Your 20s are exciting, unpredictable, and full of opportunities to figure out what skills and habits really matter.
Learning even a few key things now can help you feel more confident and prepared for whatever life throws your way in the future.
Here are some things you’ll thank yourself for learning in your 20s.
Managing Your Money
Money can feel complicated, but understanding how to manage it now will save you a lot of stress later. Learn how to budget, track your spending, and build an emergency fund. Apps can make this easier by giving you a clear picture of where your money goes each month.
Make paying down debt a priority, too. Even small steps, such as consistently paying more than the minimum on a credit card, can add up. Overall, knowing the basics will give you a strong foundation to make smarter financial choices.
Thinking Critically About Media
You’ll thank yourself for learning how to think critically about media in your 20s. Let’s face it, we’re constantly bombarded by information, so it’s important to separate facts from opinions or misleading claims.
Practice checking sources and looking at all sides of an issue. For example, if you see a shocking headline, check if other reliable outlets report the same story. Learning this skill helps you make better decisions and stay informed, even with all the noise.
Cooking for Yourself
You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to cook healthy, tasty meals. Start with simple dishes, such as pasta with vegetables or a basic stir-fry. Learn to cook staples such as rice, chicken, and eggs, and keep your pantry stocked with versatile ingredients.
Being comfortable in the kitchen will save you money compared to takeout or dining out.
So, put DoorDash and Uber Eats on the back burner. Over time, you’ll find your go-to recipes, and cooking will feel like a creative outlet.
Keeping Up with Home Repairs
At some point, you’ll need to deal with repairs around your home or apartment. Learn basic skills such as how to patch a hole, unclog a drain, or reset a circuit breaker. These small fixes can save you the hassle and cost of relying on others for help.
However, you’ll also need to know which house repairs you should never DIY. Tackling faulty wiring or plumbing on your own can make problems worse. Instead, leave those to professionals to avoid stress or damageBuilding Strong Relationships
From friendships and family to coworkers and romantic partners, knowing how to build and maintain these connections is worth your time. Learn how to communicate openly, set boundaries, and handle conflicts in a healthy way.
For example, saying “I feel frustrated because…” instead of blaming others can lead to better conversations. Relationships thrive when both sides feel valued and heard.
Taking Care of Yourself
Building habits that keep you feeling your best isn’t as tricky as it seems. Move your body regularly by engaging in activities such as yoga, walking, or strength training.
For your mental health, carve out time to recharge and journal or meditate to process stress. And don’t ignore sleep! Stick to a bedtime routine without distractions, such as your phone.
The earlier you develop these habits, the easier it is to stay grounded when things get overwhelming.
Your 20s are a unique and formative decade, a time brimming with potential. By embracing these six areas of learning, you're not just acquiring skills; you're sculpting the person you'll become.
The effort you put in now will undoubtedly be a gift to your future self.