What I Wish I Knew At Age 21

Here's everything everyone wish they knew at the age of 21. The number next to it indicates the age the author wrote it at.

Hey 21 year old, learn to cook, it's good for your wallet and your health

Hey 21 year old, You're not behind everyone else. Don't be so worried about reaching the next step in life as soon as possible. Travel, explore, have fun. This is the easiest time in your life to be spontaneous.

Hey 21 year old, don't be afraid of experiencing new things

Hey 21 year old, open a retirement savings account!

Hey 21 year old, work hard, play hard!

Hey 21 year old, Don't worry about what other people think. You won't even know them in a few years. Do what you want.

Hey 21 year old, you know that thing you've always thought about doing? Do it! Even if it's a failure, you'll grow much more from having the experience than letting it slip by

Hey 21 year old, break up with him, it's better to be alone than together and miserable

Hey 21 year old, Make sure who you trust before you tell them your secrets.

Hey 21 year old, start saving for your retirement right now. It doesn't matter how little you start to contribute now, because, trust me, compounding interest is your friend here. And, with every raise, bump up your savings ASAP, before you get used to spending it.

Hey 21 year old, Learn what makes you tick, what makes you laugh, what makes you cry and what makes you feel everything inbetween - and then make sure you experience all of those things as frequently as you can - it's the only way you'll ever come to know yourself.

Hey 21 year old, Meet people and engage in activities. It creates opportunities you even haven't imagined of. People are the most important things to nurture.

Hey 21 year old, Take advantage of compound interest. Save as early as you can. Saving $150 a month for 40 years vs waiting, then saving $200 a month for 30 yrs. Both examples contribute 72K. The 40 yr saver has over 520k vs less than 300k for the 30 yr saver.

Hey 21 year old, Wear sunscreen.

Hey 21 year old, Don't overthink

Hey 21 year old, Love what you do for a living, you're going to do it for a long time. Avoid a career selling your time, because you'll never feel free to waste your time.

Hey 21 year old, there's nothing wrong with ordering an appletini

Hey 21 year old, Think big. If you have an option to make the big money fast, go for it. Otherwise, go with your heart. Dont start studying until your at least 27. Start a band, go travel, move to a big city, meet people, make love and don't listen to your parents.

Hey 21 year old, Sometimes we confuse our intuition with what we desire. Our intuition is always right! How to tell the difference? If you're always making an excuse for something, that is your desire NOT your intuition. You'll always feel at ease with your intuition

Hey 21 year old, Think critically around people who make a point of always/often portraying themselves as a victim. There are two sides to every story.

Hey 21 year old, Do not treat your finances like a joke. Stay out of debt. Save money. And spend on things that truly make you happy and enrich your life. You don't need a new phone or shoes or clothes all the time.

Hey 21 year old, you don't have to do every single thing on your own. If you need help, ask for it. If someone offers help, take them up on their offer.

Hey 21 year old, don't let the abundance of career choices paralyze you. Life is about developing transferable skills in any setting. Just keep moving forward, open to new experiences, and you will find the place that is fulfilling to you.

Hey 21 year old, Take time to get to know yourself; run your own race.

Hey 21 year old, Stop blaming your faults on your upbringing. Your actions are your own choices, and the only one responsible for them is you. Once you start accepting responsibility for yourself, you'll take control of your life and improve it.

Hey 21 year old, No matter what anyone else says, 2-3 drinks is probably about ideal. Any more than that and you're gonna feel terrible tomorrow, even if you manage not to embarrass yourself. And please find arrange a ride home ahead of time.

Hey 21 year old, I want to become businessman

Hey 21 year old, Do,what you need to not what you want to

Hey 21 year old, Value yourself more, don’t let anyone take you for granted. You are only what you believe yourself to be - there is nothing to prove to anyone else.

Hey 21 year old, 3 years later after becoming an adult, don't ever think that you're all grown up yet. You still have much to learn and improve on with and even without the help of others. Have patience and stay strong!