Lessons I’d Pay to Teach My 20-Year-Old Self...

“If only I knew back then what I know now…”

Sounds familiar?

If you’ve been around for a while, you’ve probably had this thought more than once.

Life doesn’t hand out instruction manuals—it throws experiences at you.

Some are great teachers, others leave marks you’d rather not have.

But every lesson counts.

Let’s talk about the ones that really matter.

Looking back at my 20-year-old self—eager, ambitious, restless, and often clueless—there are a few things I wish I could whisper into his ears.

Here are the top 10 things that I would say:

1. Learn Skills That Pay the Bills

A degree is nice, but skills get you paid.

In the real world, employers and clients value what you can do, not just what you studied.

Master Excel to analyze data, public speaking to articulate ideas, coding to automate tasks, sales to persuade, and negotiation to get what you deserve.

These skills open doors and make you indispensable.

Actionable: Pick one high-income skill today and spend 30 minutes learning it daily.

2. Build Real Relationships, Not Just Contacts

Networking is more than collecting business cards or LinkedIn connections.

People help those they trust.

Be helpful, show up consistently, and follow up.

Engage in meaningful conversations instead of transactional networking.

Strong relationships bring career growth, opportunities, and lifelong support.

Actionable: Reach out to someone you admire and start a meaningful conversation.

3. Start Managing Your Money Now

Your financial future starts with small habits today.

Understand where your money goes.

Save a percentage of your income—no matter how small.

Learn the basics of investing, so your money works for you instead of sitting idle. The Power of Compounding!!!

Avoid high-interest debt; it drains your future potential.

Actionable: Open a savings or investment account and automate a small monthly deposit.

4. Fail Fast, Fail Small, and Learn

Failure is feedback.

The earlier you try things, the sooner you learn what works.

Experiment with side projects, take on challenges, and be okay with mistakes.

Small failures today prevent bigger failures tomorrow.

The worst thing you can do is let fear keep you stagnant.

Actionable: Set a small goal that challenges you and take action today, even if you risk failure.

5. Stop Worrying About What Others Think

Most people are too focused on their own lives to care about yours.

Seeking approval is exhausting and unnecessary.

Make decisions based on your goals and values, not on external opinions.

Confidence grows when you act despite doubts.

Actionable: Make one decision today without worrying about external opinions.

6. Take Care of Your Body—It’s the Only One You Get

Your body is your lifelong asset.

Sleep enough, eat whole foods, exercise regularly, and hydrate.

Small, daily habits build long-term health.

It’s easier to maintain than to repair.

Investing in your well-being now saves years of struggle later.

Actionable: Exercise for at least 15 minutes today—start small, but start now.

7. Learn to Say No

Saying yes to everything drains your time and energy.

Every yes to something unimportant is a no to something that truly matters.

Learn to decline politely but firmly.

Prioritize yourself without guilt.

Actionable: Say no to one thing today that doesn’t align with your priorities.

8. Learn How to Communicate Effectively

Communication is your superpower.

Whether it’s an email, a speech, or a tough conversation, clarity and confidence matter.

Practice expressing your thoughts concisely.

Listen actively—great communicators listen more than they speak.

Actionable: Practice summarizing your thoughts in one clear, concise sentence.

9. Happiness is Built, Not Found

Stop chasing the perfect job, relationship, or lifestyle to “make you happy.”

Joy comes from appreciating what you have, not just striving for more.

Practice gratitude, spend time with loved ones, and focus on the present.

Actionable: Write down three things you’re grateful for right now.

10. Take Calculated Risks While You Can

The safest path is often the most limiting.

While you have fewer responsibilities, explore, experiment, and stretch beyond your comfort zone.

Move cities, start projects, or take that bold step—you won’t regret what you tried, only what you didn’t.

Actionable: Identify one risk you've been avoiding and take a small step toward it today.

And One More Thing… (Ala Steve Jobs)

Act now.

Reading this list won’t change your life.

But applying it will.

If you’re in your 20s, these lessons are like striking gold—implementing them now can set you up for lifelong success.

But if you’re not, don’t worry.

Growth has no age limit, and every day is a new opportunity to make a change.

Start small.

Pick one lesson that resonates the most with you and commit to it.

Whether it’s learning a new skill, taking better care of your health, or overcoming fear of failure, progress comes from action, not just intention.

Hold yourself accountable.

Track your efforts, reflect on your progress, and adjust as needed.

Remember, growth isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.

Each small step compounds over time, leading to bigger opportunities and a stronger version of yourself.

Embrace discomfort.

Change feels uncomfortable, but that’s a sign you’re growing.

The people who succeed aren’t necessarily the smartest or the luckiest; they’re the ones who keep going even when it’s tough.

So go ahead.

Make that decision, take that action, and trust yourself.

Your future self is waiting, and the best version of you is built by the choices you make today.