On the 1st of July 2020, I unfortunately turned 25. I saw it coming but it was still a shock. When I imagined 25, I saw my life in a completely different direction. Nonetheless here we are. The damage has been done. The 25 years may not be what I expected but it has been a great learning experience.
Here are 25 life lessons that I learnt:
1) DO NOT tie your identity to your job
2) Money is important but it is not the MOST important
3) Surround yourself with those that you love
4) Network. You never know where it may take you
5) Also- always try something new. You never know where that might take you
6) Always carry a spare tire in your car
7) Ensure you have savings- for a rainy day, for retirement. Just make sure you have money available.
8) No matter your best intentions, life rarely ever goes as planned
9) Do NOT make decisions when you are emotional (unless those decisions are food-related like what to buy to make yourself feel better)
10) Also, do not make purchasing decisions when you are emotional
11) Leave work at work. There’s a reason you have “working hours”. And leave the office on time
12) If it doesn’t affect your pay, don’t let it affect your day
13) No, you do not need more books (but buying a few more doesn’t hurt anyone)
14) You don’t go to the gym to go to the gym. You go to the gym for the feeling you get after the gym
15) Take time out for yourself no matter how busy life gets
16) Keep moving forward (thank you, Disney)
17) Tea is always a good idea. So is any warm beverage
18) Live within your means. Live below your means if possible. This is especially relevant in the Corona era
19) Time is the most valuable resource and it’s one you can never get back. Use it wisely
20) Stressing about something accomplishes nothing (though in my case, it keeps my brain occupied so I allow it within reason).
21) It is always a good idea to learn a new skill be it work-related or personal
22) Not everyone is going to like you. You are not R100. Some people don’t even like R100 (I am one of these people. R100 disappears too quickly. R1000 is a good amount).
24) A car is a deprecating asset (and a damn expensive one) so there’s no need to pay a ton of money on an expensive model especially if you don’t have that money.
25) Spend more on quality in the first place so you don’t end up having to pay more to replace something cheap (like when it comes to repairs for the above deprecating asset)
What lessons have you learnt in your time on Earth? I’d love to know below!