Lessons That Apply at Any Age
If your child was turning 20 and asked what your best advice for them stepping into a new decade was, what would you say? Or, reflecting back, what advice do you wish someone had shared with you when you were that age?
Recently, my daughter turned 20, and she asked me a question that made me pause: “What advice would you give me for my 20s?” As a father, it was a moment that hit me! I’ve spent years coaching entrepreneurs on success and growth, yet sharing advice with someone I care about more than anyone else felt profoundly different.
The lessons I shared with her are not just for 20-year-olds—they’re the kind of wisdom I wish I’d had myself when I was starting out. They’re timeless principles for anyone committed to growth, whether you’re just beginning your journey or reflecting back with the benefit of hindsight. Read on and let me know if you think I missed anything.
1. **Your Life’s Purpose is Joy**
We only get one life. And while the world measures happiness in terms of money, status, and material things, those don’t bring lasting joy. True happiness comes from living purposefully, making meaningful connections, and creating a life aligned with your values.
There’s no escaping that achieving your dreams requires time and money. But the goal should always be to earn enough while protecting your time for what truly matters: relationships, fulfillment, and joy. In your 20s, this might require short-term sacrifices, but always keep your long-term happiness in sight.
2. **Master These Three Skills and you can change the world**
Some skills are universal, no matter your age or profession. As I told my daughter, these three skills in my opinion are the most critical to create a great life:
– Communication: Effective communication is more than just talking. It’s about listening, asking thoughtful questions, and handling tough conversations with empathy. Whether you’re building a career, a business, or a relationship, communication is the foundation.
– Problem-solving: At every stage of your life you will be faced with a problem at some level. Every successful person or business thrives because they can solve problems better than others. Learn to identify problems, break them down to their root causes, and develop solutions that drive progress.
– Identify REAL Opportunity: Some people chase every shiny object and wonder why they never get where they want to go. Others know how to filter through the noise to find real opportunities. The key is clarity—on who you are and what you want—so you can recognize the right opportunities when they appear.
3. **Don’t Avoid Hard Things**
The path of least resistance rarely leads to where you want to go. I reminded my daughter that part of my personal mission statement says: “The most difficult tasks yield the most valuable lessons.”
Challenges shape us. The opportunities that stretch you might seem daunting at first, but they’re often the ones that will yield the most growth. Embrace discomfort, because on the other side is often something worth far more than the easy road could ever offer.
4. **Invest in Self-Care**
Your body and mind will be with you your entire life—treat them well. I urged my daughter to make her 20s the time to establish strong mental and physical habits because what you practice today becomes who you are tomorrow.
Self-care is a non-negotiable, whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, or beyond. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing health, both mentally and physically, will set you up for long-term success.
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Final Thoughts: What I Wish I’d Known
Looking back, this advice is what I wish I’d received when I was 20. It’s the culmination of years of experience, lessons learned, and reflections on what truly matters in life and business. No matter what stage you’re in, these principles apply: stay focused on what brings joy, sharpen your skills, face challenges head-on, and take care of yourself along the way.
What advice would you give your younger self, or perhaps someone just beginning their journey? How would that advice shape the way you’re living today?
Go Live Life on Your Terms.