For many of us, we take our youth for granted. We take people for granted and we take opportunities for granted. We assume that it will always be there. Your golden (best) years won't always be there.
If you are progressing and growing in life you have nothing to be afraid of. However, if you stay stagnant while everyone is progressing with nothing to show for yourself that is when you should get worried.
4 things to not feel left behind
- Relationships
- Self-development/ Career/ Business
- Faith/ Personal beliefs
- Health & well-being
I am confident if you do not neglect any of these aspect you will progress well in line with your peers and not feel left behind in life.
Relationships
Dating
A wise man, Scott Galloway once said "Give yourself every opportunity to meet someone".
This could be volunteering in your neighbourhood church etc.
It could be networking events, parties or social gatherings. It is important to put yourself out there and be willing to face rejection if you want to meet someone.
- The worse is that they say "no" and both of you can move on. By not putting yourself out there to meet people and ask someone out you limit the amazing opportunity to build a relationship with someone.
Friends and family
Prioritise people because, at the end of life, they are what matters. We will forget about accomplishments, things etc, but we will always cherish and remember those that loves us and gone out of their way to make life better for us.
Career/ Business/Self-development
A lot of people have no idea what to do in their 20s.
There are so many crossroads.
- Do I travel the world?
- Do I work in a stable 9–5 job?
- Do I take a gap year?
- Do I move to a new city?
- Do I start my own business or work for someone?
Focus on building identity capital.
Do something right now that adds to who you might want to be next.
For me, I work in finance because it's the safe route. I needed to support myself and also to pay off my study loans. I was building identity capital and my resume. On the backend, I was focusing on being a writer and content creator which is my identity capital. Although I wanted to travel and see the world I knew I couldn't afford it so I took annual leave from work and took trips that were spread out throughout the year.
For me, that was being safe and cautious while still trying to live my best life.
It's important to consider what works for you as you build identity capital.
The worse is to stay stuck at home playing video games and bumming around jobless only to realise a few years have passed and you have no career prospects, no savings, no life experiences and nothing to show for yourself.
Faith/ Beliefs
This helps us live a meaningful life knowing our purpose in life
Many people who do not have a purpose wander aimlessly.
When you find meaning and fulfillment you can align your life purpose better.
Health
Understanding that we only have 1 body is so crucial. We can't go to Amazon to order a new set of kidneys or eyes. Hence, learn to protect and take care of your health. Your body will thank you as you grow old.
- Wear sunscreen to protect your skin
- Eat healthy
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep
- Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
As long as we are continuously learning, growing, meeting new people, and building our skills and capital there is nothing to worry about being left behind.
People who worry are those who do not build their identity capital, isolate themselves and have no purpose. This leaves them feeling regretful when they see many others who have achieved life's milestones while they stay stagnant.
Choose to take control of your life, you are the captain of your own ship.
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