Your college years are supposed to be the “best times of your life,” right? Sometimes we get into the mindset that we are invincible and don’t realize the impact of our choices. Life is full of mistakes, but every failure can be a lesson learned depending on how you look on it.
Expecting good things to just happen to you
Hey, sometimes we’re lucky and win the lottery, but we don’t exactly bet on it. People do generally need a push in the right direction to make good things happen, such as landing your first internship or asking for a raise. I know too many people who want a good job, but haven’t applied anywhere and semi-expect that the job will present itself to them. Success is almost completely your responsibility, whether it be relationships, employment, or opportunities. Don’t live by the cliché, “Good things happen to those who wait”, because good things happen to those who reach out and work hard.
Not starting a damn savings account
Doesn’t matter how much you put away each paycheck; just make it something and don’t touch it. Even if it’s only $20 a month, it adds up, and your savings account will probably save your ass one day.
Not going to that concert
Imagine the guy who thought, “Oh I’ll just catch Nirvana next time they’re in town.” If you really love the artist, going to their concert is an unforgettable experience. Artists also don’t tour that often. Even someone as young and in their prime as Adele said she’s not going to tour anymore so she can focus on her family. And she is definitely someone who I thought I would be able to see next time around!
Posting risqué photos online
We all know that what we post online is there forever, which can be more of a curse than a blessing. We’re all young, career-driven college students, right? The quickest way for your resume to get sent to the reject pile is the employer doing a Google search on you and seeing a photo of you doing a keg stand. It’s best to do a little clean up on social media once in a while.
Not Traveling When You Can
Traveling becomes considerably more difficult when you’re tied down to a mortgage, a full-time job, and having some hungry mouths to feed. If you want to travel Europe, then start planning! Traveling can even be just a weekend road trip or camping in a city you’ve never been before. Enjoy the freedom you have now and take advantage of it. Study abroad, or move to a different city or even country if you want. You don’t have to think about who’s going to babysit the kids just yet.
Keeping toxic people in your life
If you thought of someone right away, then you have a problem. Being around toxic people is draining and negatively impacts your self-esteem. They make their problems, your problems. Like poison, they do not enrich your life.
I’m guilty of this, unfortunately. I’ve kept toxic friends in my life because I’ve already invested years into the friendships and I refused to let such a long-term friendship sizzle out. Although, cutting ties with someone who you shared fond memories with can be difficult, it feels better without a cloud of negatively around so you can let in more sunshine.
Treating your body like garbage
You’re as young as you’ll ever be at this very moment and your metabolism will never run as fast. In a sense, your body is all that you have. So, treat it kindly; it works hard to keep you alive. Make sure to eat nutritious foods to fuel your body, stretch for 10 minutes when you start to ache, get enough sleep, and love your body for what it is!
Choosing things over experiences
It’s nice to treat yourself once in awhile, but don’t get into the vicious cycle of buying unnecessary things because you have disposable money. Ultimately, you’ll remember your experiences and not your things. Your memories are what you hold dear to you when you age. I think we can all agree with that.
Smoking
I know this is a no-brainer, but I know too many 20-somethings who still smoke. Even if you justify smoking with phrases like: “Only when I’m drinking”, “ I’m only a social smoker” or “Only a couple a week, I can quit anytime.” Cigarettes don’t care if you’re a social smoker, your lungs will be blackening either way.