It’s completely normal to feel uncertain about what you should be doing at a particular age—especially as you enter your 20s. Many people later regret not taking the right steps when they were younger. That’s why the Lumiself Lab team is here to share valuable advice that can be life-changing if followed by those who are around or just entering their 20s.
1. Start Reading Non-Fiction Books
Not everyone enjoys reading non-fiction books, often finding them less engaging than fiction. However, it’s crucial to develop the habit of reading before gradually diving into non-fiction. These books help you build skills and expand knowledge in areas like self-development, economics, social sciences, and more.
Start with one book per month and gradually increase to three books or more.
Twelve books a year can make a big difference, but imagine reading 36 to 48 books annually—the knowledge gained would be incredible!
2. Start Reading Articles
Books aren’t the only source of knowledge—articles provide quick, updated insights on various topics. Reading articles regularly will:
Enhance your knowledge on diverse subjects.
Improve your writing skills by exposing you to different writing styles.
Keep you updated with the latest trends and insights.
If you’re a business student, read articles from sources like Forbes, Inc., Entrepreneur, and Investopedia. Aim for at least three articles per week, which adds up to 144 articles a year!
3. Watch TED Talks
TED Talks are an endless source of wisdom—packed with inspiring and educational insights. Their website and YouTube channel are goldmines of knowledge that can transform your perspective on life and work.
Start by watching one video per week.
Over time, you can increase your intake as you become comfortable.
Watching 50+ TED Talks a year will expose you to groundbreaking ideas from experts worldwide.
4. Summarize & Present TED Talks
Simply watching TED Talks isn’t enough—summarizing and presenting what you’ve learned reinforces your understanding.
Write a brief summary of the talk you watched.
Practice speaking about it—this helps improve communication and boost confidence.
Over a year, you’ll have presented 50+ summaries, refining your public speaking and writing skills.
5. Start Learning a New Language
With books, videos, and online courses, learning a new language has never been easier. Your early 20s are the best time to start because:
You retain new languages better when young.
Knowing multiple languages gives you a competitive edge in career and personal growth.
You can start with free YouTube tutorials, enroll in online courses, or join a language school.
Being multilingual opens up new career and networking opportunities that many of your peers may not have.
6. Learn Skills Beyond Education
Academic education is important, but it’s not enough. The most successful people excel beyond academics by developing valuable practical skills such as:
Communication & Presentation skills
Critical thinking & Problem-solving
Excel & Document Management
Digital Marketing & Coding
By mastering one or two of these skills, you’ll have a huge advantage over your peers.
7. Learn Essential Life Skills
There are certain skills everyone should learn early, as they save time, money, and sometimes even lives. These include:
Driving (for independence and convenience)
Swimming (a lifesaving skill)
First Aid (basic medical emergencies)
Cooking (essential for self-sufficiency)
Self-defense (for personal safety)
The sooner you learn these, the better prepared you’ll be for real-life situations.
8. Build Your Vocabulary
One of the biggest challenges students face—even in English-speaking countries—is a weak vocabulary. Strong vocabulary enhances communication, writing, and comprehension skills.
- Learn two new words daily and practice using them.
That’s over 700 new words a year—a significant boost to your language skills!
9. Start Writing Essays & Articles
We’ve covered reading books, articles, watching videos, and learning new words. Now it’s time to improve your writing.
Write one essay or article per week—that’s 48 pieces a year!
Over time, you’ll notice dramatic improvements in clarity, structure, and expression.
Writing regularly will sharpen your ability to think, analyze, and articulate ideas effectively.
10. Write to Professionals in Your Field
This may seem unconventional, but it can be life-changing. Start writing to leaders, experts, and professionals in your area of interest—without expecting a response.
Why? Because:
It develops your ability to write professionally.
You gain confidence in reaching out to high-profile people.
If you do get a reply, you might unlock a rare opportunity that sets you apart from your peers.
Even if no one responds, this practice itself is valuable for career growth and networking skills.
Final Thought
Your early 20s are the best time to build habits and skills that will shape your future. By implementing even a few of these steps, you’ll put yourself ahead of others and maximize your potential.
Remember: Small, consistent efforts lead to massive results over time. The sooner you start, the better!
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