Age really is “just a number,” and there’s no one way to win at womanhood. That said, your 20s are a great time to start achieving your goals — and as a twenty-something myself, I feel like there are so many things every woman should do before 30, if she has the chance. Because, why wait?
If you’re in your 20s like me, then this is probably the first time you’re truly on your own, and it’s finally up to you to start figuring things out for yourself. Most twenty-something women are full of hope, excited about all of life’s possibilities, and curiously experimenting with their new-found womanhood. It’s truly a magical time, even with all the bizarre dating experiences and gross blunders that come with caring for our first pets.
However, in the midst of all the fun, we can’t ignore that 30 is just around the corner. Soon, we’ll be “official grown ups” (OK, so that might be total BS too, but it sometimes helps you achieve your goals when you have a target number in mind) — so there’s nothing wrong with wanting to lock down a few experiences before we get there.
Learn A New Language
It’s never too late to pick up a new language, but starting when you’re in your 20s is smart for lots of reasons. It could help your career, it makes traveling much easier, and studies have shown that multi-linguals are better decision makers. Plus, you probably have more free time right now than you will in your 30s, so it really is the best time to devote yourself to the task.
Learn To Trust Your Intuition
Successful women trust their gut. Their intuition serves them in incredible ways, and yours can, too. Oprah recommends quieting your mind when you’re facing a difficult situation (having a yoga or meditation practice can help with that). This way, you can really listen to what your inner voice is trying to tell you.
Try To Stop Criticizing Your Body
I won’t get all sentimental on you and talk about how we’re each gorgeous in our own ways (even though we are). Instead, I just want to encourage you to stop criticizing your body. (Easier said than done, I know, but here are some tips.) Because the sooner you realize that you’re beautiful exactly as you are now, the easier your 30s will be.
Befriend An Older Woman
Some of the best advice I’ve ever received has come from one of my older, female friends.
If you spend all your time with fellow twenty-somethings, it’s easy to get caught up in drama. Plus, hanging out with someone who’s successfully made it though her 20s is super reassuring — she can give you all kinds of wisdom.
Take a solo trip
Traveling alone is another life experience that will teach you so much about yourself in a short amount of time. When you’re by yourself in a completely unfamiliar place, you have to rely on your own wits to navigate, stay safe, make it through baggage claim, you name it. But on the flip side, you get to do exactly what you want to do the entire time… no annoying younger brother or needy significant other to consider.