Last Updated on September 2, 2024
Many young people struggle to picture their lives 10 or 20 years from now. If you fall into this category, you may have difficulty planning for your future self. Living in the moment may feel good now, but it creates more stress down the line. By taking a few simple steps today, you can create a happier tomorrow.
Not sure where to start? Below you’ll find six ways to begin building a better future.
1. Start Investing
When you’re early on in your career, retirement may be the furthest thing from your mind. You’re likely more focused on paying off student debt than contributing to your 401(k). However, your 20s are prime time to enter the investing world. That’s because compounding allows your investment to grow over time.
Already contributing to your 401(k) and looking to fill gaps in your portfolio? Then you should consider alternative investments. Alternative investments are financial assets that aren’t publicly traded. A common example you’ve probably heard of is investing in real estate. But alternative investments can also include cryptocurrency, startups, and private equity.
2. Evaluate Your Current Job
Most recent grads don’t have much industry experience, so they take whatever job they can find. This often puts them in entry-level roles where they’re overworked and underpaid. If you are burned out and barely making ends meet, it may be time to pursue a new position. Doing so can help you move up the career ladder, securing more financial security and happiness for your future self.
When you’re just starting in your career, it can be hard to know when it’s time to move on from a job. To help you determine whether you’re ready to change jobs, ask yourself, “Is there anything else to learn from this position?” If the answer is “no,” it’s time to move on to a role that challenges you and encourages growth.
3. Learn to Cook
When you’re in your 20s, grabbing Taco Bell or ordering delivery may sound more appealing than turning on the oven. However, learning to cook is a skill older you will be happy to have. While takeout may be convenient, it’s also expensive and more calorically dense than food cooked at home. Mastering a handful of healthy recipes will save your pocketbook and your waistline.
Learning how to create tasty meals can be intimidating if you’ve never cooked before. So start with simple recipes that only require a few ingredients. Try to choose fresh spices and herbs over dried ones when you can. This is an easy way to elevate simple meals into culinary masterpieces.
4. Move Your Body
Most young people are drowning in responsibilities. Working a demanding job while trying to maintain friendships and keep up with household duties can feel overwhelming. When that happens, exercise usually falls by the wayside. Many folks in their 20s think they can put off developing a movement routine until they’re older. But regularly working out in your 20s is one of the best actions you can take to keep your future self healthy.
Studies show that people who exercise in their 20s have a reduced risk of heart disease as they grow older. That’s a compelling reason to move your body, but what if you’re not sure how to get started? Instead of forcing yourself to struggle through an intense treadmill workout, think of forms of movement you enjoy. If you love the outdoors, go for a walk at a local park. If you love to dance, try a dance-inspired exercise class.
5. Consider Therapy
In your 20s, you may begin to recognize things about yourself that you’d like to change. Maybe you verbally lash out when you feel threatened or drink a little too much wine when you’re sad. These behaviors can negatively impact the way you interact with the world and other people. Rather than allowing harmful mindsets to follow you into each new stage of life, address them early on.
Going to therapy in your 20s is one of the best ways to improve your mental health for life. Therapy helps you understand the root cause of your mental health challenges. It also gives you coping mechanisms to help you deal with destructive behaviors. If you can’t afford to visit with a therapist in person, look into online therapy. Chatting with a mental health professional online is often less expensive and more accessible than visiting them in-office.
6. Make New Friends
When you’re in high school and college, you’re surrounded by peers. This makes it easy to meet new people and develop close friendships. However, after college graduation, many friend groups separate to pursue careers in different cities, taking a serious toll on your social network. If you’re feeling lonely post-graduation, you’re not the only one. In fact, 61% of American young adults feel serious loneliness.
Rather than settle into this lonely lifestyle, make a conscious effort to develop new friendships you can cultivate throughout adulthood. If you’re struggling to meet people, try signing up for a class you’re interested in, such as painting or yoga. You’ll likely find other like-minded people in these classes who would be excited to get to know you better.
A life you love doesn’t come out of thin air. It’s created over years of effort. Taking the time to care for your future self while you’re young can help ensure you’re happy and healthy later in life.