where I’d be in life. I know it can feel scary to say no. Start small. Maybe reject an invitation to a party if you don’t want to go.

Always have a certain amount of money in your checking account.

One time during my college days I was buying a pack of gum from the gas station and my bank account overdrafted. A PACK OF GUM. I think I only had $2.17 if I remember correctly. Having cushion money (different from savings) means to have a set dollar amount in your checking account that you CANNOT use. Start small, aim to have at least $50, then $100, then $500, then $1,00, etc. in your bank account until your paycheck.

Ending a relationship in your twenties isn’t the end of the world.

Being in a long-term relationship at age 22 may feel like you’re married so ending it seems like you’re blowing up your life. You’re not. I promise. If you’re not happy and desire more: rip that band-aid, girl.

If it doesn’t feel right, that’s because it’s not.

Trust your gut. If something doesn’t feel right like accepting a job, going to a party, or majoring in [INSERT MAJOR HERE] then don’t do it. Your instincts are usually right.

Don’t compare your success to the others.

Just because someone you know went to med school or is making more money than you doesn’t mean you are not successful. Success looks different on everyone. What’s important to them, may not be important to you. The only person you should be in competition with is yourself.

Some friendships aren’t meant to last past your twenties.

The friends you’ve had since elementary school aren’t always going to be there and they won’t always stay the same. Accept change and learn that not everyone is supposed to stay in your life.

Don’t be afraid to try something new in your twenties.

If you are unhappy with your job or lifestyle then make a change and go a different direction. Everything good seems scary at first. The more things you try, the more you’ll learn, grow, and discover new things. This is vital in personal development.

Conclusion

As a 27 year old woman who doesn’t have it all, I am confident that these tips will push you to worry less, to make smarter choices, and to enjoy your youth.

This week I challenge you to write down three things you wish you knew before now. It doesn’t matter how old you are—you’re always evolving.

Thanks for reading, xo.

Just for fun, click here to listen to “22” by Taylor Swift LOL.