I love lists (who doesn't?) There's something about being able to see a goal and check it off that is so satisfying!
Disclaimer: I am over twenty (insert crying emoji here!) But as someone who is now able to reflect on her life in her teens and twenties, I believe there are some essential goals and milestones you should try to cross off on your journey to adulthood and independence. So, here's my list of twenty things to do before you turn twenty.
1. Go on a trip alone
While I think you should always take an opportunity to travel with your family or on a school trip, there is something so exciting about taking an airplane (or even a car) by yourself to a destination. Bonus points if you made your own way there!
2. Spend a Few Months Away From Home
Whether it's at a summer camp, a relative's home, a school trip or exchange, having an adventure away from your family can give you an unforgettable experience. You will be exposed to new people and situations that you will have to navigate without your parents' help. As well, when you return, you will probably have a greater appreciation for your own family.
3. Explore Your Interests, Hobbies and Passions
High school is the perfect place to take advantage of classes, clubs and activities that might interest you. I really regret not trying out for my school's play even though I had an interest in musical theatre. In my case, it was because my friends weren't interested. Don't let that stop you! Getting involved in an activity where you might not have friends gives you an opportunity to be a different version of yourself and meet new people.
4. Create a Business
Remember when you were little and set up a lemonade stand? Or posted flyers for dog-walking or babysitting in your neighbourhood? I think many of us have a natural entrepreneurial streak. Setting up a business (crafts that you sell at a market or on Etsy, blogging or a youtube channel) can not only give you experience that you can use in the job market later on, it could also make you a lot of money!
5. Save Your Money and Invest It
Now that you have a business, or job, you should start creating the habit of saving at least ten percent of what you earn, no matter how small an amount. With the wonders of compound interest, you will have the opportunity to become wealthier at a younger age. Set up a meeting with an investment advisor at a bank to help you decide the best investment options for your money.
6. Try Out A Few Types of Jobs
How will you know what you want to do until you try it? My first jobs working in a sandwich store and then as a hostess in a restaurant suggested to me that I definitely did not want to work in the service industry! On the other hand, my experience as a piano teacher and camp counsellor helped me get into teaching as a career. I do wish, however, that I had tried out working in an office just to see if I liked that kind of environment too.
7. Do Your Best in School But Don't Stress
Yes, it's important to get good marks if you want to get into university or a certain program, but there is such a thing as life balance and mental health. Besides, nowadays, schools look at other things like life experience, in order to qualify so stop obsessing about the marks and get some! And if you do fail a test or don't do as well as you want or need to, know that you can always take the class over (usually online now). Sometimes it's okay to be good enough instead of the best. When I was on my teaching practicum, there were no percentages, just pass or fail. This freed me up to the concept of doing my best but not obsessing over being perfect. So, while others at my school stayed there until 6pm creating the perfect bulletin board, I was able to leave it and go home early to recharge for the next day.
8. Get Enough Sleep
Studies have shown that sleep is so important to both psychical and mental health. There is the saying "You can sleep when you're dead" to justify the idea of constant work and hustle. It's true that when you're starting out in a career, there might be times that you need to cut on sleep time, but it should never be the norm. Tom Hardy calls his routine of going to bed and waking up at 6 am his "discipline" which makes it sound like deviation is not an option. Maybe you should do that for yourself?
9. Exercise Routine
Speaking of routine, if you haven't yet started implementing a daily exercise routine into your life you should consider doing that now. Besides keeping your weight in check, exercise provides mental health benefits and a way of releasing stress. Sticking to a certain time everyday seems to work best for people. For example, you could exercise as soon as you wake up or after school or work. The best exercise programs include cardio, flexibility and weight bearing. It's important to find something you enjoy.
10. Get Outside
While you can exercise indoors, there are many benefits to taking it outside. Nature is a great healer - sunshine and fresh air, listening to birds or water. Try to get outside for at least 15 minutes everyday to go for a walk, or even just sit on a bench and have your lunch.
11. Join a Team or Group
Joining a sports team or recreation group, like a regular yoga and dance class, will not only keep you in shape but will also widen your group of friends. The more developed your social network is, the more connected you will feel and you won't have to only rely on one group of friends if there's drama going on.
12. Have A Relationship
This might not be "the one" but take a chance on love. Accept that invitation or initiate one of your own. You never know what might happen! Kiss someone! Holding out for perfection is admirable but taking a chance will demystify the process and open you up for future opportunities.
13. Tell Someone You Like Them
Since graduation, I have run into a couple of guys that told me they had liked me in high school and I never knew! The sad thing is that I actually had liked them too. So take a chance, take the initiative and tell someone your true feelings. The worst that can happen is that they say they don't feel the same way. Oh well. At least you are not left wondering about what could have been.
14. Conquer Your Fears
What are you afraid of? Okay, snakes and spiders might be valid but public speaking or going somewhere alone is not. Often your fears will hold you back from experiencing some great things in life. Start small and if opportunities arise take them even if you don't feel ready.
15. Read Actual Books
Spending hours on Pinterest or Instagram might inspire you but reading books educate you. Choose non-fiction topics that interest you, like personal finance or herbal medicine. I find that I tend to immerse in one topic and then get led through that to the next. Novels, on the other hand, teach you about the human experience - from love to hate to greed to death. You could work through a series by a certain author, tackle the classics or just choose your book based on the cover (which I often do, no shame!)
16. Support A Charity
There are so many great causes to get involved in, it can be overwhelming to choose just one. Personally, I like to choose one local, environmental, health and international charity to support. You can donate money, go to or organize events. Choose something that resonates with you or you have a personal connection to. Besides making a difference, charity work can give you new skills and give you opportunities to meet new people.
17. Get Your Driver's License
I'm not saying you need to get a car, but I feel like knowing how to drive is a life skill like swimming. You never know when you might need it!
18. Learn To Play An Instrument
Hopefully, you already had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument in elementary or high school. Playing an instrument not only works your brain, it also can provide a source of relaxation. The ukulele is an easy and portable instrument to learn and there are many Youtube tutorials online. Plus, you can sing along as you play!
19. Learn Another Language
Again, you probably had the opportunity to do this in school, but if you didn't or didn't like the language you were taught, there is nothing stopping you from learning a new one! Duolingo is an app that makes learning any language easy and fun. Additionally, You Tube tutorials or podcasts can help. Knowing another language can aid you when you're travelling, and maybe even help you get a job!
20. Go To A Concert
If you've never had the opportunity to see a live music performance (maybe finances, living in a small town, or religious beliefs of parents limited you) you definitely should. Attending a live concert experience can be life changing - there's the emotional high and being a part of something great. If it's a really epic concert or band you will remember it for years! (I have friends who still talk about the U2 concert they saw in 1988:)
In summary, by the time you turn twenty, you will have had lots of amazing experiences, but sometimes you need some inspiration to push you out of your comfort zone. I hope this list does that for you and sets you up for happiness and success in your twenties! Please comment below if there are any other things to do before you turn twenty that I might have missed!
Disclaimer: I am over twenty (insert crying emoji here!) But as someone who is now able to reflect on her life in her teens and twenties, I believe there are some essential goals and milestones you should try to cross off on your journey to adulthood and independence. So, here's my list of twenty things to do before you turn twenty.
1. Go on a trip alone
While I think you should always take an opportunity to travel with your family or on a school trip, there is something so exciting about taking an airplane (or even a car) by yourself to a destination. Bonus points if you made your own way there!
2. Spend a Few Months Away From Home
Whether it's at a summer camp, a relative's home, a school trip or exchange, having an adventure away from your family can give you an unforgettable experience. You will be exposed to new people and situations that you will have to navigate without your parents' help. As well, when you return, you will probably have a greater appreciation for your own family.
3. Explore Your Interests, Hobbies and Passions
High school is the perfect place to take advantage of classes, clubs and activities that might interest you. I really regret not trying out for my school's play even though I had an interest in musical theatre. In my case, it was because my friends weren't interested. Don't let that stop you! Getting involved in an activity where you might not have friends gives you an opportunity to be a different version of yourself and meet new people.
4. Create a Business
Remember when you were little and set up a lemonade stand? Or posted flyers for dog-walking or babysitting in your neighbourhood? I think many of us have a natural entrepreneurial streak. Setting up a business (crafts that you sell at a market or on Etsy, blogging or a youtube channel) can not only give you experience that you can use in the job market later on, it could also make you a lot of money!
5. Save Your Money and Invest It
Now that you have a business, or job, you should start creating the habit of saving at least ten percent of what you earn, no matter how small an amount. With the wonders of compound interest, you will have the opportunity to become wealthier at a younger age. Set up a meeting with an investment advisor at a bank to help you decide the best investment options for your money.
6. Try Out A Few Types of Jobs
How will you know what you want to do until you try it? My first jobs working in a sandwich store and then as a hostess in a restaurant suggested to me that I definitely did not want to work in the service industry! On the other hand, my experience as a piano teacher and camp counsellor helped me get into teaching as a career. I do wish, however, that I had tried out working in an office just to see if I liked that kind of environment too.
7. Do Your Best in School But Don't Stress
Yes, it's important to get good marks if you want to get into university or a certain program, but there is such a thing as life balance and mental health. Besides, nowadays, schools look at other things like life experience, in order to qualify so stop obsessing about the marks and get some! And if you do fail a test or don't do as well as you want or need to, know that you can always take the class over (usually online now). Sometimes it's okay to be good enough instead of the best. When I was on my teaching practicum, there were no percentages, just pass or fail. This freed me up to the concept of doing my best but not obsessing over being perfect. So, while others at my school stayed there until 6pm creating the perfect bulletin board, I was able to leave it and go home early to recharge for the next day.
8. Get Enough Sleep
Studies have shown that sleep is so important to both psychical and mental health. There is the saying "You can sleep when you're dead" to justify the idea of constant work and hustle. It's true that when you're starting out in a career, there might be times that you need to cut on sleep time, but it should never be the norm. Tom Hardy calls his routine of going to bed and waking up at 6 am his "discipline" which makes it sound like deviation is not an option. Maybe you should do that for yourself?
9. Exercise Routine
Speaking of routine, if you haven't yet started implementing a daily exercise routine into your life you should consider doing that now. Besides keeping your weight in check, exercise provides mental health benefits and a way of releasing stress. Sticking to a certain time everyday seems to work best for people. For example, you could exercise as soon as you wake up or after school or work. The best exercise programs include cardio, flexibility and weight bearing. It's important to find something you enjoy.
10. Get Outside
While you can exercise indoors, there are many benefits to taking it outside. Nature is a great healer - sunshine and fresh air, listening to birds or water. Try to get outside for at least 15 minutes everyday to go for a walk, or even just sit on a bench and have your lunch.
11. Join a Team or Group
Joining a sports team or recreation group, like a regular yoga and dance class, will not only keep you in shape but will also widen your group of friends. The more developed your social network is, the more connected you will feel and you won't have to only rely on one group of friends if there's drama going on.
12. Have A Relationship
This might not be "the one" but take a chance on love. Accept that invitation or initiate one of your own. You never know what might happen! Kiss someone! Holding out for perfection is admirable but taking a chance will demystify the process and open you up for future opportunities.
13. Tell Someone You Like Them
Since graduation, I have run into a couple of guys that told me they had liked me in high school and I never knew! The sad thing is that I actually had liked them too. So take a chance, take the initiative and tell someone your true feelings. The worst that can happen is that they say they don't feel the same way. Oh well. At least you are not left wondering about what could have been.
14. Conquer Your Fears
What are you afraid of? Okay, snakes and spiders might be valid but public speaking or going somewhere alone is not. Often your fears will hold you back from experiencing some great things in life. Start small and if opportunities arise take them even if you don't feel ready.
15. Read Actual Books
Spending hours on Pinterest or Instagram might inspire you but reading books educate you. Choose non-fiction topics that interest you, like personal finance or herbal medicine. I find that I tend to immerse in one topic and then get led through that to the next. Novels, on the other hand, teach you about the human experience - from love to hate to greed to death. You could work through a series by a certain author, tackle the classics or just choose your book based on the cover (which I often do, no shame!)
16. Support A Charity
There are so many great causes to get involved in, it can be overwhelming to choose just one. Personally, I like to choose one local, environmental, health and international charity to support. You can donate money, go to or organize events. Choose something that resonates with you or you have a personal connection to. Besides making a difference, charity work can give you new skills and give you opportunities to meet new people.
17. Get Your Driver's License
I'm not saying you need to get a car, but I feel like knowing how to drive is a life skill like swimming. You never know when you might need it!
18. Learn To Play An Instrument
Hopefully, you already had the opportunity to learn to play an instrument in elementary or high school. Playing an instrument not only works your brain, it also can provide a source of relaxation. The ukulele is an easy and portable instrument to learn and there are many Youtube tutorials online. Plus, you can sing along as you play!
19. Learn Another Language
Again, you probably had the opportunity to do this in school, but if you didn't or didn't like the language you were taught, there is nothing stopping you from learning a new one! Duolingo is an app that makes learning any language easy and fun. Additionally, You Tube tutorials or podcasts can help. Knowing another language can aid you when you're travelling, and maybe even help you get a job!
20. Go To A Concert
If you've never had the opportunity to see a live music performance (maybe finances, living in a small town, or religious beliefs of parents limited you) you definitely should. Attending a live concert experience can be life changing - there's the emotional high and being a part of something great. If it's a really epic concert or band you will remember it for years! (I have friends who still talk about the U2 concert they saw in 1988:)
In summary, by the time you turn twenty, you will have had lots of amazing experiences, but sometimes you need some inspiration to push you out of your comfort zone. I hope this list does that for you and sets you up for happiness and success in your twenties! Please comment below if there are any other things to do before you turn twenty that I might have missed!
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