Your early '20s may be your prime years, but if you think you're coming 25th birthday is reason enough to feel older, you must keep in mind 10 things you absolutely need to do before your hit 25.
1. Study Abroad
Studying abroad is one of the most amazing opportunities you will ever experience and something everyone should consider doing. As cliché as it sounds, by studying abroad you will be more marketable to grad schools and employers because of the intangible life skills you will have picked up along the way.
2. While Studying Abroad, Take a Vacation
Sure, it's so much easier to travel with your family or friends. You're surrounded by people you know, and the fun almost never ends! However, travelling solo can be just as fulfilling, and can help you learn and move out of your comfort zone. Not to mention, you can go wherever you want, whenever you want and, the exposure to different cultures and people will help broaden your perspective on things.
3. Spend time alone
Spending time alone is crucial in order to understand yourself better. It also helps to reduce dependency and is a more crucial survival skill than you may think. But, you don't have to move out of your family home for it. And once you think you manage on your own, take a step further and move into your own little place.
4. Get Wild
And by that we don't mean throw a party and turn the place upside down. What we're talking about is try something that you wouldn't do otherwise like going bungee jumping, skiing, skydiving or even camping out in the wild. 25 is an age when most people conclude that they need to get serious in life and work towards achieving more practical milestones like a well-paying job and a house. So, if you're one of them, we'd suggest you have all your fun right now.
5. Appreciate your family
Whether this is your family by blood or by choice, they're important. Call them once a week, tell them exciting news face-to-face rather than via a Facebook post and make sure you remember you're who you are because of them.
6. Get a makeover
Not because there's anything wrong with your look right now, but if you're someone who doesn't really experiment with your looks as much, now is the time to do so. Get that short haircut you've always been reluctant to try or buy that outfit you would never be caught dead wearing. For all you know, it'll be the most drastic thing you will be doing in a long time.
7. Quit that job
The initial years into your twenties are all about graduating and trying to find your calling. And this is usually done alongside jobs that you probably don't like or pays you peanuts for. And, while turning 25 is all about having your act together, we'd suggest you set out to do things you actually want to do. If you wish to write, start a blog and keep at it. If you wish to donate your time to a cause, volunteer at an NGO. It might not pay you that well, but you can always pursue it alongside your regular job or until you've gathered some foothold.
8. Take lots of pictures
Time Really Does Fly. Take Lots of Pictures of everything -- school activities, sports events, holidays, birthdays, decorations, cool clothes, friends, and teachers. Everything. And organize them as best you can. You have no idea how much joy they will bring you later
9. Fulfil your fitness goals
We're sure that you're very busy achieving those life goals, but as you grow older, it is essential that you put in as much effort into maintaining your body. If you're not happy about turning 25, you can at least turn 25 looking your healthiest best. And so, set some fitness goals by reconsidering your diet and trying on fun new workouts to stay in shape. Rest assured, this is one decision you won't regret even when you turn 50!
10. Go 30!
And by that, we don't mean act like you're 30, but rather, try a 30-day challenge. It could be fitness related like a 30-day plank challenge or a more creative one like a 30-day cooking challenge. This will motivate you to get disciplined and will help sharpen your cognitive skills to learn new things faster.