Hey, fellow twenty-somethings! I have something to share with you and I hope you like it.
It is the beginning of 2024 and somehow it feels like a fresh start. There’s a lot to consider. There are the new written resolutions that are begging to be completed, the expectations placed on the year, things that you hoped you could have achieved the year before but could not. You’re trying to have a go at it yet again but the vibe just feels different- you don’t even know if you’re up for it.
There’s this thing where they say that your twenties are the time that you get to know who you are by exploring all the options, reflecting and trying to gain meaningful experiences. So you’re starting to feel the pressure and it’s overwhelming because you might be nowhere close to where you thought you’d be and it’s not entirely your fault. I know it might sound overwhelming but here’s the thing, when a task seems overwhelming I find that simply writing it down makes it seem less daunting and more achievable. So, create a list! Not just any list, your list, a list you’re committed to. Take your time to check things off one by one and remind yourself that every unchecked box is a reason to keep going.
The best part? It does not have to be extravagant or even things that the world considers extraordinary. It is just a regular list that reminds you that you are doing well but at your own pace. So how do you start? I’m here to help! I’m going to give you some bucket list ideas that can serve as an inspiration when creating your own individual and personalized lists. So, let’s dive straight into it, head first:
1. Keep a journal: First things first, write down your bucket list in your own handwriting and carry it around with you. As you complete a task, put a check mark by the side. The journal should be a representation of your thoughts and ideas, that is why it is important to keep it safe. You can write down your experiences and what you gained from a particular experience, you can also write down your achievements so that on the days you feel a little lost, it can serve as a pick me up.
2. Have a conversation with strangers: I know this might be a strange thing to add to a bucket list but this is a healthy way to network and get to know people. Your twenties are for you to make connections and get to meet new people. You never know what significant role a random person can play in your life.
3. Read books: There’s a saying that when you read you can gain, in one sitting or two, what it took someone forty years to figure out. So, yes I always recommend reading. You can tell yourself, I’m going to read twelve books this year- one book per month and stick to it. Offer yourself rewards if you are able to complete a book before the end of the month. You can take it a step further by also punishing yourself for not being able to complete a deadline. You can get a close friend or someone you respect to be your accountability partner.
4. Try as much as possible to avoid procrastination: Do what you have to do and do it now. I know it’s hard and sometimes stress is a parasite that controls your brain. It tells you to keep pushing things back because it seems overwhelming. News flash, procrastination makes things worse than they already are. It is advisable to just get up and do it. It will save you from a lot of stress and inconveniences.
5. Visit new places: You don’t have to leave your country to have a good time or see different amazing things. There are hidden gems that are yet to be discovered all waiting for you to find them on your Google search engine. My dear introverts, I know you like your space and you love staying indoors but how will you meet new people if you do not go out? Push yourself out of your comfort zone, visit those beautiful spots in your city that you keep saying you’ll visit but you never did, and don’t forget to take beautiful pictures while at it, go out to parties- you don’t have to be a party animal but try to socialise once in a while. Share these memories, places and experiences with people that make you feel comfortable. If you would prefer to go on your own, do so and have fun.
6. Be a jack of all trades: Your twenties is the time to try everything. When an opportunity comes knocking, have a go at it. Test your abilities and know your limits and do it with a smile on your face. Something will eventually stand out for you. Discover new talents and make use of them even if you’re not the best in the field. They say practice makes perfect. This can help you to boost your CV.
7. Build your circle: Know the people that are in your corner. You might think it does not matter but you need people to thrive. Humans were not designed to do life alone. This is why the people in your friend group matter a lot and can dictate the kind of person you become. The whispers you hear can shape your mind and how you think. If you’re surrounded by toxicity you can get depressed or worse, stagnant.
8. Ask, Ask and Ask again: Like they say a closed mouth is a closed destiny. You might think that it will end up in a dead end but you will never know if you do not try. Ask questions, Ask for those opportunities, Ask for help. Just ask. Asking for things has never put anyone at a disadvantage.
9. Face your fears: If you’re not ready to face your fears head-on at this time in your life, when are you going to overcome them? By the time you’re done with your twenties you should be ready to take on the world, so try to conquer as many fears as you can. You can make another list and strike out as many fears as you can. You’ve got this!
10. Learn how to manage your finances: It is never too early to start saving for your future but that does not mean you should not take care of yourself. Know when to spend your hard earned money and when to save it, try not to be stingy to yourself. You can create a budget in your journal and divide the money according to your expenses, save a little bit out of it and keep some aside for emergency purposes.
11. Be your own cheerleader and favourite support system: Enjoy your own company, learn to have “me” time to reflect on your thoughts and activities of the day. Think of the next steps you want to take. Scribble things in your journal, read the scribbles in your journal, have a quiet time to stretch or maybe do some yoga and give your body and mind time to relax and unwind.
12. Take care of yourself: Try to manage your hygiene- use deodorant, get into skin care and hair care, don’t forget to brush your teeth and try to get enough sleep so you’ll feel fresh and rejuvenated each day. Go for a walk to keep fit, reduce the intake of carbonated drinks, eat healthy, take care of your mental and physical health and when necessary give yourself a break from the world.
13. Fall in love, get heartbroken and fall in love again: It is tempting to want to protect your heart from heartbreak but if you don’t put yourself out there you’ll never meet the right person. Don’t deny your heart and never deny yourself some slice of happiness. Go on that date. That boy or girl is entering your eyes? Open it! Na breakfast you go chop you no go die.
14. Surprise yourself: Make an impulse decision or two. It’s hard because you overthink everything. Sometimes you overthink yourself into not making a decision. This will be very difficult to do but sometimes being impulsive when it comes to certain decisions is needed.
15. Most importantly, and I leave you with this, drink water and mind your business.
I wish you godspeed! May the odds be in your favour!
