10 things you shouldn’t be doing in your 20s anymore

Your 20s are often called the “defining decade,” the years when you experiment, make mistakes, and begin shaping the life you want. But as freeing as that sounds, it’s also the period when certain habits can either set you up for long-term success or hold you back for years to come. 

By the time you hit your mid-20s, there are a few things you really shouldn’t be doing anymore if you want to grow, thrive, and prepare for the next stage of life. You’re not a teenager anymore, but you’re also not fully settled into the world of responsible adulthood. Somewhere in between, you’ll realise that some habits just don’t serve you anymore.

Here are five things you should leave behind:

READ MORE: 10 mistakes you don't want to make in your 20s

1. Comparing yourself to everyone on social media

Scrolling Instagram and seeing someone’s “soft life” can make you feel like you’re failing. But remember, people post highlights, not reality. Comparing your chapter 2 to someone else’s chapter 20 will only drain you. Focus on building your own lane.

2. Staying in toxic friendships and relationships

Listen, your peace of mind is expensive. If someone constantly drains you, disrespects you, or makes you feel small, it’s time to bounce. In your 20s, protect your circle. Your friends should hype you, support you, and make you better. Anything less is dead weight.

3. Treating your health like it doesn’t matter

You’re not a robot. You can’t keep eating only shawarma, Indomie, and Coke without consequences. In your 20s, start paying attention: drink water, eat actual vegetables, and please, move your body. Your 30-year-old self will thank you.

READ ALSO: 5 things nobody prepares you for in your late 20s

4. Living without a budget

Money disappears faster when you don’t track it. Your 20s is not the time to “looseguard” your finances. Start small. Write down what you earn and spend. Save something, no matter how little. Even if it’s ₦10,000 a week, it counts. Financial discipline now will save you from future debts.

5. Thinking you have all the time in the world

Yes, you’re young, but time flies. Before you blink, you’ll be 28, wondering where the years went. Don’t procrastinate everything; apply for that job, learn that skill, shoot your shot. Do it afraid if you must, but do it.

6. Ignoring personal growth

Your 20s are the prime time to invest in yourself. Read books, take free/cheap online courses, attend seminars, and network. You don’t have to wait till you have millions before you work on your mind and skills. Growth doesn’t always show immediately, but it compounds.

SEE MORE: Why the 20s are the hardest time of your life

7. Saying yes to everything

People-pleasing will drain you. You don’t need to attend every owambe, agree to every favour, or be available 24/7. Learn to say no without guilt. Protect your energy. Saying no to one thing often means saying yes to your peace.

8. Blaming everyone but yourself

Yes, Nigeria is hard. Yes, life can be unfair. But blaming your parents, your boss, or “the system” for everything won’t move you forward. Take responsibility where you can. Own your choices. You can’t control everything, but you can control your effort.

SEE MORE: Can't find love in your 20s? Here's why

9. Staying in your comfort zone

Growth rarely happens where you feel comfortable. If you’re too scared to try new things, you’ll stay stuck. In your 20s, experiment. Travel if you can, volunteer, try side hustles, pitch ideas, and meet new people. You don’t have to get it all right, but don’t let fear cage you.

10. Forgetting to enjoy the journey

This is maybe the most important. Don’t get so focused on hustling, grinding, and “making it” that you forget to live. Laugh with friends, dance at parties, sing in the shower, fall in love, make memories. Life is not just about achievements, it’s about moments too.

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